The Basics

If you haven't changed your Network ID password recently (or ever):

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.

The Network ID credentials are used for Email, Moodle, NetStorage, wireless, Novell, logging in to public computers, and most other systems. Changing your password frequently is the best way to protect your stuff. For more on protecting your stuff, see ITS's Safe and Secure Computing site.

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

If you brought 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.

If you brought a game console:

• Check out Register a game console for online play to learn how to connect your device to the network.

If you need more network connections in your residence:

• Standard network hubs won't work on the Lafayette network. If you need more connections, see How to obtain an approved switch for use in campus residences.

If you're still thinking about purchasing a 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 using file-sharing programs to exchange music, videos, or software:

• Protect yourself by reading this page on Copyright Infringement.

Available Resources and Services

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. Note that advanced notice of scheduled network maintenance activities that might affect network services will be posted to the ITS home page.

Email

It's more than just email. Zimbra, Lafayette's email system, offers a feature-rich Webmail client, an integrated calendar, and a way to manage your contacts online. Your account allows you to store up to 1GB worth of email, calendar events, and contacts. 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. This network storage space, usually referred to as your "U drive," 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. For more efficient and direct access from on-campus, install the Novell client on your Windows PC, or follow the directions for connecting your Mac.

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. Please note that since printers are shared resources, printing multiple copies of documents is not allowed. If you need 200 copies of that important club handout, you can get copies made at Reprographic Services (in the basement of Marquis).

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.