Laptop Frequently Asked Questions
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Laptop Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have a question that is not answered here, please email your question to helpdesk@centenarycollege.edu
- Who is going to get a laptop?
- When will we get the laptops?
- Do commuting students get laptops?
- What if I am a full time student student and not living on campus?
- Do we get to keep the laptop computers after graduation?
- What happens over breaks, do we hand the laptop in?
- How are grad students involved?
- Is there an option not to receive a laptop?
- What happens if you have your own laptop, can you use that?
- Can I have a (college owned) desktop in addition to the laptop?
- What will happen to the computer labs?
- Where are the current PCs going? When are the PCs leaving the dorms?
- Why can’t I have a MAC? I’m a design major?
- Why do we need ___ my current PC works fine! (Yes, this was asked!)
- Is the attendance policy going to change now that faculty might email their lectures to us?
- Do you think students (such as freshmen), are responsible enough to have a laptop?
- For commuters, do they still have access to the network?
- Can we install other programs?
- Can I bring the laptop to class?
- Will you be required to bring the laptop to class?
- How will the laptop change the way classes are taught?
- How will the helpdesk work?
- What are the hours of support service?
- Will tech support be adequate? (ie better than now???)
- How will my own laptop hook into the school’s system?
- Can you use the laptop to study abroad?
- Is the warranty only good during your 4 years here at school?
- Will there be a commuter lounge for these students to go to?
- What will stop me from IM'ing or downloading Porn in class?
- Is there a deduction in tuition if I already own a computer?
- Is the tech fee optional if I don’t want a computer?
- What is the relationship of the tuition increase to the laptop?
- What is the buy-out option for a December grad?
- How will the computers be insured?
- Can we sell the laptop?
- What if it is stolen, lost, or damaged?
- How much will the computers cost?
- Will a deposit or collateral be required?
- What are the upgrade capacities as the computers get older?
- Will it be the same laptop from year to year?
- Are the laptops going to be up to date?
- How are the computers being serviced?
- What brand will the laptops be?
- What model will the laptop be, what are it's specifications?
- What is the printer compatibility?
- What accessories will come with the computer: CDROM? Disk Drive? External Mouse? Extra disk drive?
- What programs are on the computers?
- Will my own computer work with the wireless service?
- How quickly will repairs happen?
- Will the wireless network, and the Internet in general, be faster then the residence halls are now?
- Will a case or bag be provided with the laptop?
- Will there be equal service (internet) in all locations?
- Will wireless be available in all rooms on campus?
- Will the laptops have Photoshop and Graphic Design programs?
- What is the warranty of the laptop?
General Policy Questions
Usage Questions
- Who is going to get a laptop?
Everyone that is enrolled as a traditional full-time degree seeking student.
- When will we get the laptops?
The first set of laptop will be distributed to full-time enrolled students during the first of week of classes in September, 2003.
- Do commuting students get laptops?
Yes, all students who are enrolled full-time in one of our degree seeking programs will receive a laptop commuter starting in the Fall Semester of 2003. Both resident students and commuting students will receive the same type of computer.
- What if I am a full time student student and not living on campus?
As long as you are enrolled as a full-time degree seeking student, then you will be able to keep your laptop unit until graduation. You may continue to use your laptop while student teaching or studying abroad.
- Do we get to keep the laptop computers after graduation?
At this time, that has not yet been determined. There may possibly be a buyout option depending on the vendor contract.
- What happens over breaks, do we hand the laptop in?
Students will keep their laptop units during Christmas Break and Spring Break. We are currently investigating options regarding summer break.
- How are grad students involved?
We are currently investigating laptop options for our graduate program and CAPS program students.
- Is there an option not to receive a laptop?
All students will be required to use the laptop unit as an information organizer, as a research tool, as a communication tool, and as a learning tool to support their course work activities. Students will be required to use their college email accounts in order to receive access to important information and announcements. The College is moving in the direction of creating a non-stop shopping environment similar to other colleges across the country. This concept means that registration, billing, financial aid and other student related services may be accessed via the web for faster and more accurate processing.
- What happens if you have your own laptop, can you use that?
All students will be required to use the College laptop to support classroom learning initiatives. It is imperative that each student have the same set of tools and resources in order to enhance student learning. Students may also use additional computers, but the College will only provide support and service for College owned units.
- Can I have a (college owned) desktop in addition to the laptop?
No. The College will provide only one computer to each full-time enrolled student. The College will provide additional computers for students to use in the multi-media teaching labs, the library, internet café, and designated lounge spaces.
- What will happen to the computer labs?
We will continue to use our seven computer teaching labs. These labs will be equipped with high-end special purpose multi-media software to support specific academic programs.
- Where are the current PCs going? When are the PCs leaving the dorms?
Prior years’ resident hall desktop computers will be removed from student rooms at the end of Spring Semester. These units will be repurposed for other locations throughout the campus. A significant percentage of the units will be placed in the college library and student lounges.
- Why can’t I have a MAC? I’m a design major.
The College will be investing in a brand new start-of-the-art MAC lab to support continued development of the Graphics Arts Program. This program will be enhanced to provide a dual platform learning environment in which the students learn to use the same programs on both a MAC and PC.
- Why do we need a laptop my current PC works fine! (Yes, this was asked!)
We believe that learning occurs everywhere, all the time, so we need to provide each student with equal access to the same learning tool wherever and whenever they need it. The mobility of the laptop unit combined with the wireless internet connectivity provides for a free flowing, rich, never-ending conversation of continual learning.
- Is the attendance policy going to change now that faculty might email their lectures to us?
Class policies will vary from professor to professor. These issues will be effected by one of three types of educational delivery formats: traditional (face-to-face only); blended (some face-to-face and some online materials); and online (no face-to-face, some video). - Do you think students (such as freshmen), are responsible enough to have a laptop?
Yes. We have great expectations that first year students will be as responsible with their laptop units as their upper class peers are.
- For commuters, do they still have access to the network?
Commuter students have access to the network while on campus. The College only provides internet access to residents living on campus grounds. Students living off campus will have to purchase their own internet provider services. This fee generally ranges from $20 to $100. Please contact the Technology Services Helpdesk for support and assistance.
Usage Questions - Can we install other programs?
Yes, you will have access to load software programs needed to support course work. The Technology Services Helpdesk will provide assistance with program installs.
- Can I bring the laptop to class?
Yes, you are strongly encouraged to take your laptop to class sessions. Talk with your professor about the various pedagogical learning methods that can be used to incorporate technology into the teaching and learning processes. During the upcoming semesters, many professors will be using the course management system called Educator to add web-based support materials for their courses. Please call the Technology Services Helpdesk if you need to obtain an Educator log-in account.
- Will you be required to bring the laptop to class?
Talk with your professor about laptop use within the classroom environment, as policies may vary.
- How will the laptop change the way classes are taught?
Over half of our professors have integrated technology into the courses they are teaching. Many of our professors will be working together on team projects during the summer which will involve revising their courses to incorporate effective practices in supplementary web-based learning using the laptop as a communication tool.
- How will the helpdesk work?
The Technology Services Helpdesk will be the central hub for all activity related to the mobile laptop initiative. The helpdesk staff will respond to all requests within a 24 hour period. They will also manage the loaner pool of laptop units for use by part-time students. Battery charging stations will be located at the Library and at the helpdesk. The staff’s first priority will be to provide immediate assistance to professors and students while in class and outside of class.
- What are the hours of support service?
We are currently negotiating repair and maintenance service contracts with several computer vendors. We are asking for 24/7 service agreements.
- Will tech support be adequate? (ie better than now???)
Yes, tech staff support will become more efficient during the upcoming semesters as a result of the laptop initiative. The staff is currently drained by fielding numerous requests from old, ineffective equipment. The goal is to remove the old equipment and replace the machines with new higher-end units. Additional tech staff will be released with the laptop units being serviced by the vendors rather than internally. The result of these processes will free up tech staff time to be able to have more time available to work on other significant technology related problems.
- How will my own laptop hook into the school’s system?
Yes, you may connect your own personal laptop to our campus network system. Please contact the Technology Services Department Helpdesk for assistance.
- Can you use it to study abroad?
Yes, special arrangements may be made to support study abroad programs. Contact the Technology Services Helpdesk for more information.
- Is the warranty only good during your 4 years here at school?
We are still negotiating warranty contracts with vendors. If we proceed with a three year renewal policy, then the warranty would cover the three year life cycle of the unit.
- Will there be a commuter lounge for these students to go to?
Yes, we will create several new lounge spaces for students to use during the upcoming semesters. We are currently creating an Internet Café/ Coffee Shop located in the new Littell Technology Center.
- What will stop me from IM'ing or downloading Porn in class?
Your professor.
Cost Questions
- Is there a deduction in tuition if I already own a computer?
No. All students must have access to the same set of tools and resources in order to maximize the impact of building a common communication platform. Professors and students must have access to a standardized set of tools in order to enhance the effectiveness of the learning processes that will be employed across disciplinary boundaries.
- Is the tech fee optional if I don’t want a computer?
The technology service fee is a required part of the educational experience at Centenary. This fee covers costs associated with providing new student-based network information services and wireless internet connectivity. Each laptop will have wireless internet functionality. This means that each space on campus becomes a “24 hour by 7 day a week “ connected learning space. This mobile computing environment supports our vision of anytime, anyplace student-centered learning.
- What is the relationship of the tuition increase to the laptop?
The cost of the laptop unit is approximately $400 per year, representing only a small percentage of the overall tuition increase. The tuition increase covers all of the quality program initiatives that are currently in progress as the college continues to move forward while undergoing a major academic reorganization. Academic programs are currently being redesigned in an effort to support our new vision of student-centered learning and unparalleled service.
- What is the buy-out option for a December grad?
We are still discussing potential buy-out options with several computer vendors. We would like to be able to offer each student the option to buy their unit upon graduation. (Topic still under discussion.)
- How will the computers be insured?
We are currently investigating insurance coverage options with vendors. (Topic still under discussion.)
- Can we sell the laptop?
No, students can not sell their laptop. The College maintains ownership of the laptop units upon initial purchase.
- What if it is stolen, lost, or damaged?
Students will be ultimately liable for the computer. Students may be required to purchase property insurance or the college may be able to include this as part of the cost of the total package. (Topic still under discussion.)
- How much will the computers cost?
Our estimated budget is for $1,000 per unit. The fleet model approach provides quantity discounts that students would otherwise not be able to get. Thus, we can obtain access to a higher functioning unit for a significantly lower price.
- Will a deposit or collateral be required?
(Topic under discussion.) - What are the upgrade capacities as the computers get older?
The fleet model of purchasing computers in bulk quantity significantly reduces the total cost of ownership. The computers will be replaced on a three year renewal fleet cycle.
- Will it be the same laptop from year to year?
The laptop fleet will be replaced once every three years. Due to significant technological advances that take place from year to year, the specific fleet models purchased will vary.
- Are the laptops going to be up to date?
Yes, the laptop units will be continually updated. The units will be renewed once every three years.
- How are the computers being serviced?
We are still in the negotiation process with computer vendors regarding repair and maintenance issues. We are seeking a three year warranty and service contract for repair work to be conducted by the vendor. We are also asking for a 24 hour turn around. Topic still under discussion.
- What brand will the laptops be?
After soliciting a number of top tier manufacturers, IBM has been selected as the vendor who can best meet student needs at Centenary.
- What model will the laptop be, what are it's specifications?
ThinkPad R Series - R40 (27233XU)
Intel Pentium M 1.3Ghz Processor
256MB DDR-RAM (on 1 DIMM)
40GB Hard Drive
14.1" TFT Active Matrix Display XGA (1024 X 768)
DVD/CD-RW Optical Drive
Keyboard - Standard Full-sized keys
Integrated Centrino 802.11b Wireless
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
Integrated 1394 Firewire
Integrated V.90 (V.92 designated) Modem
Stereo Speakers
Dual TrackPoint/UltraNav Pointing Devices
USB 2.0 (Universal Serial Bus Port)
Lithium Ion Battery - 5.7 to 6.2 hrs
6.1lbs - 6.7lbs travel weight
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Office XP Suite
3 year EasyServ International Warranty
- What is the printer compatibility?
The College will no longer provide individual printers for use in student dorm rooms. Students may use their own personal printer with their laptop computer. Please contact the Technology Services Helpdesk for support in loading printer drivers. Centralized printing will be available at the Library and at the Technology Services Helpdesk.
- What accessories will come with the computer: CDROM? Disk Drive? External Mouse? Extra disk drive?
See Computer Configuration Sheet attached at the end of this document. (Topic still under discussion.)
- What programs are on the computers?
Software included: Windows XP and Office XP.
- Will my own computer work with the wireless service?
Yes, your own computer may work with our wireless service. Please contact the Technology Services Department Helpdesk for assistance. (Topic still under discussion.)
- How quickly will repairs happen?
It depends on the problem that is identified. Loaner units will be provided if the service takes more than 24 hours to complete.
- Will the wireless network, and the Internet in general, be faster then the residence halls are now?
The wireless campus network that will be in place next fall will have similar access to that of what was provided in previous semesters. Plans are currently being made to expand the support infrastructure to anticipate the estimated increase in bandwidth usage during the upcoming months as we increase the number of computers on campus.
- Will a case or bag be provided with the laptop?
Yes. Students will receive a canvas computer bag as part of their laptop bundle.
- Will there be equal service (internet) in all locations?
Yes. During the summer months, we will be extending our wireless campus network to include all buildings, rooms, and interior spaces located within the perimeter of the college boundaries. The campus will be completely wireless in the Fall Semester of 2003.
- Will wireless be available in all rooms on campus?
Yes. In the Fall of 2003, our campus will be completely wireless, all rooms, all spaces.
- Will the laptops have Photoshop and Graphic Design programs?
Yes, students majoring in the Graphic Arts Program will have access to special purpose software to support their specific needs. Two new high-end multi-media labs have been created to support audio, video, and graphical digital editing. Talk with your professors about software requirements related to your program to make sure that the Technology Services staff is aware of potential needs.
- What is the warranty of the laptop?
We are currently negotiating a warranty contract that will serve the entire life cycle of the unit (3 years).
Technical Questions
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