Technology RU

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Technology _at_ RU
Division of Information Technology
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Technology _at_ RU
Electronic Classrooms
Labs
Division of Information Technology
Network
Computer Recommendations
Software Recommendations
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Electronic Classrooms
Designed to enhance the use of technology in the
classroom, approximately 200 classrooms now boast
custom built state-of the-art electronic podiums.
The electronic classrooms include LCD
televisions/monitors, DVD/VCRs, overhead
projectors and an instructor's computer all
displayed from a high power ceiling mounted
projector. Our newest facilities in Young Hall
are completely digital with High Definition video.
Division of Information Technology
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Computer Labs
Our key services include high speed duplex black
and white and duplex color laser printing,
scanners, CD-burners, internet access, Microsoft
Office Suite, Adobe Suite, and RU-specific course
software.
Division of Information Technology
Locations Walker Hall (Walker Technology
Center) Academic Buildings (Department Specific)
Currie Powell Stuart
McGuffey Bonnie Russell Davis
Waldron Cook Young
Whitt Muse
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RU Network

• 802.11g Wireless Connectivity
• What is wireless and where is it? Almost
  everywhere!
• Academic Buildings (Classrooms)
• Residence Halls
• Student Center, Dining Halls
• Most new notebook computers have wireless
  built-in
• Wired connections in residence halls provide
  faster more reliable connections (100Mbs.)

Division of Information Technology
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Computer Recommendations

• Common Questions
• Is a computer required? Computers are not
  required.
• Should I buy a desktop or notebook?
• We recommend a notebook computer.
• 3. What if I already have a computer or just
  purchased a computer?
• Bring what you have.

Division of Information Technology
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Computer Recommendations

• Why Mobile Computing?
• Develop a strong set of technology skills
• while attending RU
• 2. Provides anywhere anytime access to
  information and resources
• 3. Allows students to easily receive technical
  support.
• 4. Reduced space in residence hall rooms

Division of Information Technology
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Computer Recommendations

• Will I take my laptop to class?
• 1. Most classes will not require laptops
• Students must be disciplined
• Instant Messaging Email can be a distraction
• 4. Plan and practice how you will take notes
• 5. Tablet provides advantages in note taking
  noise
• 6. Some faculty may not allow in class

Division of Information Technology
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Computer Recommendations

• What should I keep in mind when purchasing a
• computer?
• 1. Consumer vs Business
• 2. Apple vs Windows
• 3. Hardware Support
• 4. Accidental Damage
• 5. Theft

Division of Information Technology
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Computer Recommendations
Consumer Class 1. Cheaper components 2. Less
Standardization 3. Retail Stores 4. Hard to
support due to driver problems Business
Class 1. Standard components across
the line 2. More rugged 3. Easier for RU and
vendor to support 4. Longer lasting
Division of Information Technology
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Computer Recommendations
Apple vs Windows Buy what you are most
comfortable using Each platform has advantages
and disadvantages Talk with you Academic
Advisor Windows will run on new Apple
hardware using Boot Camp or Parallels Apple and
Microsoft do not support the installation
process for Windows on Apple computers at this
time.
Division of Information Technology
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Computer Recommendations
Accidents Do HAPPEN!!! Accidental Damage
Protection Strongly Encouraged Available from
most vendors Covers spills, drops and other
damage Lenovo (ThinkPad Protection) Dell
(Complete Care) Apple (Not Offered)
www.safeware.com
Division of Information Technology
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Computer Recommendations
Theft Protection
Kensington Laptop Cable Physical cable Audible
Alarm / Lock Targus Defcon 1 LoJack for Laptops
(Absolute Software Corp -CompuTrace) Computer
silently contacts monitoring center and if stolen
reports its location using any Internet
connection. Insurance Homeowners
insurance Safeware - www.safeware.com
Division of Information Technology
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Computer Recommendations
Bringing my Current Computer

• Do not recommend Vista upgrade
• RU does not support anything below XP
• Required network security checks will not work
  with systems prior to Windows XP
• XP upgrade available in the RU Bookstore 14.99

Division of Information Technology
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Computers on Contract
Division of Information Technology

• http//www.radford.edu

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RUs Level of Support

• Phone based and walk in support for common
  configuration problems
• Full software support and hardware
  troubleshooting for Apple and Lenovo systems
• Assistance with warranty repairs will be
  coordinated for Apple and Lenovo systems.
• Loaner laptops are available for those that
  purchase from the Universitys program.

Division of Information Technology
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Software Recommendations

• Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise (2008 for Apple)
• RU Bookstore 14.99
• VPN (Secure Network Tunnel)
• FREE RU Portal Download
• Antivirus Software (Symantec)
• FREE RU Portal Download
• Clean Access (Wireless network authentication)
• FREE RU Portal Download (Windows only)
• Windows Update (Control panel-gtSystem-gtAutomatic
  Updates)
• Please enable before you arrive

Division of Information Technology
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MS Campus Agreement

• Radford University has paid licensing cost for
  students to use several Microsoft packages.
• Available software includes
• Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise (Word, Excel,
  Powerpoint, Access) 14.99
• Microsoft OneNote
• Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac (Word, Excel,
  Powerpoint) 14.99
• Windows XP Upgrades 14.99
• Windows Vista Business Upgrade 14.99
• Windows Vista Ultimate 19.99
• Must be removed if student leaves before
  graduating
• Users must sign and agree to terms of electronic
  or printed license agreement

Division of Information Technology
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P2P Networks / Bit Torrent

• Consumes valuable academic resources (network
  bandwidth)
• Often introduce malicious code including viruses
  and spyware
• RIAA has submitted subpoenas for violators to
  several Universities
• iTunes or other paid music services are ok

Division of Information Technology
P2P applications are now disabled campus wide
(Kazaa, BearShare, Limewire, Morpheus, )
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Other Recommendations

• Backup Transporting of files critical to
  success
• Flash Drive 2GB or larger recommended
• Network storage space Safest place to save your
  work.
• Network drive is available from anywhere via RU
  Portal My Files page.
• Personal Printer
• Spare Battery

Division of Information Technology
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Questions?
More Information

• http//cio.asp.radford.edu
• Call the Technology Assistance Center at (540)
  831-7500
• Email us at helpdesk_at_radford.edu

Division of Information Technology