Computing @ RU

1
Computing _at_ RU

• Academic Computing Quest 2004

2
What are we going to cover?

• Wireless Network
• Microsoft Campus Agreement
• Tablet PCs What are they?
• Computer Recommendations
• Computer Support
• Storage Devices
• Antivirus Software
• P2P Networks

3
Mobile Computing _at_ RU

• Wireless Initiative underway
• To be completed by August
• What will be wireless?
• Almost everything!
• Academic Buildings (Classrooms)
• Residence Halls
• 802.11b/g up to 54Mbs
• Students will need an 802.11b or 802.11g
  compliant network card
• Most newer mobile computers have wireless card
  built-in

4
MS Campus Agreement

• University has paid licensing cost for students
  to use several Microsoft packages.
• Available software includes
• Microsoft Office 2003 Professional
• Windows XP Upgrade
• Microsoft OneNote
• Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac
• Media purchased from bookstore for 12 a title
• Must be removed if student leaves before
  graduating
• Users must sign and agree to terms of electronic
  or printed license agreement

5
What is a Tablet PC?

• A fully functional notebook computer that runs
  Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
• Runs all Windows XP Applications
• In addition to standard notebook functionality,
  the tablet provides
• Digital Ink capabilities allowing for pen-based
  markup of documents and handwritten notes
• Handwriting recognition
• Voice Recognition

6
Types of Tablet Computers

• Slate
• More like a notepad
• No keyboard
• USB ports available for external keyboards
• Convertible
• Converts from a Slate style tablet to a notebook
  computer

7
Why should a student purchase a tablet?

• Mobility
• Digital Ink electronic notes
• Ability to use a computer in areas that are more
  difficult with a traditional laptop.

8
PowerPoint notes with a Tablet (Journal)

• Electronically save PowerPoint Presentations and
  take notes directly on the slides.
• Quick access to course notes.

9
Microsoft OneNote

• The real power behind the Tablet PC
• Take notes just like you would with pen and paper
• Organize notes by subject, class, date or any
  criteria you specify
• Combine text, handwriting, and recorded audio all
  on one page
• Powerful search feature search all of your
  handwritten notes with the click of a button
• Specify definitions of terms as you take notes to
  allow you to easily look up words without having
  to wade through your notes

10
OneNote Notebook
11
RU Recommendation

• Gateway m275 Price 1880
• http//esourc.gateway.com/radfordu2
• Convertible Style
• 1.5GHz Pentium M Processor
• 512MB Memory
• 40GB Hard Drive (4200 RPM)
• Integrated CD-RW DVD Combo Drive
• 14.1 Screen
• 10/100 Network Port
• 802.11g wireless adapter
• 1394 Firewire
• 2 USB 2.0 Ports
• V.92 56K modem
• Extra Battery
• Backpack carrying case
• 3 Years of Support

12
Other Purchase Notes

• Addition of port replicator can turn tablet into
  desktop
• No accidental damage protection available in
  Virginia

13
Are other models available?

• RU is has purchased over 300 Gateway tablet
  computers for faculty and staff and has made this
  our model of choice.
• Dell does not make a tablet computer, but we have
  worked with them to provide an option for those
  who do not wish to purchase the tablet.
• Dell D505 1703
• Same configuration as Gateway without tablet
  functionality
• Addition of Complete Care

14
What if I use a Macintosh?

• Majority of RU faculty and students use Windows
  computers.
• Some departments on campus do you Macintosh
  computers. Students in these departments often
  have Windows computers or Macintosh computers
• Contact department representative
• Art, Biology, Media Studies, Music and Theatre
• iBook
• OS X.3, 1GHz G4, 512MB, 40GB
• AirPort Extreme Wireless Card

15
Computer Support

• RU support Windows XP as the primary operating
  system
• Network connectivity support only provided for
  Windows XP operating system
• Windows XP upgrade available under Microsoft
  Campus Agreement from the RU bookstore
• Unfortunately we are unable to provide assistance
  for the Windows XP upgrade procedure

16
Storage Devices

• Network storage space Safest place to save work
• Network drive available from anywhere via RU
  Portal My Files page.
• USB thumb drives are convenient for quick
  reliable storage
• Removable magnetic media such as Floppies and
  Zips are very risky and often result in
  significant loss of data.

17
P2P Networks

• Consumes valuable academic resources (network
  bandwidth)
• Often introduce malicious code including viruses
  and spyware
• RIAA has submitted subpoenas for violators to
  several Universities
• P2P applications are now disabled campus wide
  (Kazaa, BearShare, Limewire, Morpheus, )

18
Antivirus Software

• McAfee antivirus available free of charge for
  download for all students from the Portal
  https//www.portal.radford.edu and via checkout
  from the Library.
• Automatically updates definition files
• Students without McAfee antivirus installed on
  their computer may have their network access
  disabled in the event that a virus is running on
  their computer

19
More Information

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