Information for New Students
Welcome, and congratulations on your acceptance into the Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (TUSPHTM).
On behalf of the Office of Academic Information Systems I would like to say welcome and offer you our assistance as you plan for your computing needs as a student here. We offer student computing labs that are open 59 hours per week during the summer and 74 hours per week during the school year. Our students labs are continually updated with the latest technology and software as funding allows. Currently, the labs are running the Windows xp operating system and the Windows XP Office suite. We offer SAS and SPSS, Ethnograph, ARC GIS, Dreamweaver, and many other applications for use in coursework and study. Be sure to come see us during Orientation on August 25th for more information!
Frances J. Mather, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for Academic Information Systems
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Computing
Computers at SPHTM
Do I need to have a computer at SPHTM?
No. Although about 95% of SPHTM students have personal computers, the SPHTM 12th floor labs have Windows computers publicly available for word processing, email and web surfing, data analysis, programming, etc. The labs are usually open until 5:00 p.m. in the summer and weekends, 8:00 p.m. during the school year. There is also a lab available 24 hours a day in the Medical School.
What kind of computer should I bring?
The SPHTM network supports Windows and Macintosh computers. Although the majority of users are PC based,you should buy the kind of computer you feel most comfortable with. See the "Software and Programs" section below for more on Windows and MacOS.
Do you recommend desktops or laptops?
It's up to you. You can take a laptop to study anywhere you like; they're much easier to deal with during the summer; and they take up less desk space. Some classrooms in Tidewater have wireless networking available, which allows you to connect your laptop to the Internet without any cables (see the wireless info page). However, desktop computers are generally less expensive, and many people prefer a full-sized keyboard and monitor. Make sure to try using a laptop before you buy one — most computer stores have demonstration models on display.
I'm bringing my own computer. How fast/big/smart should it be?
Compare your computer to the Recommended Configuration. The recommended system is compatible with the campus network and will satisfactorily run software we provide. The minimum configuration will connect to the campus network but may run certain software applications very slowly.
What do I need to connect to the Internet?
The SPHTM Network will provide you with Internet access. To connect you'll need a computer with an Ethernet card or built-in Ethernet. Modems cannot connect to the campus network unless you dial-in from off campus. If your computer is not currently Ethernet-ready, we strongly urge you to purchase and install the Ethernet card before coming to campus. You should also be aware that some computers are intended only for home use and may not be capable of Ethernet connectivity — check with the vendor to be sure.
Should I get a CD-RW drive or a DVD drive?
In short, we recommend both. CD-RW drives allow you to copy hundreds of large files easily and inexpensively. You can quickly make backups of important files from your hard drive, or put files on a CD that you can easily carry with you. However, with a DVD drive you can watch movies required for classes in the comfort of your dorm room/apartment/home. Many computers come with "combo drives" that can play DVDs and record CDs.
Do I need to bring a printer?
Although black-and-white and color laser printing is available in the SPHTM labs (for ten cents per page and up), you may find it more convenient to buy a personal printer for your room.
What if my computer breaks?
We recommend you buy a computer with a manufacturer's on-site warranty of up to three years. When computers break (and sometimes they do), a warranty is invaluable. SPHTM AIS Office will not fix your computer hardware or operating system. If you do not have coverage, there are several repair shops in the area for both Windows computers and Macintoshes that the AIS Office can recommend.
What if my computer gets lost/stolen?
We strongly recommend that you insure your computer under a parent's or your own homeowner's or renter's insurance policy so that in the event of a loss or theft, you will be able to recover some money.
Software and Programs
I'm bringing a Windows computer. What version of Windows should I have?
If you're looking at a new computer, it's important to know that Windows XP Home has problems with connecting to the SPHTM Network, especially if you're intending to share files with others. The AIS office recommends you spend the extra money to get Windows XP Professional, which works better with SPHTM's network. If you do not have a choice or are bringing a used computer, any computer with Windows 98 or better is supported on the network execept Windows ME.
I'm bringing a Mac. What version of MacOS should I get?
Apple computers come with OS X, which works seamlessly on our network. If you are bringing or buying a used computer, any version of MacOS after System 7.6 should also work fine.
What about other operating systems?
Computers with Linux and other operating systems can be configured to work with the SPHTM Network. SPHTM provides no support or documentation for these systems. Moreover, several of the software applications and utilities we provide over the network for Macintosh and Windows computers are not compatible with other operating systems (see next question).
What software packages and CDs do I need to bring?
You should bring any CDs that came with your computer. In particular, you must bring your operating system (Windows or MacOS) CD, or a "recovery" CD that now comes with many computers. Many students leave their CDs at home for safekeeping, only to find they don't have them when they need them most. The AIS office cannot lend software CDs to students.
Does Tulane provide any software to students?
Currently, we do not provide any software free to students. There is some select software available to students and that information can be obtained on the TIS site. Also, Tulane has entered into an agreement with Microsoft for student licenses for their software at a much reduced cost. Please see: Microsoft Student Select for more information.
Tulane also has a suite of applications that students can download onto their Windows and Macintosh computers from the network for free. These applications will work as long as students are connected to the Tulane Network.
What about computer viruses?
Computer viruses can destroy your computer! You need to have up-to-date anti-virus software. Most computers now come with anti-virus software that expires unless you pay for updates. That's almost as bad as having no virus protection at all. SPHTM provides free anti-virus software (McAfee VirusScan) that can be updated here.
The SPHTM Network and the Internet
How do I get to the Internet from my dorm room?
All students have an Ethernet port in their dorm rooms. If your computer has an Ethernet card (and most do nowadays), you can connect to the Tulane Network, which connects directly to the Internet. The process is relatively easy; detailed guides on setting up your network connection will be available when you arrive, but if you have questions, please call: 862-8888.
How fast is the Internet connection?
The connection to the Internet in your room is much faster than the typical modem Internet connection. Connections to other computers on campus are even faster — up to 10 megabit connectivity.
Does that mean that I can download as much as I like? Can I set up a server to share MP3s and movies and stuff with the world?
No. The primary purpose of the Tulane Network is for academic work. If your non-academic activity is slowing down the network for others, you may be removed from the network. By using the Tulane Network, you are bound by the University's Policies on these matters.
Why else would I use the SPHTM Network?
Plenty of reasons! Among others:
E-mail: You automatically get an official @tulane.edu e-mail address when you arrive at Tulane— you'll find information about it in your Orientation packet. You can read and send messages via most popular e-mail programs or from a Web page, you have plenty of e-mail storage available, and all e-mail is screened for computer viruses.
RS6000 network drive: You have 500 megabytes of secure, private storage, accessible from any computer on the network. Any documents you save there will be backed up every night. Much better than unreliable floppy disks!
Electronic resources: The Medical Library subscribes to many electronic resources (such as OVID, PubMed, and TOXNET) that are only available to those on the Tulane Network.
Your own website: If you wish, you can create your own web pages for anyone on the Internet to read.
Printing: You can use the SPHTM laser and color printers to print (black-and-white printing is only 10 cents per page)
Does SPHTM have wireless networking?
Certain buildings (such as the libraries, the University Center, and some areas of the Tidewater Building) have wireless access available. Laptops with 802.11b-compatible wireless cards will automatically connect to the network without cables. However, you will need to be authenticated to the network before being allowed on. For more information, please read about Tulane's Wireless Project.
The AIS Office
Will AIS fix my computer?
It is your responsibility to work with the vendor of your system to resolve operating system problems or arrange for hardware repairs.
What will the AIS Office help me with?
We have a Student Help Desk (988-7173), Network Specialists and Software Consultants who can help if you have problems with the SPHTM Network or questions about your SPHTM email account or software applications.(862-8888).
How can I get a job working for the AIS Office?
The AIS Office employs students as Lab Techs. At various times you will receive an e-mail via the student list serve that will announce openings.
I have a question you haven't covered.
Feel free to contact the help desk at either: 988-7173 or 862-8888 for questions or concerns. |
