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Computing at Muskingum Q&A 2008-2009
What is Muskingum College's computer philosophy?
Muskingum College strongly believes that one aspect of an education is access to information and resources. Much of that information can be accessed on our campus network and the Internet.
Muskingum College does not require students to own computers, but we do encourage students to consider ownership. Every residence hall room features a port which enables students to connect to the campus network. In addition, students have access to a number of computer labs on campus.
Access to the network offers a number of benefits, including the potential for instant communication with instructors and fellow students at Muskingum and other institutions, and the ability to receive and complete course assignments from the residence hall at any hour of the day or night.
Additional benefits are 24-hour access to the College Library, the ability to request titles from among the 24 million book records of Ohio Private Academic Libraries (OPAL) and OhioLINK members, and access to an increasing number of online reference databases and full-text periodicals.
As Muskingum continues to advance its campus network, providing for multimedia resources and high speed access, computer ownership has become an essential component of a Muskingum education.
Will my student need an e-mail account or will the college provide one?
All students are given an e-mail/web account for their personal use. While students frequently have other e-mail or web identities, all official Muskingum College electronic communication is sent to the student’s Muskingum email account. While having more than one electronic identity is fine, it is imperative that the student use their Muskingum identity for internal communication and that they read it often.
What kind of computers should incoming students have? What about current students?
We recommend that incoming students arrive with the right equipment (see the following information), and we also encourage current students to consider upgrading older computers before the start of the next academic year to ensure their hardware and software remain current for today's computing needs.
Does the college have preferred vendors?
The college has reviewed the MPC | Gateway product line as well as its "after the sale" service and support program. We consider MPC | Gateway's offerings to be well-suited to our needs. This company has been chosen as the preferred personal computer vendor for Muskingum College. Through their Campus Computing Program you will receive up to a 15% discount on select systems. If you decide to use a different vendor, remember to ask for "Academic" or "Educational" pricing.
Should I purchase a warranty?
The majority of name-brand vendors provide three year warranties, with year one frequently being on-site. If you have selected MPC | Gateway and problems occur, Muskingum can help you determine what components may be faulty so that you can communicate with the service representative more effectively. Our relationship with MPC | Gateway will expedite part replacement and diagnostic services for you. If you feel that after year one you may need on-site assistance, then an upgrade to four year on-site maintenance may be in your best interest.
Is it easy to connect to the campus network?
Connecting a network-ready computer (one that features pre-installed ethernet capability) to the campus network is a simple procedure. Using his/her own ethernet cable, a student should simply plug into the network jack in their room (or into the correct port if they are using a network switch). Upon trying to access any web page, the student will automatically be taken to the policy management server which will guide them through the steps necessary to certify their computer. This certification process will check for the correct operating system (including any necessary patches) and for current and subscribed virus protection. Once the certification process completes successfully, the student will have full access to the campus network and the internet.
Is help available if I need it?
Computer connection assistance is provided, on-site, by Residential Computer Assistants (RCAs) throughout the course of the year, including move-in weekend. If necessary, telephone based assistance is also provided by Computer and Network Services staff during regular business hours.
What if my roommate and I both want to connect computers to the network?
While there is only one port available in most rooms on campus, students may purchase small hubs or switches to expand the port count in their room. The Muskingum College Bookstore will have a quantity of 4-port switches available at a very competitive price, which will include the network cable necessary to connect the device to the network port. If you bring your own hub or switch, please remember that most commercially sold devices do NOT include this cable as part of the purchase. Because Muskingum’s network is not similar to a home network, devices designed for home application, known as routers, are not appropriate for use. Therefore, we ask that you do not bring routers to campus. Some rooms do feature a “port-per-pillow” configuration. Students should verify the room configuration before making any purchases.
What about Home Networking devices for Broadband Connections?
Because Muskingum’s network is not similar to a home network, devices designed for home application are not appropriate for use. In particular, devices such as routers and wireless access points are strictly forbidden on campus.
Where, if at all, is wireless connectivity available on campus?
There are currently two locations on campus where wireless access is available; the Muskingum College Library and the top of the Student Faculty Center (TOC). With proper registration, students can connect to the campus network wirelessly. With the opening of the 2008/2009 academic year, wireless access will also be available in the Chess Student Center.
What kind of software should I purchase?
While other products (such as Corel Office or Open Office) are acceptable for students, the institution primarily uses the Microsoft Office Suite for word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications. The college’s Education and Computer Science departments use the Microsoft Office Suite for most of their classes, so if you are majoring in either of these, you should have a personal copy of this software. If you are purchasing a new computer, you are advised that pre-installed and "bundled" software is frequently the more cost effective acquisition method. Additionally, when purchasing a suite, you should be sure that it contains all of the components you will need for your course of study. For example, if you feel you will need a database manager, be sure one is included in the suite you purchase.
A word of caution about some presumably "free" software. The Microsoft Works product (which is different than Office) is NOT compatible with campus standards and you will experience difficulty printing its files in campus facilities if you choose this software.
Other software for use on the network is available at no cost for downloading from a campus server, including software for e-mail, ftp, and web browsing.
NEW: CNS has researched and recommends the following online Software Stores to satisfy academic pricing needs:
Campus Tech
http://www.campustech.com/
CDWG
http://www.cdwg.com/Muskingum/
JourneyEd.com
http://www.journeyed.com/jump.exe?NAC1556
What versions of Microsoft software are used in the college's computer labs?
For the 2008/2009 academic year, Muskingum will provide the Microsoft Windows XP operating system and the Microsoft Office 2007 suite of software. We find no additional value which justifies moving to Windows Vista and, as there are no compatibility issues between the two operating systems, we will remain with Windows XP until a move to Windows Vista becomes necessary. Beginning this fall, Office 2007 will be the default productivity suite in all computer labs. Anyone with an older version of Microsoft Office can download and install the Office 2007 Compatibility Pack from the Microsoft web site in order to read and write Office 2007 files.
Where can I purchase a recommended computer?
After reviewing various desktop and laptop choices on the MPC | Gateway Higher Ed web site (http://mgcs.mpccorp.com/education/gateway_highed.html), use the Muskingum CCP discount shopping cart site (http://www.muskingum.edu/mpc) to configure, quote, and order a system online. Financing is available through MPC | Gateway. If you prefer, you may talk with the MPC | Gateway higher education sales team by calling (877)283-6769 and asking for the Muskingum College consultant. The program code to receive the Muskingum College discount is 07RPH3199. The college's Computer and Network Services department is always glad to assist with this process, so please feel free to call them at (740)826-8050).
What about Macintosh Computers and Linux Operating Systems?
Both Macintosh and Linux systems will work on the campus network, however neither is supported by CNS Staff nor recommended. By using these systems, you will run the risk of incompatibility.
What about my game console?
Game consoles are acceptable for use in your residence hall and can be registered on line. The RESNET home page has more information about this process.
What other considerations should I account for when configuring a computer?
Just like a stereo, computer sound has the potential to cause conflicts between roommates. For this reason, we recommend the use of headphones instead of speakers for computer related audio output. None of our public computer labs have speakers, thus students are responsible for providing and using a personal pair of headphones.
What are the college's minimum requirements for incoming student computers?
- Processor speed: For a new computer purchased from a reputable computer manufacturer, any processor available should be acceptable. We recommend that, should you be considering a used computer, you should compare the processor specifications with those of a newly available computer.
- 1 GB RAM Memory (2 GB if choosing Windows Vista operating system)
- 120 Gigabyte Hard Drive
- CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-R/RW, or DVD-R/RW
- 1 GB (or greater) USB Flash Memory Stick
- Pre-installed Ethernet Network capability (Wireless is NOT available in the residence halls)
- 14' or 25' straight-through Ethernet patch cable with RJ-45 connectors on both ends
- 17" CRT or LCD display (14" display adequate for a laptop)
- Sound Card and Headphones
- Operating System: Either Windows XP Professional Edition or Windows Vista (except Home Basic)*
PLEASE NOTE: These requirements have been set to insure student's computers will be compatible with the network and remain a useful learning tool for the duration of their full four year tenure at Muskingum College. Students whose computers do not meet these requirements run a high risk of not being able to connect to Muskingum network resources.
Warning! Many computer vendors offer low-end, low-cost systems for under $500. However, be cautious when considering these systems since many times the processor and memory included in these systems is below our minimum requirements.
* PLEASE NOTE: Windows XP Home Edition does NOT offer adequate networking functionality required for our network. For this reason, we strongly recommend Windows XP Professional. Additionally, be advised that Windows Vista comes in several versions. While all except Vista Home Basic are acceptable for use on our network, you should verify with your computer manufacturer that you are purchasing a version that is compatible with your computer. For more information on XP and Vista versions, please visit Microsoft’s XP comparison Web Site at: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/choosing2.mspx
or Microsoft's Vista comparison web site at:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx
Take Note! While we will allow XP Home to connect to the campus network, we WILL NOT allow Vista Home Basic.
NEW: CNS has researched and recommends the following online Software Stores to satisfy academic pricing needs:
Campus Tech
http://www.campustech.com/
CDWG
http://www.cdwg.com/Muskingum/
JourneyEd.com
http://www.journeyed.com/jump.exe?NAC1556
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