Questions & Answers » Computer Issues

(Click on the question to get the answer.)

• Do I need to purchase a new computer?
• Is it better to have a Mac or a PC?
• What if I don't own a computer?
• Can I use my own computer in the residence hall to access the Internet?
• Can students purchase a computer through the University?
• What is the standard productivity software on campus?
• Does the University have off-campus dialup lines?
• Is there a charge for e-mail or for connecting my computer to the campus network?
• What do I need to attach my computer to the University network?
• What is the recommended University computer configuration?
• What about laptops?
• How do I get help using the University's computing systems?

Do I need to purchase a new computer?

No, students can purchase a used computer or bring one from home. But do refer to the computer configuration section for additional information.

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Is it better to have a Mac or a PC?

The OWU campus is oriented toward Windows, and all public-access (lab) machines run Windows XP Professional. Computer choices are a personal preference, however, and Apple (Mac) computers are welcome on campus. Macs and PCs both are able to effectively utilize University computing resources.

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What if I don't own a computer?

Several computer labs on campus, including locations in Hayes and Welch Halls as well as Beeghly Library, are available to all students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  For more information, go to the Libraries and Information Services (LIS) Web site.

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Can I use my own computer in the residence hall to access the Internet?

Yes. The campus computing network extends to each individual room -- on a "one port per pillow" basis -- in the residence halls, fraternity houses, and Small Living Units (SLUs). In Austin Manor, individual rooms are not wired; there are, however, two campus-wired, public-access computers. For more information, go to the LIS Web site.

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Can students purchase a computer through the University?

OWU has entered into a partnership with Lenovo (formerly IBM) to make high-quality laptops and desktops available for purchase by OWU students, faculty, and staff as well as their families. To learn more about this program, go to the OWU Lenovo Online Store.

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What is the standard productivity software on campus?

Microsoft Office 2003 is available in public-access computer labs. Office includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Firefox or Internet Explorer are the primary Web browsers. Sophos is our campus-wide anti-virus program, which is available for free to all students, faculty, and staff.

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Does the University have off-campus dialup lines?

Yes. The direct dial-up number is 740-369-4665. If you try to connect, you will be prompted for a username and password, which is the same as your OWU (e-mail) username and password. Remember that you should not include the "@owu.edu" text with your username.

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Is there a charge for e-mail or for connecting my computer to the campus network?

There are no direct charges for these services.

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What do I need to attach my computer to the University network?

1. A computer meeting or exceeding OWU's recommended configuration (see below).

2. A Network Interface Card (NIC) with an RJ45 (also known as a Cat5E or 10/100 Ethernet) network port. The NIC should be properly installed in the machine and in working condition with the latest software drivers.

3. An Ethernet (also known as a Cat5E or 10/100/1000) patch cable with RJ45 (also known as Cat5E or 10/100/1000 Ethernet) connectors. This looks like a traditional modem cable but is much thicker with larger connectors on the ends. We recommend that you bring a cable that is at least 25 feet long to accommodate equipment placement in your residence room.

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What is the recommended University computer configuration?

• An Intel Core 2 Duo processor running at 1.8GHz or higher
• At least 2GB of system memory
• A 100GB or larger hard drive spinning at 7200 RPM
• A 17-inch or larger widescreen (flat) LCD monitor
• A DVD-RW (DVD-recordable and -rewritable) optical drive
• A dedicated video/graphics card with at least 256MB of memory
• An Intel 10/100/1000 Network Interface Card (NIC), also known as an Ethernet network card
• For laptops, an Intel wireless NIC that supports the A, B, G, and N (A/B/G/N) wireless standards
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional or the latest Mac OS X operating system (not Windows Vista, if possible)
• A total system backup device, such as an inexpensive external USB hard drive (with at least as much capacity as your computer's hard drive)
• At least one high-capacity (2GB or larger) USB flash drive for storing and moving important documents and files
• A mid-range or higher-end color inkjet printer for personal in-room printing (note that black-and-white laser printers are available in most public-access computer labs and that students receive a per-semester quota of free printing)
• A combination surge protector and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) unit, such as an APC Back-UPS model
• An Ethernet (also known as a Cat5E or 10/100) patch cable that is at least 25 feet long with RJ45 (also known as Cat5E or 10/100 Ethernet) connectors
• All original computer system manuals and discs

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What about laptops?

Portable computers are an excellent alternative to more bulky desktop computers, but they typically trade mobility for power and performance; that is, desktop machines are usually better for higher-end audio/video, graphics, and gaming applications -- but, obviously, you can't take a desktop machine around with you.

OWU is implementing a new, state-of-the-art campus-wide wireless network that is scheduled to be available by the beginning of the fall 2008 semester. This will allow OWU students with laptops to access a high-speed wireless Internet connection in their residences, in all academic buildings, and even in many outdoor locations -- all from the same campus network. If you want to take full advantage of this wireless access, you should purchase a network card that supports the A, B, G, and N (A/B/G/N) wireless standards.

Although the new wireless network will be fast, wired (cabled) access will always be faster and more reliable than wireless and is still recommended for those students who do intensive online gaming and/or file transferring over the network.

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How do I get help using the University's computing systems?

You can:

• Access the LIS Web site.
• Call the Information Services Student Help Desk at 740-368-3520.

• Stop by the Information Services Help Desk in the lower level of the Corns Building between 8:30 a.m. and noon or 1 and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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