Computing @ Beloit :: Tips for Using a Computer on Campus

Tip #1: Newer computers and newer operating systems encouraged.

We encourage use of newer computers (either pc or Mac) and operating systems. Information about the College’s current recommendations for students is available at: http://www.beloit.edu/isr/new_students.php#students . The College offers free network support services to students while they’re on campus but can provide only limited support for computers with older operating systems. To facilitate any needed network support services, we recommend that you have administrative rights to your computer, know the corresponding password, and bring with you all disks that came with the computer.

Tip #2 : Software and hardware discounts for students.

Beloit College students are eligible for significant discounts on Microsoft software. Once you have received your Beloit College email account from the Admissions Office you can access the site: http://elms06.e-academy.com/waicu2/index.cfm?loc=main Dell and Macintosh computer purchase discount information for Beloit students: http://www.beloit.edu/isr/discounts.php

Tip #3 : Practice safe computing!

To protect your computer and the College’s network, College policy requires that computers connected to the College network must: Run up-to-date Symantec/ Norton Anti-Virus software provided FREE to current Beloit College students. When you arrive on campus in August you’ll be provided with information about accessing and loading the College’s anti-virus software;

• Keep all operating system software current with the latest security-related patches. These patches are FREE. If you’re running the Windows operating system, use Internet Explorer to go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and click the Express button to apply any updates that your system may need. Make sure to set up automatic downloads of new security patches.

Note: No time like the present to start this process! When you arrive on campus and authenticate on the network, an automated scan of your operating system will be performed as a part of the authentication process. If you haven’t updated your Windows operating system with the latest security patches, your network access may be blocked until this step is completed.

Tip #4 : Help will be available!
The Information Services & Resources (ISR) staff will be available to assist new students with connecting to the campus network from residence hall rooms providing instruction for loading Symantec/Norton Anti-Virus software and downloading the latest operating system updates. Network (or Ethernet) cables will be available for on nominal charge:

Saturday August 18, 10am-3pm in President’s Lounge, outside the Commons Dining Hall

Monday – Friday August 20-24, and August 27 from 9am-5pm on the second floor of Mayer Hall.

Starting August 28, regular hours for student computer support are Mondays-Fridays, 3-5pm in Mayer 201.

Information Resources and Technology Homepage