As a newly admitted student you will receive a letter from the Dean of the College Office that includes your Network ID and password. The Network ID credentials are used for Email, Moodle, NetStorage, wireless, Novell, logging in to public computers, and most other systems. Note that the Network ID credentials cannot be used for access to Banner Self-Service, which requires the Lafayette "L-number" and a PIN (issued with your L-number). For details about access to Banner, see Banner Self-Service for New Students.

The password change utility allows you to change or reset your Network ID password.

If you haven't already, you should:

1. Think of a new password, and check to make sure it's strong.
2. Change your password to your new strong password.
3. Set up your Challenge/Response key so you can reset your password if you forget it.

Before you arrive

If you're buying a new computer:

Visit the Computer & Software Sales page and the Student Computer Purchases FAQ, which includes frequently asked questions (and answers) about computing at Lafayette, including information on:

• Purchasing a computer
• Laptop vs. desktop
• Suggested minimum specifications
• Insurance and warranty

If you're bringing a computer you already own:

• Make sure your operating system (Windows Vista or Mac OS X) is up-to-date.
• Install Symantec AntiVirus, available to students at no charge.

If you're bringing a computer and need Microsoft Office:

• Because of your status as a student at Lafayette, you can purchase Office at a reduced price through an outside vendor.

What to expect when you arrive

Access to wireless and wired connections

• All residence halls have access to Lafayette's wired and wireless networks. When you arrive, you will need to register your computer with both networks in order to use them.
• If you want to connect through a wired connection in your residence hall, and you'll be living somewhere other than McKeen Hall or Ruef Hall, you will need to purchase an ALL-LAN network cable, which is available only from the college bookstore. McKeen and Ruef residents can use a standard CAT-5 network patch cable available from most stores that sell electronics (Amazon, Staples, Wal-Mart, etc.).
• Bringing a game console? If so, check out Register a game console for online play to learn how to connect your device to the network.

Tech help during move-in

• Technical support will be available in each residence hall during move-in to answer questions and to offer technical help on-the-spot.

Resources and services available

24-hour Help Desk

Computing support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have a computer problem you can contact the Lafayette College Help Desk at 610-330-5506 (x5506 from a campus phone) or at help@lafayette.edu.

Email

It's more than just email. At Lafayette you not only get a feature-rich Webmail client, but you also get an integrated calendar as well as a way to manage your contacts online. Your account will allow you to store up to 1GB worth of email, calendar events, and contacts. Your email address is your Network ID followed by @lafayette.edu. You should check your Lafayette email account daily as it is one way you will be contacted with official college information. Log into Webmail or read more about Lafayette's email system, Zimbra.

Network file storage

Everyone at Lafayette gets 1GB worth of space to store files on a network server. Network storage is convenient because it allows you to work on a document, save and close it, then reopen it from another computer, all without the risk of losing it (you must know someone who has lost a thumb drive). Plus it's backed up every night. Access to your network space is available from anywhere through NetStorage, or by installing the Novell client on your PC or Mac for on-campus access.

Moodle

Many professors use Moodle, Lafayette's course site system, to post course content and activities (e.g., syllabi, assigned readings, discussion forums). Before you arrive you should use Moodle for Class of 2013 discussions and the Math and Chemistry placement tests.

WordPress

ITS offers WordPress for you to easily create and manage a Web site. Everyone at Lafayette is eligible to create their own site using this simple tool, which supports blogs, Web pages, photo galleries, and embedded videos (from YouTube or your own).

Computer labs

Skillman Library, with nearly 100 computers, is a hub of academic computing, and ITS maintains other labs throughout campus.

Printing

Laser printing is available in the Libraries and in ITS-maintained labs and is currently available at no cost to you.

Equipment lending at the library

A number of items, including video cameras, microphones, and external hard drives, are available for checkout from the circulation desk at Skillman Library. See the library catalog for a complete list of available equipment.

Technology workshops

ITS offers Technology workshops throughout the semester for students and employees on a variety of applications, including Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office applications, iMovie, and WordPress.

Hardware repair shop

The ITS Hardware Shop is a Dell University Premier Access Partner and a Gateway Higher-Ed Service Partner and is able to make cost-free repairs to student Dell computers still under warranty. More information is available on the Hardware Shop page.