Computers at Methodist University

The Office of Institutional Computing, Computer Services Department exists to aid students in the utilization of computer resources on our campus. We seek to provide an open environment where the rights and sensibilities of all members of the academic community are respected. In order to facilitate this goal, we are committed to promoting ethical and responsible use and allocation of computer and network resources. Every student, faculty member, and staff person should read the Methodist College Computer Use Policy located at the end of this publication. Everyone who uses computer resources at Methodist University is bound by that policy and acknowledges its provisions by the act of using those resources and facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Computing at Methodist University

We hope that the following FAQ an answers will give you an idea of what to expect when using the University's network and a computers systems.

Q 1: What is MCNET?

A: MCNET is the University's Internet access and email systems, carried by the fiber optic backbone that connects all permanent buildings on campus.

Q 2: I live in one of the residence halls. Do I need to have my own computer at Methodist University?

A: A personal computer is important to any student, but Methodist University students are not required to purchase one, unless you are attending one of the Business or PGM Programs that require the student(s) to have a laptop computer. There are computers in several laboratories on campus that are equipped with Microsoft Windows, Internet access, word processing capabilities, and are accessible for over eighty hours per week. Nevertheless, many students own their own computers because it is more convenient to have one equipped as desired, available when needed, and loaded with personal software and data. Students in all permanent residence halls are able to connect directly to the Internet, using sockets in their rooms. This means that you have direct, 24-hour Internet access (without dialing or using a telephone line).

Q 3: What kind of computer should I buy?

A: Computer Services recommends the following minimum computer configuration. A Pentium III class or better PC/Laptop having a USB port, NIC (Network Interface Card), Optional Wireless Card that complies with the "B" or "G" Wireless Standards, and Windows XP Professional or Vista. Be sure that you ask about the warranty and technical support provided by the company you purchase your computer from. It is recommended that you get at least a 3 year warranty with on-site repair and parts. In coordination with IBM and Methodist University Laptop Initiative, you may want to purchase a Laptop through IBM. You will deal directly with and through IBM for the laptop purchase, not Methodist University. These laptops are specific and maybe purchased "On Line" using a credit card. Additional items may also be purchased on the same website for this configured laptop. Computing Services "Highly" recommends students purchase a laptop case and USB memory stick when ordering a laptop. Due to the licesning requirement of Microsoft Office 2007, it is no longer available with the Methodist University Featured Student Notebook. The Microsoft Office 2007 is an additional purchase through Lenovo.

Lenovo laptop page for Methodist University Methodist University Featured Notebook Computers. Under "Products" click on the "Methodist University Featured Student Notebooks".

Q 4: Can I buy a computer through Methodist University?

A: No. You can only purchase the Category 5 (CAT V) network cable, USB network interface card (USB NIC), or PCMCIA card (used in laptops) from the University book store. You should make your own arrangements to buy the computer before you come to Methodist or buy it from a local (Fayetteville area) vendor. However, if you would like to purchase a laptop thorough Lenovo, see question 3.

Q 5: I don’t want to bring my computer to school on the airplane or bus. Can I have it shipped to the University?

A: Yes, you can. You must notify Computer Services to expect the package. For insurance reasons, Computer Services must hold the computer as received. We will not break any packing seal. Once you arrive on campus, you should come to the Computer Services office with a picture I.D. We will sign the computer over to you as we received it. You should ship the computer to the following address:

Attention: Sam Clark
Computer Services
Methodist University
5400 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, NC 28311

Q 6: How do I get an e-mail account at Methodist University? How long will my network/email account be good for?

A: Methodist University provides students with the ability to send and receive email as well as World Wide Web resources from laboratory computers and residence hall rooms. An account in your name is necessary to send and recieve email and other important information from Methodist University. Methodist University will not send any information to any other email account except for your Methodist University student account. New students will recieve a letter from the Admissions office with your e-mail account username and password. If you do not receive the information from the Admissions office you will need to go to the Trustees Classroom Building, room 375 and talke to the Computer Assisted Compostion (CAC) Lab attendant, who will assist you. No accounts will be created without a Methodist University ID card. Your account will be valid until 1 week after you graduate or no longer attend Methodist University. If you have files or email you will need after leaving or graduating, you will need to copy them to some type of media and send any emails in your mailbox to a Hotmail, MSN or AOL account before Graduation. The accounts are automatically scheduled for deletion 1 week after graduation. We can not restore the accounts or information after the accounts are deleted.

Q 7: I am a resident student at Methodist University. To whom do I talk concerning hooking my computer up to get email and getting on the Internet? How do I actually get my computer hooked up to the University network?

A: In order to get your computer hooked up, you must have a Network Interface Card and a network cable. If you have both of these items, all you need to do is plug one end of the cord to the wall socket and the other into your computer/laptop, turn on your computer and you will be connected to the network. You may also go to Computing Services Web page for additional information on how to access your e-mail.

Q 8: What is this going to cost me?

A: There is no actual charge for your connect time to the network. What you will pay for is the hardware to make the connection to network. You may already have what is necessary. Most computers now come with a built in Network Interface Card (NIC). If you special ordered a computer and it didn’t come with a NIC, you can connect a USB adapter to one of the USB ports on the back of your computer. You have a NIC if you can find a square port on the back of your computer that looks a lot like a modular telephone jack, but is slightly larger. If you already have a NIC and a CAT V patch cable, see question 7. If you have a laptop, you can use a PCMCIA card (refer to the instructions that came with your laptop). If you don’t have either one, use a USB NIC adapter. You can purchase all of these items at the college book store. You can also purchase these items off campus, but be aware that some items are not compatible with McNET. To be on the safe side, buy them from the bookstore. You should not may to make any changes to your configuration at all. If you would like to use the wireless on campus, you will need a wireless card installed in your laptop. Most laptops now have an internal wireless card, but it must be "B" and/or "G" compatible.

Q 9: What if I already have a CAT V cable, USB NIC, PCMCIA or compatible wireless card (laptop) for my computer/laptop?

A: You will not have to purchase these items, but they must be compatible with the University network. The recommended length of the CAT V cable should be 50' so that you can connect to the network jack from anywhere in your room. See question 8.

Q 10: What can I do on the Internet?

A: You can send, receive email and have access to the world of resources that resides on the Internet. Be careful, though, because anything as powerful as the Internet can get you into trouble. At Methodist University, Internet access is granted for Educational Purposes Only. Using campus systems and networks for commercial gain, or pornographic, racist, or abusive purposes is strictly prohibited. Good taste and discretion must be exercised on the Internet. You must not engage in any conduct that might hurt someone else. A good rule of thumb is, if in doubt, don’t do it. Methodist University will under no circumstances be responsible for financial obligations incurred by students using the Internet facilities of the University.

Q 11: What if I already have an Internet Provider?

A: If you already use an Internet provider such as AOL, you will need a modem and a telephone line to dial into the Internet. You can use this system at Methodist University if you would like. Using the modem will tie up the telephone in your room and access time will be about 50 times slower than the University's Internet access. You must make a choice between your existing Internet provider and us, because connection to Internet will require that we disable your existing Internet service (such as AOL).

Q 12: What if I have a laptop computer?

A: As long as your laptop meets the specifications listed in question 3, you will be able to hook it up to the Internet.

Q 13: Are there any restrictions concerning programs that I can run on my computer connected to the Internet? How about Instant Messenger and Internet file sharing programs like KaZaA or Morpheus?

A: Please read the MU Computer Use Policy. Such activities as using services like Instant Messenger and the downloading of huge files from sites such as KaZaA, Morpheus etc, take big chunks of the bandwidth that you share with everyone else on the network. We accept no responsibility as to how well or fast such programs run or whether they run at all. Furthermore, Instant Messaging and Peer to Peer software can spred VIRUSES. We will not install, configure, or support any Instant Messenger services or file sharing programs including AOL, Hotmail, KaZaA, Morpheus or problems these software programs may cause by installing them to your computer.

Q 14: What sort of software resources do I have access to on the campus network?

A: As far as software resources, you will not have any access to download software. You can also access many library resources from the Internet.

Q 15: Do I have access to a laser printer on the network?

A: There are laser printers in the CAC Lab and Library. You can print your documents on one of them whenever the lab is open. Of course, you can’t use the laser printer from your room, you have to go to the lab or library. We ask that you do not Abuse this privilege.

Q 16: I sit down in my room in Weaver Hall to bring up my paper that I was working on in the CAC Lab but I can’t because I don’t have Microsoft Word or any of the Microsoft Office suite that is in the CAC Lab.

A: The software programs installed on the computers in the labs on campus can’t be used across the network, and the licensed software from the labs cannot be transferred. If you want to use Microsoft Word or any other licensed software program on your computer in your dorm room, you must purchase that software for your own use.

Q 17: What if I already have Word Perfect loaded on my computer?

A: Microsoft Word is the Methodist University word processing program of choice. That means that you will probably use Microsoft Word in the CAC Lab for word processing chores. If you use Microsoft Word in the CAC Lab, you will have to convert your document to Word Perfect format in order to access it in your dorm room. You can also save your documents in Rich Text Format (RTF). If you don't save your files in RTF, you can go back and forth between word processing programs, but it is cumbersome.

Q 18: I have Microsoft Office 2002, which has a different version of Microsoft Office from what you have in the lab. Won’t that cause problems?

A: It can. If you save your documents in Rich Text Format (RTF), you should not have a problem. If you are having a problem, check with the CAC lab assistant. He/she can convert your documents for you and/or show you the format to save documents in to move between versions.

Q 19: Can I copy programs to and from the network?

A: You must not try to install or copy program files to or from the network systems. This includes files that have an extension of .EXE, .CAB, .COM, .DLL, .OVL or .SYS. If you do, we will delete them immediately. If you don’t know what we are talking about, you probably don’t need to worry about this.

Q 20: What if I have a problem configuring my computer?

A: We do proceed from the assumption that your computer is operating properly before you attempt to connect it to the network. If it is and you still cannot get it to connect, then call us at 7300 and we will attempt to troubleshoot your problem over the telephone. If this doesn’t work, we may then need to dispatch a technician to your room to take a look at it. Be advised, we do not make same day appointments. You will have to make an appointment for a technician for the following day. When the technician first enters your room, he/she will evaluate your computer to determine if it is working properly and meets the specifications mentioned earlier. This means that your computer must be out of any container or box, set up, plugged in, with the monitor, keyboard and mouse attached and the computer/laptop turned on. If not, you will have to make another appointment after you set up your computer. We do not set up any other devices to include, printers, scanners, zip drives, etc. If you are having a problem with your computer, you will have to contact your original vendor for support/repair or local computer vendor for support/repair. If you have trouble after that, we will check the socket in your room to verify that it is working properly. The network up to the wall socket is our responsibility. The computer is your responsibility.

Q 21: What if I get a virus like Funlove or I Love You on my computer and it won’t work anymore?

A: Be very careful about loading diskettes, CDs, or programs into your computer. Be careful about opening email messages or attachments from people you do not know. You will not get a virus from the campus network (See question 22). We strongly advise that you purchase and install one of the current virus protection software packages on your computer, and keep it updated. AntiVirus software is available at almost any store or on the Internet that sells software. Be warned, the University does not provide or install any antivirus software on student computers. This is the individual user's responsibility.

Q 22: I think I picked up a virus from the network. What do I do?

A: That is highly unlikely. We spend quite a lot of money every month to make sure that our virus checking routines are installed and up to date. If you are worried that you have a virus on a diskette, bring it to the CAC lab and the lab assistant will take a look at it for you. We monitor our servers for virus-like activities to insure that viruses do not appear or spread within our network. If we determine that your computer has a virus that is affecting the network/Internet access, we will disable your account and block your network socket until we determine what the problem is. If your computer has a virus, we will not reactivate your account or enable your network socket until you purchase a anti-virus software program and install it. When you install the virus program, update the virus definitions and scan your computer. Call 7300 and advise the lab attendant that you have completed the above steps and we will then check the server connections and re-activate your account and enable your network socket.

Q 23: What, besides my computer and printer, can I connect to my wall computer socket?

A: Residence hall connections to the network are for a single computer or laptop use only. It is against University policy for a user to connect any device to the campus network that will allow additional equipment to be connected. Such devices may include, but are not limited to: wireless access points, bridges, routers, switches, hardware and software servers, transceivers, converters, hubs, printers, concentrators, etc. You are not allowed to attach anything to our network that we don’t authorize to include Wireless Access Points.

Q 24: I want to share devices such as drives, printers and modems with other users over the network. How can I do that?

A: You can’t. It is a violation of University policy to share computer devices over the network. You can’t configure a device that is attached to your computer, such as a printer, scanner, or hard drive in such a manner that makes it visible or usable by anyone else on the network. If you need to share files, use floppy disks, usb thumb drives, CD-Writer, CD-Rewriter, USB External Hard Drive or zip disks.

Q 25: Can I let my roommate use my computer for his/her email?

A: Yes, but you must have a valid account (See question 6).

Q 26: Are there any times when McNET won’t be available?

A: For system maintenance, upgrades and user management, the Intenet access may be affected or unavailable during the following time periods:

Monday – Friday and Sunday, 3:00 – 3:30 A.M.

Saturday, 2:00 – 6:00 A.M.

During the summer, we conduct maintenance on network. While the system will be up most of the time, we cannot guarantee the same level of service that we maintain during the regular spring and fall semesters, and any students living in the residence halls during the summer can expect periodic fluctuations and outages at any time.

Q 27: I take my computer home at Christmas (or next summer), use it, and bring it back to campus at the end of the break. It won’t allow me to login or access the Internet or email when I plug it in. How come?

A: If you have changed your configuration or added programs such as Instant Messaging service, dot-net, or other software or hardware, your computer may not connect. You will need to contact the vendor of the software or hardware that you have installed, or just remove it. You may have also installed a Spyware/Adware program with or without your knowledge and can be a cause of not being able to connect to the network. You will need to install a Spyware/Adware program to remove this type of software.

Q 28: I am an athlete and will be moving in two or three weeks earlier in August than other students. Can I get access to the Internet?

A: You sure can. One warning, though--You should be aware that we still may be performing regular summer maintenance on the network during the time before classes start in the fall, so you can expect periodic fluctuations and outages at any time.

Q. 29: Are there space limitations on the Groupwise e-mail server?

A: Yes. You should be aware that you can only have 10 megabytes of data stored on the GroupWise server at one time. We ask that you keep your e-mail, mailbox cleaned up and delete any unnecessary e-mail. If you wish to save attachments, save them to your C: drive. We conduct mailbox maintenance throughout the year, and if you haven’t saved your files to your C: drive, they may be deleted due to space limitations on the e-mail server.

Q. 30: I have a laptop that came with a internal wireless card. Will it work with the Methodist University Wireless network? If I didn't have a wireless card in my laptop, how would I access the Wireless Access Points?

A: If you currently have a laptop that came with an internal or external (PCMCIA) wireless network card, you will need to find out if it is compatible with the University's wireless access points. The University uses 3COM and Cisco wireless access points that are "B", "G" or "B/G" compatible. If your wireless network card supports one of these standards, then yes it will work with Methodist University Wireless network. If you do not have a internal or external(PCMCIA) wireless card and wish to use the wireless network, you will need to purchase one from a local computer store or request one from the bookstore. If you purchase one from a local store such as Best Buy, Office Max etc., ensure that the PCMCIA wireless access card is "B", "G" or "B/G" compatible. If it is not, it will not work on the University's wireless network.

Q. 31: Can you install Instant Messenger or network paging on my computer?

A: Due to bandwidth capacity limitations and risk of spreading viruses, we will not install, configure or support any Instant messaging services (AOL, Hotmail etc.), network paging services or file sharing programs on computers connected to the network.

Q. 32: What are Computer Services’ responsibilities in all of this?

A: Computer Services’ responsibilities include:

• maintaining Internet access (Methodist University Network) so as to maximize the time it is available for student use.
• monitoring systems to assure that individuals are not using the system without express authority. User activities are monitored at any time to insure that the use is consistent with the guidelines spelled out in this publication. To use the University's network, is to consent to such monitoring. If such monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity or violations of university policy, system personnel will provide the evidence of such monitoring to both university administration and to law enforcement officials.
• strictly adhering to and informing our users to adhere to, copyright laws.
• protecting the integrity of your work by providing a secure computing environment, including network server anti-virus protection, assuring reasonable confidentiality of correspondence, and making backup copies of materials stored on servers.

Q 33: What are the student’s responsibilities?

A: Your responsibilities include:

• setting up your computer and connecting it to the University network/internet.
• you are not authorized to install or configure such devices to connect to Internet which may include, but are not limited to: wireless access points, bridges, routers, switches, hardware and software servers, transceivers, converters, hubs, printers, or concentrators. You are not allowed to attach anything to our network that we don’t authorize.
• NEVER INSTALL A WIRELESS ACCESS POINT; it is a violation of the University network policy
• installing and configuring your own printers, wireless cards, network cards, zip drives, jazz drives, scanners and speakers to your computer.
• never using another person’s account.
• never attempting to read, modify, copy, or destroy another user's data files, diskettes or other materials without the permission of the owner. All members of the electronic community have ownership rights to their own intellectual work.
• never harassing other users by altering computer software or computer system, by propagating viruses and other damaging software, sending malicious, annoying, or offending messages.
• accessing your own account to read and delete e-mail.
• refraining from using bandwidth hogging programs such as Instant Messenger services or File Sharing programs.
• never allowing others to use your account and always select passwords that cannot be guessed.
• strictly adhering to copyright laws.

Q 34: What if I have problems and need help?

A: Call 630-7300 and talk to the CAC lab attendant or send an e-mail to help@methodist.edu.

If you don’t read anything else, read the following!

Methodist University Computer Use Policy

The University reserves the right to modify and/or expand this policy at any time.

1. All users shall respect the privacy of other users. This means that no users will attempt to access, copy, or disrupt the use of information that belongs to others. This includes e-mail files. Proscribed behavior includes any attempt to hack or any hacking behavior. Any unauthorized attempt to access campus resources or any disruptive behavior on campus networks or systems will be dealt with immediately and severely.

2. All users shall abide by copyright laws. This means that copying or use of programs or files that are not licensed to the user is forbidden. If you don’t own a copy of a program, you cannot load it on your computer. You cannot load multiple copies of programs for which you don’t own multiple licenses. If computer software is loaded on a Methodist University computer and no license can be produced for the software, the Computer Services staff will remove the software from the computer.

3. All users who are authorized to use the Methodist University Student Information System are required to exercise diligence and discretion to ensure that confidential information contained within the Methodist University Student Information System is protected against unauthorized disclosure. This means safeguarding passwords, as well as informing the Computer Services staff immediately when a user suspects that security has been compromised. Each user is required to have a unique account and password and use only that account and password. Users are also required to log off of any terminal when they are physically away from the keyboard. Each user must confine the use of the information contained in the Methodist University Student Information System to official needs. Individual users must not allow unauthorized parties to load software on their systems, and they must not download information onto removable media without proper authorization.

4. All users shall follow appropriate standards of civility and conduct and respect the feelings of others when engaged in communication. This means that all users will identify themselves and restrain from any behavior or communication that might be considered harassing, discriminatory, or in any way calculated to cause discomfort or embarrassment to readers or users of the communication.

5. All users shall use Methodist University computing resources for University-related work consistent with the stated mission of the University. This means that no one shall use University resources for personal financial gain or any activity that would jeopardize the tax-exempt status of the University. The University will not be responsible for unauthorized debts or obligations incurred by users.

6. All users will realize that, although there is no set bandwidth, CPU time, or other limit applicable to all users of Methodist University computing resources, Methodist University may require users of these resources to limit or refrain from specific uses in accordance with the principles stated elsewhere in this policy. The reasonableness of any particular use will be judged in the context of all of the relevant circumstances at the time.

7. All users shall abide by all applicable state and federal law pertaining to communications. This includes the sending of chain letters on the Internet, which is a violation of federal law.

8. All violations of the above policies will be investigated by University authorities and/or law enforcement agencies. At such time that a violation is discovered, the Computer Services staff will take the appropriate action to immediately curtail the activity. This includes, but is not limited to, the immediate revocation of all rights on computer systems at Methodist University. In carrying out an investigation pertaining to the violation of any of the above policies, or the violation of any University policy, it may become necessary for University authorities to examine files, accounting information, printouts, tapes, or any other materials. For reasons of potential liability, the University reserves the right to monitor all communications on the University systems. Users should be aware of this fact and the fact that any computer correspondence can be used against them in disciplinary actions within the University disciplinary system, as well as used as evidence in a court of law.

9. Penalties for the violations of the above provisions may include, but are not limited to, expulsion, suspension, discharge from employment, and possible prosecution by state and federal authorities.

10. Use of the Methodist University computer system(s) signifies acceptance of the Methodist University Computer Use Policy.

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