Frequently Asked Questions
General Campus Resources:
What kinds of computer resources are available on campus?
The University provides a network port for each student in a residence hall room, along with connections in many classrooms and throughout the Kinlaw Library. In addition to network ports being available throughout campus, wireless internet is also available in most classroom spaces, and in all undergraduate on-campus housing. Four general-purpose computer labs are available to students, though most students elect to have their own computer. If students bring their own computer, Information Technology Services will provide them with directions for connecting it to the network. Internet access and individual email accounts are available to all students. Students of Asbury University can receive discounts from Dell and Apple. [more information].
Is any software provided for students by the University?
Yes, students are licensed for our anti-virus software, Sophos, and the Microsoft Office Suite. Office includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access database. All enrolled students are licensed to use Microsoft Office on their own computer. They may purchase an installation CD for a small fee ($15) from the University Bookstore. Any class-required software is made available in our computer labs. For information or to request support on software problem you experieincing please contact the Information Technology Services Help Desk.
Do students need their own computers?
Not necessarily. The need varies by department and the area of study chosen by the student. Most departments do not require nor expect students to have their own computer. When a computer is required to complete class assignments, the computer labs on campus are readily available with all necessary software and printers and scanners.
What is available in the computer labs?
We provide computers running either Mac OS X or Microsoft Windows 7. Both color and black/white printers are available as well as scanners. All necessary software for classroom assignments is also available in the labs. All computers are equipped with DVD burners. Students are given server space to store their files, which is also accessible from any network port on campus.
What are the minimum requirements for student computers on campus?
Windows
Apple MAC OS X
Operating System
Windows XP or better
OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or better
Monitor/Resolution
1024 x 768
1024 x 768
Processor
Dual Core or better
Intel Processor - Dual Core or Better
Memory/RAM
Minimum: 512 MB
Recommended: 2 GBMinimum: 512 MB
Recommended: 2 GBHard Drive/HDD 80 GB or Larger 80 GB or Larger Networking (for both)
Wired: 10 or 100Mb Ethernet network interface card (NIC) and standard category 5 network cable.
Wireless 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n.
Is there a wireless network on campus?
Yes, most campus buildings including all on-campus residence halls, the Kinlaw Library, the Student Center and Johnson Cafeteria and Grille have wireless access. Because wireless internet is now available throughout the dorms, students may not use their own wireless access points in their residence hall rooms. For more information, please contact the Information Technology Services Help Desk.
What operating systems are supported on campus?
Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 and Windows XP, Vista & 7.
Though troubleshooting support is not provided for Linux, it is compatible with the campus network. Students who choose to use Linux are responsible for configuring their own systems.
Does the campus network support voice or video communication over the Internet?
Due to limited Internet bandwidth, Asbury University does not support voice or video communication over the Internet. Video cameras and Internet phone software may not function properly through the campus Internet connection.
Does the campus network support instant messaging?
Yes, many of the instant messaging systems function on our network. The university does not limit or block instant messaging.
Bringing a Computer to Campus
What support can Asbury University provide for a student computer?
Information Technology Services provides instructions for configuring the computer for the campus network. If needed, the Help Desk can assist with basic software configuration, including installation of Microsoft Office. Basic hardware diagnosis is also offered for students. Basic software support is available for commonly used applications. Advanced software issues will be handled by fulltime staff as time permits.
Since Asbury University offers on-campus support, do I still need to purchase the manufacturer's warranty?
Yes. The Asbury on-campus support is primarily software support. Students are responsible for purchasing replacement parts or the manufacturer's warranty. Some vendors provide on-site repairs. We recommend that you purchase that service.
Can Asbury students receive any computer discounts?
Yes. Asbury students can receive discounts from Apple and Dell. For purchasing information, visit the student computer purchase page .
(Note: Asbury University does not receive commissions from these vendors when students purchase computers. We are simply providing a way for students to save money on their computer purchases.) For questions about this, please contact us.
Does Asbury recommend purchasing an extended warranty from the manufacturer?
Yes. We strongly recommend purchasing an extended warranty to cover expensive repairs after the initial warranty. The recommended Dell desktop computers and laptops are bundled with a multi-year warranty. Apple computers ship with a standard one-year warranty unless Apple Care is chosen, which extends the warranty to 3 years.
Do I need a printer? If so, what printer should I buy?
Information Technology Services provides a print account to all currently enrolled students of $40.00 per semester. This amount is an 'allotment' by I.T. Services, and thus not refundable to students who do not use the whole amount. If students use more than their $40.00 allottment, the amount will be charged to their student account.
Many students do find it useful to bring their own printer to campus. The University does not have a preference as to which printer you purchase or bring to campus. At this time, the University repair technicians do not provide repair services for printers. All computer labs are equipped with printers. Personal printers which allow wireless printing may or may not work on our campus network.
What if students bring old computers to campus?
They are free to use them on campus. It may not meet their needs for the entire four years, but it is wise to wait until students know their needs before buying a new computer.
Phones
What phone services are provided on campus?
Each residence hall room has one phone jack and extension number. In addition, each phone extension includes voicemail. Students must provide their own phone, and come to Help Desk in order to have their line activated. By default, phone lines in the dorms aren't active until a request is made at Help Desk by the student. Local phone calls are free of charge. Long distance calling cards are available at the University Bookstore and local retailers.
Cable TV
Is cable TV provided on campus?
Yes. Each residence hall room has one cable TV outlet. Students must provide their own TV and coax cable. The cable TV system includes a Teleguide Channel (channel 67), 5 local channels, 46 Dish Network channels, 7 HD channels and a variety of campus channels. Channel line-up cards are available at the Information Technology Services Help Desk and online here.
Who to call?
If you experience problems with cable TV, residence hall phones, or personal computers, contact the Information Technology Services Help Desk at ext. 2177. During weekday evening hours, student workers are available to provide support.
What to bring to campus?
- 1 Coax cable (for your TV)
- 1 Telephone (one per dorm room if you plan on activating your phone)
- 1 Ethernet (network) cable* (per computer)
* Most students require a 20'-30’ network cable to allow greater flexibility for computer placement in the dorm room. Please keep this in mind when purchasing a network cable.
