Information for before and after you arrive on campus.

Checklist

Before you arrive

• Look for the Dean of Studies mailing the last week of May. This will include a "Technology Orientation for New Students" CD. A label on the inside of the case includes your Network ID and Password.
• Change your password and set up your challenge question at: https://password.lafayette.edu
• Listen to the special edition ITS podcast for a better understanding of the systems available to you and what you can expect regarding technology on campus.
• Make sure any computer you are bringing to campus is up to date. Run operating system and software updates. Make sure you have all available patches in place.
• Uninstall any anti-virus software you have on your computer, and then install the Lafayette version of Symantec AntiVirus provided for you on our website.
  

On move-in day

• Purchase an ALL-LAN cable for your computer. In order to use the wired Internet connection in the dorms you'll need a special All-LAN cable available exclusively at the campus bookstore in the Farinon Student Center. Residents of McKeen Hall, Ruef Hall, and Watson Courts will need a Cat 5 cable instead of the ALL-LAN cable.

Tech support will be in the dorms during move-in if you have any questions or need help.

Your Computer

A computer may be one of most valuable tools you bring to campus. While you are not required to bring a computer, you may find that it improves your potential for work (and entertainment). If you're looking to purchase a computer, we've provided answers to some of the most common questions surrounding computer purchases. If you're bringing your own computer to campus there are a few things you'll need to know about connecting to the campus network, and software we supply to make your move to campus easier.

Please review the ITS Recommendation Regarding Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007.

Purchasing a computer

The New Student FAQ includes frequently asked questions (and answers) about computing at Lafayette including topics such as:

• purchasing a computer
• laptop vs desktop
• sugested minimum specifications
• insurance and warranty

Software

Anti-virus

Lafayette licenses Symantec AntiVirus software (PC) and Norton Antivirus 10 (Mac) for installation on all student computers - do not pay extra for anti-virus software as it will have to be uninstalled prior to installing the Lafayette version of Symantec. (There is no charge to students for Symantec.) The College does not license any other applications for installation on student-owned computers, but non-licensed software is available on the Software Download page.

Novell

Novell is the campus network operating system that gives you access to shared file space and your home directory. The Novell Client is the fastest and easiest method for Windows PCs to access these files from anywhere on the campus network. Mac users can use Native File Access shortcuts to access their directories.

Productivity Software

Microsoft Office Professional is the standard productivity suite on campus. You will probably want a copy on your own computer. MS Office, both Mac and Windows versions, can be purchased at a discount via the College's affiliation with AICUP (Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania). See the sales page for details. Office can usually be included as part of a system purchase from major manufacturers as well.

Connecting to the Network

You'll need an Ethernet card/adapter and the appropriate cable or a wireless network card. The network jacks in most campus buildings have a special "ALL-LAN" connector that requires a special ALL-LAN network cable. These cables cannot be purchased on the open market but are available at the college bookstore in the Farinon Student Center. Note that the standard Cat 5 network patch cable with RJ-45 connectors available in most office and computer supply stores will not work in ALL-LAN jacks. Please do not attempt to rewire your room's network jack to accept a standard patch cable; doing so typically results in being charged for damages. Some campus buildings are being converted to accept standard patch cables. The only campus residences in which patch cables can currently be used are McKeen, Ruef, and Watson Courts.

No software is needed to connect to the network, however, access to personal network storage space from on-campus is facilitated by installation of the Novell Netware Client (for Windows) or Native File Access (for Mac). Both are available from the software download section of the ITS site.

Security

When we talk about security, we're really asking you to consider several different aspects of keeping you, your data, and your computer secure.

Your Privacy

We can't stress enough how important it is to be mindful of the things you post to the web, and how you handle your digital identity.

Passwords

If you don't have several already, you will collect several passwords for everything from email to your academic records. Some common mistakes people make are sharing their password, writing it down, or making it easy to guess. Remember that passwords are enabled to help keep you and your information private. Also, sharing your Lafayette passwords with others - even with your parents - is a violation of the College's Acceptable Use Policy.

Facebook

Facebook is a popular website that is in no way affiliated with Lafayette College. It has become a source for keeping in contact with other students by means of messaging and tagging pictures. Keep in mind that anyone with a Facebook account can view your profile as well as anything else you may post (messages, pictures, etc). Be cautious of what you and your friends post because you never know who will see those postings.

Backups

Worst-case scenario: you just lost a 15-page paper due tomorrow and you don't have a backup. Make sure all your files are backed up in at least two different locations (e.g., external drive, network storage space, USB memory, CD, etc.). Keep in mind that one location, no matter how reliable, does have the possibility of failure.

Viruses

Lafayette provides an anti-virus program that should be kept updated. Many times viruses are spread through instant messaging programs; if a computer is infected, random links may be sent using the owner's screen name asking you to "see this". It is your responsibility to make good judgments concerning what links you click and from what sites you download, but an up-to-date anti-virus program can help you stay safe.

Cable Locks

Now you see it, now you don't! Although laptop theft has not yet become a big issue at Lafayette, it is better to play it safe. Make sure you have a cable lock for your laptop and use it at all times. This is especially important if you leave your laptop unattended in the library or in your dorm room, even if only for a few minutes.

Passwords and Accounts

All students have a Network ID and password used to access a variety of resources. While ITS is continually adding systems which require the Network ID (in an effort to reduce the number of IDs and passwords campus-wide), it does not yet work for all systems. The password provided to you on the case of your "Technology Orientation for New Students" CD is temporary. You MUST change this password immediately. If you do not, you will be locked out of systems until you can come to campus and have the password reset in person. The Network ID password change utility is located at: https://password.lafayette.edu

Changing your password or retrieving a forgotten password

After changing your temporary password, set up a challenge question and response. This will allow you to retrieve your password should you forget it. If you you do not set up a challenge question and response, your ability to access network resources may be compromised.

Remember that your Network ID is used to access your personal information so you should keep your password private. Do not share your password with anyone (not even your parents), and if you think someone knows your password, we encourage you to change it. We have also published guidelines for creating strong passwords which are difficult to compromise.

Access to Campus Resources

The following are campus resources you will use often. A complete listing of campus systems and the username/password combination required to access the system can be found on the Managing your Passwords page.

Email

Your email address is your Network ID followed by @lafayette.edu. Webmail is available at: https://webmail.lafayette.edu, and you can login to Webmail using your Network ID and password. Webmail gives you access to your Lafayette email from anywhere you have Internet access. You should check your Lafayette email account daily as it is one way you will be contacted with official college information.

Novell and NetStorage

Novell NetWare is the campus network operating system. All students, faculty and staff have Novell accounts. Your Network ID and password are used to log in to Novell. Logging in to Novell enables you to access campus computers and network storage space.

Moodle

Moodle is a course management system used by some professors as well as some campus organizations. Use your Network ID and password to log in at https://moodle.lafayette.edu/ . Once you've logged in, locate the "My Courses" block on the screen for a listing of your courses that use Moodle. The system is used by some professors on campus to post course-related material such as a syllabus, reading assignments, notes, quizzes, etc. You may also use Moodle to participate in class discussions, collaborate on a wiki, or submit your assignments electronically.

iTunes U

Lafayette College iTunes U is a free, Lafayette-specific version of Apple's commercial iTunes Store that can be accessed by going to itunes.lafayette.edu. iTunes U is used to host audio, video, and PDF files and distribute them to the campus community. Content can be made available to the public, to the campus community, or to individuals in specific classes, and is downloadable using Apple's iTunes software. Publicly accessible content can be subscribed to via RSS using third-party software such as Juice. Files on the site come in a variety of formats, but most are MP3s or QuickTime movies.

Soapbox

Soapbox is a blogging platform specifically for Lafayette students and employees. Using your Network ID and password you can login to Soapbox at: https://www.lafayette.edu/~soapbox. You may use this space for blogging, posting photos, podcasting, creating group spaces, and even for some course discussion.

Resources

Workshops

Technology related workshops are available to students free of charge throughout the school year. You are encouraged to attend to better acquaint yourself with the different programs and technologies available on campus. Many of the workshops include "how-to" information for programs such as PowerPoint, iMovie, Garage Band, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Final Cut Pro. All dates, topics, and registration information can be found on the workshops page.

Help on the ITS site

If you have technology questions or concerns go to the ITS website and click the Help tab to locate links to help resources and people who can help with your campus computing needs. The site is frequently updated with help guides, frequently asked questions (and answers), information about upcoming opportunities, and links to services. Please take some time to become familiar with the site as it is an excellent resource for information related to your use of technology at Lafayette (and beyond).

Technology Help Desk

ITS provides support for all computing activity on campus through the Lafayette College Help Desk. Call 610.330.5506 (x5506 from a campus phone) to reach the help desk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A help desk representative can answer questions and provide you with technology support.

Hardware Repair Shop

The ITS Hardware Shop is a Dell University Premier Access Partner and a Gateway Higher-Ed Service Partner. These designations allow the Shop to perform covered repairs on student-owned Dell and Gateway computers still under warranty. All equipment must be delivered to the Hardware Shop (Pardee 3) for repairs; ITS cannot pick up equipment or perform repairs in residence halls. Repairs covered by Dell and Gateway warranties are done at no cost to the student, but proof of ownership and of any extended warranty coverage must be provided at the time the system is dropped off for service. Students seeking repairs for peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.) and warranteed computer systems from manufacturers other than Dell and Gateway should seek help from outside service providers. The Hardware Shop will clean a virus-infected student system once per academic year at no cost. Any additional virus removal on the same system will be billed at $45/hour. ITS cannot guarantee recovery of data lost due to virus infection.

Podcasting

The ITS Coffee Break Podcast is updated on Mondays. Different technology-related current events and campus information are discussed. All topics are posted on the ITS Website for your reference. You are encouraged to take a stab at podcasting. If you need help getting started, stop by Instructional Technology in Skillman Library.

Technology Lending at Skillman

Laptops can be checked out for use in the library for 3 hours. Other technology-related equipment can be borrowed for 48-hours:

• Canon PowerShot G2 and PowerShot A75 Digital Cameras - All cameras come with a cable for transferring your photos to your computer, network drive, or other storage space. Pictures can be edited with Photoshop in the labs at Skillman.
• Canon OpturaXi miniDV Camera and tripod - You'll need to purchase your own tapes, but once you've completed filming you can digitize and add professional touches to your masterpiece using iMovie and iDVD.
• LaCie Firewire Drive - If you need a large amount of space for a short-term project, borrow an external drive that can be connected to any computer.
• mAudio Keystation 49e Keyboard - Using one of these keyboards with Garage Band or Soundtrack, the multimedia lab can become your recording studio.
• Headphones - If you forgot your headphones and need to edit your video without disturbing others, headphones are available at the Skillman circulation desk.
• Network Cables - You want to use your laptop in the library but you don't have wireless? Ask for a network cable at the Circulation desk; jacks are located throughout the library.