| Information
for new students:
(Updated August 2004)
Am I required
to bring a computer to campus?
USP
students are not required to have a computer. However, in
a recent survey, 99 percent of dorm residents said that they
own a computer. There are computer labs which offer the most
popular software applications in every dorm and in many academic
buildings. For convenience and flexibility it is best to have
your own computer.
What kind
of computer should I have?
PC computers
are used and supported at USP. When determining what
kind of computer to purchase, we recommend that you check
with USP IT for their guidelines and suggestions.
Many students
choose to purchase laptops, and some schools recommend them.
The decision between a laptop or a desktop computer is usually
one of preference. Laptops offer more space on your desk and
allow you to easily transport the computer, but tend to be
more expensive and less customizable than desktops.
What operating
system should I have?
If you're buying
a new PC, we recommend Windows XP Pro as the operating system.
Windows XP Home is supported. If you are bringing an existing
computer, we recommend that it have at least Windows 2000.
Windows 98 and ME are no longer officially supported by USP.
We are limited
in the support we can provide for users who are not using
a Windows or MAC operating system.
I'm bringing
my own computer. What do I need to get connected to the network?
You need an
Ethernet adapter installed in your computer. Virtually every
new computer contains a built-in network adapter, so check
your computer before you buy one. USP College House
connections are 100MB Ethernet connections. The jack looks
like a larger telephone plug.
I have a
computer that was on a DSL or a cable modem connection. Is
this compatible?
As long as your
computer has an Ethernet adapter, your computer is compatible.
If you used a DSL or cable modem that was connected via USB
or was internal, then you need to replace it with an Ethernet
card.
What do I
need to bring?
It is very important that you bring all of your original program
CDs with you! If something happens to your computer and you
need to re-install a program or the operating system, you
must have your original installation CDs. Anti-piracy laws
require that you must have a license for all of your software.
You can not borrow anyone's software for use on your computer.
Is there
anything I should do to my computer before I arrive?
Yes! Before
you arrive in the fall, make sure your computer is up-to-date
with all critical operating system updates and patches.
For Windows
users, go to
windowsupdate.microsoft.com and install any detected
Critical Updates. If you have Windows XP, turning on Internet
Connection Firewall (ICF) is advisable.
If you attach
a computer that is infected or compromised to the USP
network, your port will not allow you to access any network
resources.
Do I need
anti-virus software?
Yes! The good
news is that USP provides anti-virus software free
of charge for all students. The software is set to automatically
update itself once a week, offering you continuously updated
protection from computer viruses and worms.
What should
I do when I move in?
College House
residents should connect their computer to the USP
network and have it scanned for Critical Updates and viruses.
Is wireless
networking available at USP?
Several common
spaces in the Library, The Mall, and Wilson (partially) have
wireless network access. A number of academic buildings and
public indoor and outdoor spaces on campus have wireless access,
with more planned in the next few years. To use the wireless
network, your laptop must have a wireless network adapter.
This is now offered as a built-in option on newer laptops.
If you do not have this option, you can purchase one at a
local computer store.
For Technical Support Fill out the Tech Support
Form or send an e-mail:
ITHelp@usp.edu for other technical issues.
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