|
Frequently
Asked Questions
How can I expect to use my
laptop at JCSU?
You’ll
quickly come to think of your laptop as an essential tool
in your educational and campus life. You’ll use your
laptop in class and out of class to take notes, conduct
research, write papers and do calculations. You’ll
participate in online discussion groups with classmates
and professors. You’ll use it to access the Internet for
in-class and out-of-class projects and may use it to
create your own personal Web page or a page required as a
class assignment. You’ll find that many professors put
their notes and other class materials on the World Wide
Web. You’ll submit papers and other material
electronically to professors. Not surprisingly you will
use electronic mail to communicate with professors,
classmates, parents
and with friends at
other universities, from your networked dorm room and
plenty of other networked places on campus.
Can I bring my own laptop?
Yes you
may, however you will still be issued a JCSU laptop and
Tuition and fees will reflect so. Also you will not be
allowed to connect your laptop to the JCSU network, and
support will be minimal form the helpdesk.
Can I bring my own desktop machine?
Yes you may, however you will still be issued a JCSU
laptop and Tuition and fees will reflect so. Also you will
not be allowed to connect your laptop to the JCSU network,
and support will be minimal from the helpdesk.
What types of software will I
need to purchase for my laptop?
You will not need to purchase the standard software for
computing within the JCSU environment. * Some specialized
classes at JCSU may require the purchase of additional
software.
What is laptop insurance and do I need it?
Lets face it, accidents happen! Laptop manufacturer
warranties only cover defective parts--they do not cover
shattered screens, spilled drinks in keyboards, or
physical damage. Laptop insurance is a type of insurance
policy that covers theft, vandalism and damage caused by
accidents/natural disasters. We strongly recommend that
you have laptop insurance! It is possible that parents'
homeowners insurance will cover the laptop. Make sure that
the homeowners' policy covers theft, accidental damage and
vandalism. Safe ware Insurance Company is one insurance
carrier that we know of that provides theft, vandalism,
and damage coverage insurance at a reasonable price. You
can contact Safe ware at 1-800-800-1492.
What’s in place at JCSU to prevent laptop thefts?
In fall
2001, User Services will institute a laptop theft
prevention program that involves laptop registration
checks and the distribution of a public awareness brochure
featuring theft statistics as well as prevention methods.
We really can’t stress enough the importance of acquiring
laptop insurance. Whether you’re here on JCSU’s campus, at
home, or traveling, theft, damage and vandalism can occur
and the insurance can protect your investment! Laptop
security locks and devices are issued to new students and
are available at many computer stores, including the JCSU
Bookstore.
Do I need a printer in my room?
Having a
printer in your own residence hall room is very
helpful--particularly for those late nights when you are
finishing a paper! Color inkjet printers are available
starting at $50 and can be purchased from any computer
store, including from our "JCSU bookstore". JCSU offers 13
high-speed public black and white laser printers in
convenient locations on campus for student use. Currently,
students are allowed 50 printed pages per semester at no
charge and assessed a fee of .07 per page after that.
During fall quarter 2001, these printers churned out over
300000 pages!
What about a carrying
case?
To protect your investment, we advise that you
purchase a backpack or carrying case specially designed
and padded for laptops. When you shop for your carrying
case, ask whether the store carries any models designed to
carry laptops less conspicuously. Such cases will reduce
the risk of theft. All new students will receive a JCSU
laptop book bag.
What if I cannot afford to
buy a laptop?
The cost of obtaining a computer is covered under the
University’s tuition and fee schedule. Your decision to
attend or not attend JCSU should not be predicated on your
ability to purchase a laptop computer. If you are
concerned about being able to afford a laptop, please
share your concern with an admissions officer
Will I have a free e-mail
account as a JCSU student?
When students are officially enrolled at JCSU, they
are issued an e-mail address. This e-mail address is
provided for free to all students during their academic
experience.
How will you help me get started
with my laptop?
Help will be awaiting you when you arrive with
your laptop to Golden Bull Academy, the weeklong
orientation program that all first-year students are
required to attend. During 2001, Golden Bull Academy you
should feel free to visit the JCSU Helpdesk and Mobile
Computing Center and ask as many questions as you would
like. As you arrive for your first semester you will
participate in a 1 hour, hands-on technology session led
by technology professionals where you will learn how to
configure your laptop for the JCSU network and the basics
of technology at JCSU. In addition, an online technology
course will be available for you to brush up and learn new
technology skills.
Are JCSU professors
knowledgeable about and interested in using technology in
their teaching?
During the past two years the Office of Academic Affairs
Johnson C. Smith University has awarded almost $xxx,000 to
JCSU faculty to explore uses of computers to enhance the
learning experience for students. The scope of the funded
projects is truly remarkable! In addition, the Department
of Information Technology, Instructional Computing has
assisted faculty with integrating their courses with
technology. Currently, there are over 200 classes that
utilize technology!
Where on campus will I be
able to plug my laptop into the network?
Basically everywhere! We have over 3,000 ports on
campus for you to connect you laptop.
We continue to add network jack locations across
campus. Currently, network jacks are available in:
-
All Residence
Halls rooms ("a network port for every pillow")
-
James B. Duke
Library
-
"Technology
Classrooms" are learning spaces that contain a network
jack and power outlet for each student. Currently, we
have 7 "Smart-to-the-Seat Classrooms" and will continue
to expand.
-
Common areas
in dorms
What about Wireless
Networking?
Currently, wireless access points are located in
limited areas across campus. It is important to note that
wireless technology is constantly changing and will
continue to evolve. We are mapping out a campus-wide
wireless network infrastructure and will continue to
deploy locations as necessary.
How do I access my e-mail off campus through a web
browser?
Click on the following link for instructions:
Web Mail Login Instructions
|
