Campus Computing & Telecommunications Frequently Asked Questions

The college offers computer access for general student use in all residence halls and via three computer labs at Hugh Stephens Library. For more information about computer labs and printing, please visit the following link: http://www.stephens.edu/service/ccts/labs/

http://www.stephens.edu/services/ccts/labs/

2. How much does wireless Internet access cost? What are the benefits and requirements and how do I sign up for it?

Wireless connectivity is no longer an extra charge and is included in the students tuition fee. Wireless allows students to research using network resources that are not hosted by Stephens College within their dorm room. The requirements are a compatible wireless adapter and a computer, once connected to the wireless network students can register for the service, once completed the students may then start using the service for off campus websites.

3. What kind of wireless card should I get for my computer?

Our wireless network supports the 802.11b or 802.11b/g standard. Starting price for a wireless card is $30.00. You can purchase one from the bookshelf, or any local retailer.

4. How fast is the campus network?

Students with wireless Internet access connect to the Stephens local area network with a comparable speed to a DSL line.

5. How much does it cost for printing, where do I pay, what kind of printing is available?

To print a black and white page the cost is $.05/page and color is $.50/page. Printer fees help reduce waste and cover supply expenses. Students must pay for printing in advance by crediting money to their printing account. They may do this either in the Accounting Office or Hugh Stephens Library. Please refer to the following web link for more information:

http://www.stephens.edu/services/ccts/labs/

6. Why do students have to pay wireless Internet access and printer fees?

Stephens does not include a technology fee in the tuition; therefore, we charge fees to provide and maintain services. The average cost per month based on a nine month academic year is $20 per month.

7. What kind of service and support is available for my student’s computer system?

Campus Computing will support problems related to wireless network connections and security events. Campus Computing does not have the resource to install, support, repair, or troubleshoot software and hardware related problems in a timely manner. Students may contact Campus Computing for advice or for help in diagnosing a problem. We recommend that if the computer is under warranty that the manufacturer or reseller be contacted for support. We do not endorse any computer repair company.

8. What if I my student’s computer has a virus or my computer is generating a lot pop-up ads?

Students should continually keep their anti-virus software and operating system, such as Windows or Mac OS X, up-to-date to help prevent virus attacks. Also, web browser pop-up blockers and spyware detection and removal software will help protect against spyware and malware. If you suspect your computer has a virus, contact Campus Computing for support.

9. Does each student need a Stephens e-mail account and why?

All residential students are required to have a Stephens's email account, since important college correspondence will be done through email. Students need to remember their username and password, as it will be used to access other network resources, such as printing and online courses via Blackboard.

10. Do we sell software or licenses?

Campus Computing does not provide or sell software licenses. Students may inquire at the Bookshelf for software purchases. The bookshelf sells an academic version of Microsoft Office for $75.00.

11. Do students need Microsoft Office or Word?

Microsoft Office or Word is not required for writing papers, but it is preferred since all faculty use either one. Microsoft Windows comes with a basic editor called WordPad, which is compatible with Word. Mac OS X also comes with a basic editor called Text Edit.

12. What kind of computer or software do you recommend? Are there any departmental requirements or recommendations?

Please consult with the program char for any special requirements. Students may choose any brand of computer they prefer, such as Gateway, Dell, HP, etc. Stephens has partnered with Apple and Dell to offer an online store and discounted pricing for students. Please visit the following link for access to the online store: http://www.stephens.edu/services/ccts/.

Telephones

13. Will I have a phone connection in my room? What features are included?

There is one working telephone line in each residence hall room. Students should bring their own touchtone phone. Features include: call waiting, call forwarding, call transfer, 911 emergency locator, and voice mail. Roommates must share a line.

14. Does Stephens provide long distance service?

No. Stephens does not offer long distance to students. Declining interest and increased use of cell phones and callings cards has influenced this decision. Calling cards can be purchased in the Stephens Bookshelf. Students can receive long distance calls in their residence hall rooms.

15. How does my student set up voicemail?

Instructions for setting up voicemail are distributed during early registration and orientation. The student can dial 4324 to access their voicemail and follow the prompts. If you need assistance, you may contact Campus Computing and Telecommunications.

16. What if my student doesn’t want voicemail?

Every residence hall room telephone line comes with voicemail service. There is no need to bring an answering machine. Students may wish to use an answering machine to screen calls, as caller ID is not available. Students can request to have voicemail disconnected by contacting Campus Computing and Telecommunications. Roommates must give consent before voicemail can be removed.

17. What should my student do if there is a problem with the telephone?

Please check all the connections and cords. If you still have problems with your phone and you may contact Campus Computing and Telecommunications.

18. How do I connect to the wireless network?

In Windows Vista, you can connect to the wireless network by clicking on the Windows (start) button, and then select 'Connect To'. You will then have a pull down window in which you can select 'Wireless'. The name for the Stephens Wireless Network is 'sc-students-w1'. Double click this connection and you will be prompted to enter a password. Put in the password you were given at the beginning of the semester. Enter it twice, and you will be connected to the network. At this point, when you open up your browser you will be automatically directed to a page where you will be prompted to register your computer using your first name, last name and last 4 digits of your SSN.

On a MAC, to connect to the wireless network, go to the Airport menu through System Preferences - Network. Select 'Airport' and then click the pull down menu and select the network labeled 'sc-students-w1'. Type in the password you were given at the beginning of the semester. At this point, when you open up your browser you will be automatically directed to a page where you will be prompted to register your computer using your first name, last name and last 4 digits of your SSN.

19. My secure wireless connections says unable to connect to the selected network.

Make sure that you are connecting to the correct network. The correct network is sc-students-w1.

20. I am connected to the correct network, but when I try to access a page outside the Stephens network, I am redirected to the Wireless Network Service Registration Form .

You need to register in our database before you can access the internet. To do so, fill in your first name, your last name and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number. This will take you to a page where you can register for the wireless network service.

21. I cannot view any wireless networks, I am not sure if I have a wireless adaptor in my computer.

Although most laptops come with built in Wireless adaptors, desktop computers generally are not built with wireless capability . Most electronic stores\departments sell USB wireless adaptors which plug into the USB port on your computer. Our network uses 802.11 b/g protocols , which is the standard for most USB adaptors that you will find in your local electronics department.

22. I have a laptop and I know it has built-in wireless capabilities, but I am unable to view any networks

Most laptops have the ability to turn on and off their wireless adaptors. You may have inadvertently turned yours off. Each laptop is different, there may be a switch on the side or there may be a function key such as Fn + F2 that will turn on or off the wireless adaptor.

23.What areas of campus are covered by the wireless network?

Currently about 90% of the buildings on campus are covered by the wireless network. We do not currently have any coverage in outdoor areas.

24. Can I use my PDA or iPhone to connect to the wireless network?

In most cases, peripheral devices with 802.11 b/g capabilities will be able to connect to the wireless network. Please contact Campus Computing if you will like to connect additional devices to our network, as it will be necessary for us to register multiple devices to a single user.