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Student Computing at Trinity FAQ

  1. Would you recommend a student bring his or her own computer to school?
  2. Does the University sell computers?
  3. Is one computer brand better than another?
  4. What computer systems are supported in the Residence Halls?
  5. Does Trinity have a wireless network that I can connect to?
  6. Do I need to purchase any software like Microsoft Office for my PC or Office Mac for my Apple computer?
  7. Who's responsible for setting up my computer on the network?
  8. What is an RCC?
  9. I have some really cool files I would like to share with my friends - this is okay, right?
  10. How can I protect my computer from viruses, spyware, etc?
  11. Should I buy a printer?
  12. What are the fees associated with the residence hall network?
  13. Can students continue to use the software provided by Trinity's Communication Technology Fee after they leave the university?
  1. Would you recommend a student bring his or her own computer to school?

    Most first year students bring their own computer allowing them both convenience and mobility. Having a computer, however, is not a necessity as Trinity University does maintain a number of student computer labs.

  2. Does the University sell computers?

    No, the University does not have a computer purchase program. Students can purchase a computer directly from the manufacturer: Dell, Apple, etc.

  3. Is one computer brand better than another?

    Major computer brands such as Dell, Apple, and others offer competitive products, but may vary in technical support and service - support and service can be a key factor if future issues arise with your computer. Stay away from generic clones sold though mail order and some small dealers. These machines will only save you a few dollars, and are nearly always trouble later.

  4. What computer systems are supported in the Residence Halls?

    New Purchase Recommendations

    PC (Windows) – If you are purchasing a new computer from a well known and reputable PC manufacturer the latest hardware and operating system will be installed. If you have questions regarding Microsoft’s new operating system Vista go here. New PCs should meet all of the basic requirements for connecting to Trinity’s network. If you have a laptop and are interested in connecting to our wireless network go here for the latest wireless information.

    Mac (Apple) – If purchasing a new Mac it will have the latest equipment available at the time of sale and will meet or exceed our basic hardware and software requirements for connecting to Trinity’s network.

    *Tip: For the best performance with Windows Vista we recommend 2 Gigabytes or more of RAM (memory) and at least 128 Megabytes of video RAM.

    AMD/Intel-based Personal Computer – Minimum Supported Hardware Criteria

    Windows XP with Service Pack 3

    Intel 1.66 Core Duo processor (or AMD equivalent) with 1 GB of system memory, 128 MB of graphics memory, with a 40 or larger hard drive having at least 10 GB of storage space and a CD-RW/DVD ROM drive.

    Windows Vista

    Because Windows Vista is a much more robust operating system a greater amount of memory and processing power is required to run it efficiently and effectively. If you plan on purchasing a new computer it will be Vista capable and is designed to run Microsoft's latest operating system. Older computers, however, will be required to meet specific minimum physical criteria, which may or may not work properly or efficiently after upgrading to Windows Vista. If you have an older PC that was designed for Windows XP go here to determine if Vista can be installed or what version would be most suitable for your machine. Please keep in mind that Microsoft provides a list of minimum hardware requirements to run Vista, and if adhered to, usually fails to provide users with a satisfied computing experience. We recommend, if possible, doubling or tripling Windows XP's hardware criteria above to operate Windows Vista sufficiently.

    Windows 7

    Windows 7 is Microsoft's next operating system scheduled for release Otober 22, 2009. Though our testing has been positive, Windows 7 is not officially supported on Trinity's network.

    *Tip: to continue running software programs efficiently throughout the life of your computer, we recommend installing additional memory that exceeds Microsoft’s requirements. Doing so will allow for future software needs while enhancing your multi-tasking capability.

    Apple Computer – Minimum Supported Criteria

    Mac OS X 10.5.8 (Leopard – non-dual booting)

    G4 processor with 1 GB of memory, CD-R or CD-RW/DVD drive, and a network interface card.

    Mac OS X 10.5.8 (Leopard – dual booting with Windows XP or Vista)

    2 GHz Intel Core Duo processor with 1-2 Gigabyte of memory and a CD-RW/DVD drive with a network interface card.

    Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)

    Apple's latest operating system, Snow Leopard, will not be released until September 2009 and is not officially supported on Trinity's network at this time.

  5. Does Trinity have a wireless network that I can connect to?

    Trinity University has 802.11b/g wireless capability in every classroom and residence hall on campus. In order to connect to Trinity's wireless network your computer must have a wireless card that supports WPA (1 or 2) and PEAPv0. Most Wi-Fi certified cards meet these requirements. Instructions can be found on the ITS Wireless Support web page. Any additional questions about coverage area can be directed to the Information Technology Helpdesk 210 999-7409.

  6. Do I need to purchase any software like Microsoft Office for my PC or Office Mac for my Apple computer?

    No. As part of your Technology Communication Fee Office 2007 will be available for Windows compatible PC's and Office 2008 will be available for Apple users. All office products can be either downloaded from our network under tucc-tiger or acquired from the Circulation Desk on the 3rd floor, main entrance level, of the Coats Library.

    *The Trinity University Code of Ethics for Computing forbids illegal duplication of computer software.

  7. Who's responsible for setting up my computer on the network?

    Students are encouraged to set up and configure their own computers on the network using the Getting Connected Manual or online instructions. If a connection cannot be obtained using either method go to the Student Computer Service Center located in Winn 103 or contact the Information Technology Helpdesk for assistance and an RCC will be assigned a work order to evaluate the problem.

  8. What is an RCC?

    RCC stands for Resident Computer Consultant. RCC's are students hired by Information Technology Services to assist students with their network configuration and connection to TigerNet. A student with connectivity issues may contact the Helpdesk x7409 or helpdesk@trinity.edu to receive assistance from an RCC.

  9. I have some really cool files I would like to share with my friends - this is okay, right?

    This depends on what type of files that are shared. If you created it and wanted to share your work with others using BitTorrent, KaZaA, Morpheous, or DirectConnect etc., and it is not copyrighted then it is legal. If, however, files are copyrighted and are being shared then this is in violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1997. Under Trinity University's Rules and Policies web page students should review, understand, and comply with all Information Technogy Services Policies.

  10. How can I protect my computer from viruses, spyware, etc?                                                                                                                                                                        Trinity provides Sophos Anti-virus software for both PC and Mac users. Prior to installing Sophos the student must uninstall any previously installed anti-virus software they have on their machine. This will ensure there are no software conflicts that affect the operation of their computer. After the software has been installed the student must double-click the Sophos icon in the taskbar to update the virus definition files. Failure to update these files regularly and consistently will leave the computer vulnerable to newly created virus attacks. Spyware is any software that installs and runs itself in the background of a computer while utilizing an internet connection without the knowledge and explicit permission from the user. Sophos Anti-virus, supplied to all Trinity students, has a built-in anti-spyware program. In order for spyware removal software to be effective the user must regularly check for and update spyware definition files. Trinity also requests that all computers are updated with the latest security patches and operating system updates prior to connecting to the wired and wireless networks. More information can be found on the Computer Security web pages.

  11. Should I buy a printer?

    Convenience is the greatest benefit of having your own printer, however, Trinity University provides printing services in all of the public computer labs, including the library, which enable students to utilize their Tiger Card and the Tiger Bucks on that card to purchase printing at 9 cents per page, 14 cents per page duplexed, and 75 cents per page color. If you are planning to purchase a printer consider your needs verses options such as color printing and print quality.

  12. What are the fees associated with the residence hall network?

    The students residing on campus will pay a $405.00 Technology communication fee per semester. This fee will include the Tiger Card, cable television, telephone, data fee, Microsoft Windows Vista upgrade, virus scanning software, and office products for both PC and Mac. Off campus students will pay a $87.50 data fee that includes all office suite programs, virus scanning software, and the upgrade version of Windows Vista. Students, living on campus, can download this software from Trinity's network resources or obtain the CD from the Circulation Desk located on the 3rd level (main entry) of the Coates Library.

    *The Information Technology Services Policies forbids illegal duplication of computer software.

  13. Can students continue to use the software provided by Trinity's Communication Technology Fee after they leave the university?

    No. Once students graduate or leave Trinity they are no longer entitled or licensed to use this software. The software is only valid as long as you are a registered student at Trinity University and must be removed from your computer when your student status has ended.


 
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