Incoming Student Technology FAQ
Revision as of 08:57, 18 June 2013 by Gmeyer(talk | contribs)

Contents

First-year student mailing

An e-mail was sent to all incoming students. This e-mail included much of the same information on this web page, in addition to 鶹Ƶ usernames and passwords. If you did not receive this mailing, or have questions or concerns regarding it, please contact the Technology Helpline at 507-933-6111 or helpline@gustavus.edu.

Purchasing a computer

Do I need to bring a computer to campus?

鶹Ƶ does not require students to bring their own computers to campus, however, many choose to bring one. If you are unsure about purchasing a computer, we suggest that you spend some time on campus before making a decision.

Should I get a laptop or a desktop computer?

There are many advantages to bringing a laptop to campus:

  • They are easier to transport, allowing you to take notes in class, or do homework from virtually anywhere. When problems arise, it's much easier to bring a laptop to the Technology Helpline for quick help or virus removal than a bulky desktop machine.
  • With the convenience of the 鶹Ƶ Wireless Network, you'll be able to access the Internet anywhere on campus.

On the other hand, laptops have a few disadvantages to desktops:

  • Laptops are often more expensive than a comparable desktop.
  • Their smaller size and portability often make them more prone to theft and damage.
  • Laptops are more difficult to upgrade, therefore making it necessary to replace it sooner.

We suggest that your choice reflect your own lifestyle, habits, and personal preferences.

What kind of computer should I get? Macintosh, Chromebook, or Windows?

Your platform choice should be determined by your relative comfort level and previous experience with each operating system. 鶹Ƶ owns and supports all platforms, so the decision is completely yours to make. If you are interested in a Google Chromebook, please see our Chromebook web page. Some textbooks come with software that is not web-based, where Chromebooks are not supported by the publisher. Please be aware that lower-end Chromebooks may not be satisfactory when using processor heavy apps such as Zoom.

Are there any computer purchasing programs at 鶹Ƶ?

鶹Ƶ does not sell computers to students, faculty or staff but does maintain a relationship with , , and allowing community members to purchase computers and supplies at an educational discount direct from the vendor. Please use the following links to ensure you receive educational pricing.

  • Please visit the or call 1-800-My-APPLE.
  • Please visit the .
  • Please visit the or call 1-800-987-3555.

Note: Almost all vendors have educational discounts for students, faculty and staff. All you have to do is ask.

FREE SOFTWARE Microsoft Office 365 is currently available for FREE to download for current 鶹Ƶ students and employees.

Also, community members are able to buy certain software and some hardware at educational discounts from stores and directly from their website such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Dreamweaver, InDesign, etc). Remember to always ask for an academic discount. You might be asked to supply an ID or email address.

Do I need to bring a wireless router to campus?

No. Too many wireless access points in a small area can generate a substantial amount of interference, degrading everybody's wireless experience. For best performance, we recommend that students use the college's wireless. It is available in all residence halls.

Can I bring a streaming device to campus?

Yes, definitely! Please see our recommended streaming devices list - /gts/Streaming_Device. Devices such as a Smart TV, Smart Blu-ray players, Apple TVs, and the Nexus Player work well on our network to stream Netflix, Hulu, etc. However, Screen-casting from a cell phone/tablet to the device currently isn't supported. We recommend that when using these devices, you use an ethernet (RJ45) cable (provided free by Technology Services). If you haven't purchased a Blu-ray player or TV yet, look for a wired ethernet (RJ45) port on the back when purchasing.

What are the minimum requirements for the computer I bring to 鶹Ƶ?

Before connecting to the campus network, all computers must have current virus protection and up-to-date , along with the following list of minimum requirements:

Requirement Windows Macintosh
Operating System Windows 11 macOS 12 (Monterey)
Networking 5GHz Dual Band Wireless AC (aka A/B/G/N/AC or A/G/N/AC), Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector) access available in most campus spaces.
Anti-Virus Software Microsoft Security Essentials or Windows Defender (free, built into Windows 8/10)
Current Security Patches Run Software Update

What are the recommended specifications for my computer at 鶹Ƶ?

Recommendation Windows Macintosh
Operating System Windows 11 (any variety) macOS 13 (Ventura) or newer
RAM 16 GB or higher 16 GB or higher
Connectivity 5GHz Dual Band Wireless AC (aka A/B/G/N/AC or A/G/N/AC), Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
Processor Current Gen Intel i5 M series processor
Hard Drive 256GB SSD or larger 256GB SSD or larger
Warranty 3 year warranty AppleCare Protection Plan


Generally the "business class" models are more durable and come with longer warranties.

Connecting to the 鶹Ƶ Wireless Network

There is no longer a registration process required to access the 鶹Ƶ wireless networks.

How do I have the best wireless network experience at 鶹Ƶ?

When buying a computer, double check that it comes with a 5GHz wireless card built-in. While Macintosh laptops come with them standard, most PC laptops do not come with 5GHz wireless cards in the preconfigured models in stores. Find out if you can order the laptop with a 5GHz wireless card, or purchase your computer straight from the manufacturer. Purchasing a 5GHz laptop

Software

Things to do BEFORE you get to 鶹Ƶ!

  1. If you are a Windows user, make sure your "Windows Updates" are current (visit ).
  2. If you are a Macintosh user, run Software Update, and apply all critical updates.
  3. Ensure that your machine is protected from viruses by using an Anti-Virus client with up-to-date definitions.
  4. Verify that you have all of the necessary software documentation, serial numbers, and installation CDs. Please bring these to campus with you.
  5. During any transition, it's wise to make backups of any critical data.

Do I need Microsoft Office on my computer?

At 鶹Ƶ, all faculty, staff, and employees use the Microsoft Office Suite for Windows or Macintosh.

It is not necessary for you to purchase Microsoft Office because it is installed on every campus lab computer. However, for convenience, most students choose to have it on their personal computers.

If you decided not to purchase or install the Microsoft Office Suite you should always be mindful of potential problems. Compatibility issues often arise when using alternative software to create documents that are later e-mailed to professors, and others.

Can I purchase a student/education edition?

Yes. A number of retail stores offer the student edition. In most cases, you will need proof of your status as a student, such as the 鶹Ƶ student ID, in order to purchase this version.

Should I have Microsoft Office preloaded with the new computer that I am going to order?

If you are able to add the student edition of Microsoft Office to your order, then do so. If they don't offer the student edition, or you're concerned that the price is too high, you can always purchase it separately elsewhere for the student edition price.

What about Anti-Virus software?

Should I come with an anti-virus product?

It is recommended that you use an anti-virus product before you come to campus. When you come to campus, you will need to remove your current product and install Symantec Endpoint Protection (supplied by 鶹Ƶ). (Windows users)

Please note: Beginning in the 2014-2015 academic year, 鶹Ƶ Technology Services will no longer offer Symantec Endpoint Protection for installation on personally-owned computers. Campus network users (Windows) will still be required to have a functional antivirus program installed on their computer. These programs include Norton, Kaspersky, etc. On Windows 8 machines, the standard Windows Defender program is recommended.

If you have purchased a subscription for an anti-virus product and would like to use that instead, please visit and download and install the 鶹Ƶ Antivirus Check tool. This tool, when ran, will verify that your software is up to date, and you will enable you to register on the 鶹Ƶ network. If you are approved for registration with your current anti-virus, please remember, when your subscription is over, you must renew your subscription, or uninstall your anti-virus software and install the 鶹Ƶ provided Symantec Antivirus.

Please remember that our ability to support you and your computer in the event of a problem is greatly enhanced when you are utilizing our standard anti-virus product.

Does 鶹Ƶ provide anti-virus software?

Yes. 鶹Ƶ provides a full version of Symantec Anti-Virus for all students. It is available for download during the online computer registration. You must uninstall your previous copy of any Anti-Virus software before installing our anti-virus. Failure to do so will result in software problems that may result in OS instability. If you would like to keep your current antivirus, you are able to do so. You must visit to download the 鶹Ƶ Antivirus Check Tool and run this program to verify that your antivirus is up to date.

Please note: Beginning in the 2014-2015 academic year, 鶹Ƶ Technology Services will no longer offer Symantec Endpoint Protection for installation on personally-owned computers. Campus network users (Windows) will still be required to have a functional antivirus program installed on their computer. These programs include Norton, Kaspersky, etc. On Windows 8 machines, the standard Windows Defender program is recommended.

What can I do to protect my computer from spyware?

Symantec Endpoint Protection, the anti-virus software 鶹Ƶ provides to students, provides some protection against spyware and adware.

Please note: Beginning in the 2014-2015 academic year, 鶹Ƶ Technology Services will no longer offer Symantec Endpoint Protection for installation on personally-owned computers. Campus network users (Windows) will still be required to have a functional antivirus program installed on their computer. These programs include Norton, Kaspersky, etc. On Windows 8 machines, the standard Windows Defender program is recommended.

The best way to avoid getting spyware and adware is by not installing "high-risk" applications like peer to peer music downloading software, and other suspect "freeware," and "shareware" programs.

Also, clicking on pop-ups within your browser is strongly discouraged. If you feel that your anti-virus definitions/program are not up-to-date, open the Symantec Endpoint Protection program and update them in the program.

Connecting to the Internet

Which connection method is recommended?

When connecting to the 鶹Ƶ network from your residence hall room, we recommend using the "wired" connection. A wired connection is faster and more reliable.

How many wired ports are in each room in the Residence Halls?

This depends on the room that you are assigned. However, in most cases, for first-year students, it will be one per person. The wired ports are the recommended way for connecting your computer to the Internet while in the rooms. It is more reliable and faster than the wireless connections.

Is there wireless in the Residence Halls?

Yes, wireless connectivity is available. However, due to the popularity and physical limitations of this service, the connection will be slower than using your wired connection to the Internet.

Can I bring a wireless router to campus?

No. 鶹Ƶ is currently expanding the wireless network to all the residence halls. Using personal wireless routers will interfere with this network, therefore, we do not allow personal wireless routers.

Where else is the wireless network?

For an up-to-date listing of where the GACwireless network is located, please visit 鶹Ƶ Wireless Network.

How do I connect to the 鶹Ƶ network?

  1. Turn on your computer.
  2. Plug your Ethernet cord into the Ethernet jack on the wall (the wide one).
  3. Plug your Ethernet cord into the computer's Ethernet slot.
  4. Launch a web browser (Firefox or Internet Explorer).
  5. You will be automatically redirected to a registration screen. If not, please type in greg.gac.edu into the URL bar.
  6. Follow the on-screen directions.

You may have to register your computer more than once. You will need to register your computer when you access the wireless network, the wired network, and when you plug your computer into any other buildings' network jacks.

How many networked devices can I register?

You can register as many as you would like.

How do I connect my video game console such as the Nintendo Wii or Playstation 3 to the Internet so I can use the online features?

Please call the Technology Helpline to help you register this device on the 鶹Ƶ network. You will need to provide the MAC address of your video game console when calling.

Support

Is there anybody to help me connect to the Internet when I come to campus?

Yes, the Technology Helpline is here to help you! To contact us, dial 6111 on your campus phone or 507-933-6111 from your cell phone.

Can the Helpline visit my room and help me connect to the 鶹Ƶ network?

During the Fall Orientation for first-year students, the Technology Helpline will visit the Residence Halls, visit your room, and offer connectivity help. They will also help install Windows Updates and install the 鶹Ƶ-provided Symantec Endpoint Protection software.

During the rest of the year, the Technology Helpline does not visit students' rooms.

Printing

Do I need a personal printer?

All residence halls are equipped with black and white laser printers in the labs. It is not necessary that you purchase or bring a printer to campus. Please see Printing to set your computer to print to the residence hall printer.

If you need to print in color, it would be beneficial for you to bring a printer with you, however, color laser printing is available in the Olin Technology Center, the Library, the GIS computer lab in Nobel, Mattson Hall, as well as the Confer Digital Arts lab.

Do I have access to campus owned printers?

Yes, there are printers in the Residence Halls that are available for you to print to from your personal computer in your room. Here are instructions on configuring your personal computer to print to the printer in your building.

Is there any fees for printing in computer labs at 鶹Ƶ?

Students are given 600 "printing units" per academic year at no charge on all college-owned printers. One printing unit is defined as one side of an 8.5" x 11" page on a black and white printer. A single side of an 8.5" x 11" page printed on a color printer counts as 4 units.

Any printing that exceeds the initial 600 units will be charged to the student at a rate of $0.05 per printing unit. This equates to $0.05 per 8.5" x 11" side on a black and white printer, and $0.20 per 8.5" x 11" side on a color printer.

Discounts are given for duplex printing.

In Olin, Mattson, DA Lab in Confer, and the Library 11 x 17 printing is also available.

Black and white 11" x 17" is rates are 2 units ($0.10) per side, while color 11" x 17" are 8 units ($0.40) per side.

Other

When do I find out my username and password for my 鶹Ƶ e-mail account?

鶹Ƶ usernames and passwords are sent out via a secondary e-mail address. If you do not receive this information, or have questions or problems, please contact the Technology Helpline.

Can I configure my 鶹Ƶ e-mail on my iPhone?

Yes, definitely. Please visit Apple Mobile Mail

Where can I go to check my 鶹Ƶ e-mail?

or visit the main 鶹Ƶ page and click Current Students.

Is there an online storage space for me to save my files?

Yes, every student has an online storage space that they can access from anywhere. This includes anywhere that you have web access around the world. This is referred to your Home Directory or Z-Drive.

You can also utilize the 鶹Ƶ Google Apps for Education Google Drive cloud storage. You can setup your 鶹Ƶ Google Drive at . This website utilizes your 鶹Ƶ e-mail username and password.

Do I need a USB flash drive?

USB flash drives or thumb drives, while unnecessary, are a convenient way to transport data between computers. We would recommend a flash drive that is at least 4 GB. If you use one, please make sure to remove it from lab computers when you are done. Also it is a great idea to save a file on the flash drive with contact information, just in case it is lost.

鶹Ƶ also offers network storage for each student commonly referred to as a Home Directory. This is the preferred way of saving papers, pictures, or other documents that you want to make sure are safe.

Are the classrooms technology-enhanced?

Currently, there are 71 technology-enhanced classrooms complete with a projector, wireless networking, laptop hookup, and DVD/VCR player hookups. Most of these classrooms have a classroom computer, while classrooms in our newest building, Beck Hall, requires faculty and students to use a laptop to connect to the projector. Each year, the number of this type of classroom continues to rise.

What personal information can I view online - my grades, class schedules, degree progress, transcripts, or other information?

As a student, you will be able to check all of this by logging into with your 鶹Ƶ username and PIN number. This is different than your 鶹Ƶ email password.

How does 鶹Ƶ manage e-mail spam?

By default, all accounts are set up to use the 鶹Ƶ spam filtering service. This system will detect SPAM and place it in a mail folder on your account called Filtered_by_GAC. To increase or decrease your filtering sensitivity, please visit the Account Applications Page.

Is there a way to find contact information for faculty, staff, and other students?

Yes, we have an online directory found at /search/. Faculty and staff information does not require a log-in. Student information is only available to those who have a 鶹Ƶ username and password.

Can I create and host a web page through 鶹Ƶ?

Yes, you can have a personal homepage by creating web pages from a variety of different programs and placing them in the "www-docs" folder in your Home Directory. This files will be available as your website at the following link - .

What public access for computing is available to students, parents, and guests of the college? Are there any Internet cafes?

There are computers for public use in the Library, Campus Center, Student Union, and parents can log in as a guest in the Residence Halls' computer labs. There is guest wireless access located all around campus if you bring your own computer. Please connect to the GustieGuest wireless network and open a web browser. You will be re-directed to a guest registration page. Please fill out the form and hit submit. You should then be able to have wireless connectivity. If you aren't redirected, please visit

Where are the computer labs?

We have computer labs in all of the residence halls (except Arbor View apartments), most academic buildings. There are also computers located in the Campus Center and Student Union for students, faculty, staff, and guests of the College.

See also

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