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Computers at Methodist University The Computer Services Department of the Office of Institutional Computing 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 University 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 questions and answers will give you an idea of what to expect when using a computer at Methodist University. Q 1: What is McNet? A: 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 McNET, 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. 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. Lenovo (IBM) laptop page for Methodist University Featured Notebook Computers. Under "Products" click on the "Methodist University Featured Student Notbooks". The standard configuration comes with the Leveno Thinkpad Protection and Office 2003. You do not have to select Leveno Thinkpad Protection or Office 2003. No versions of Windows 95 are supported by Methodist University. The computer/laptop must be fully functional. If your computer meets these specifications, you will be able to connect with McNET and receive the full range of Internet and email services. However, there may be limitations encountered in the range of our campus services with operating systems released within the past 12 months. Also, if you have a Macintosh G3 or better that runs OS/8.1 or later, you should be able to connect it as well. We recommend that you buy a new Windows PC/Laptop if you are going to connect to McNET, because we are a PC (as opposed to Macintosh) campus and the staff only has PC experience. PCs outnumber Macintoshes on our campus by about 100 to 1. You MUST have at least 256 MB of RAM and at least 100 MB of free hard drive space. You should also have a CD ROM drive and a 3½ inch floppy drive (A drive). We strongly recommend that you also bring an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to plug your computer into, and install some type of antivirus software on your computer and keep it updated regularly. You do not need a modem to connect to McNET. 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 college 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 (IBM), 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 college? 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 Q 6: How do I get an Internet account at Methodist University? 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 access the Methodist University Network (McNET). You will need to physically go to the Computer Assisted Composition (CAC) Laboratory in the Trustees' Building (T-375) with a valid Methodist University ID Card to obtain an account. No accounts will be created without a Methodist University ID card or over the phone. 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 E-mail and getting on the Internet? How do I actually get my computer hooked up to McNet? A: In order to get your computer hooked up, first you must go to the CAC lab in the Trustees building (T-375) to obtain an Internet account. You should have received an Internet Installation CD-ROM during orientation that gives you instructions on how to set up your computer for access to McNET. If you did not receive it, please ask the lab attendant for an Internet Installation CD. You may also go to Computing Services Web page for additional information on how to access your iFolder directory and Email. Q 8: What is this going to cost me? A: There is no actual charge for your connect time to McNET. What you will pay for is the hardware to make the connection to McNET. 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. After you have those hardware items, just insert our Internet Installation CD-ROM into your computer and follow the instructions. This CD "Does Not" configure, install or auto-run. The CD is intended to assist you in connecting to McNET and give you information. Some configurations changes may require your original software CDs and/or diskettes as part of the installation and configuration. However, you may not have to change any configuration at all. Additionally, if you would like to use the wireless access located in the Library, Clark Hall, PA building or PGM classroom you would need to purchase a wireless PCMCIA Card that is "B" and/or "G" compatible. Q 9: What if I already have a CAT V cable, USB NIC or PCMCIA card (laptop) for my computer/laptop? A: You will not have to purchase these items, but they must be compatible with the college 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 and receive email and have access to the world of resources that resides on the ‘net. 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 college. 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 McNET. You must make a choice between your existing Internet provider and us, because connection to McNET 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 McNET. Q 13: Are there any restrictions concerning programs that I can run on my computer connected to McNet? How about Instant Messenger and Internet file sharing programs like KaZaA or Morpheus? A: Please read the MC Computer Use Policy. PSuch 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 McNET. 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 will be able to access any document that you can access in the CAC Lab. You can also access many library resources. Q 15: Do I have access to a laser printer on McNet? 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. Only data files you have created can be accessed across the network, but 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 even with the Internet Installation CD-ROM? A: We do proceed from the assumption that your computer is operating properly before you attempt to connect it to McNET. 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. Once you have done this, follow the instructions on the Internet Installation CD-ROM. 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 McNET (See question 22). We strongly advise that you purchase and install one of the current virus protection software packages on your computer. They are available at almost any store that sells software. The college book store sells AntiVirus software as well. Be warned, the college 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 McNet. 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 McNET, we will disable your account until we determine what the problem is. If your computer has a virus, we will not reactivate your account 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. Q 23: What, besides my computer and printer, can I connect to my wall computer socket? A: Residence hall connections to McNET are for a single computer or laptop use only. It is against college 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 college 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 or her E-mail? 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, McNET will be 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 McNET. 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 college 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, to restore the computer back to its original configuration. Then follow the Methodist University Internet Installation CD-ROM instruction. 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 my McNet connection hooked up early? A: You sure can. Follow the instructions in question 8. One warning, though--You should be aware that we still may be performing regular summer maintenance on McNET 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 McNet E-mail or regular data servers? A: Yes. You should be aware that you can only have 200 megabytes of data stored on the main data server at one time. We ask that you keep your email mailbox cleaned up and delete any unnecessary email. 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 email server or data server. Q. 30: I have a laptop with a 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 in Clark Hall, Library or the PGM Classroom? 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 college's wireless access points. The college uses 3COM 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 in one of the three locations above, 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 college 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 McNET. Q. 32: What are Computer Services’ responsibilities in all of this? A: Computer Services' responsibilities include:
Q 33: What are the student’s responsibilities? A: Your responsibilities include:
Q 34: What if I have problems and need help? A: Call 630-7300. If you don’t read anything else, read the following! Methodist University Computer Use Policy The college reserves the right to modify and/or expand this policy at any time.
Published by the Office of Institutional Computing 2006 third edition |
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