WPI Information Technology - Information for New Students

Welcome to WPI!

WPI students are granted access to a wide range of technology resources. Information Technology (IT) staff have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) and their answers to help you get started.

Getting Help	helpdesk@wpi.edu http://www.wpi.edu/+helpdesk

Q: Where do I go for help with technology-related questions?

A: The Helpdesk exists to answer your technology-related questions and help you make the best use of WPI's IT resources. The Technology Helpdesk is located off the main entrance to the Gordon Library and can be reached by calling 508.831.5888 or e-mailing helpdesk@wpi.edu.

Please Note: The Helpdesk cannot provide support for personally owned computer issues (like a failed hard drive or broken keyboard), so be sure to keep your vendor contact information handy. If any problems arise, you will want to contact the vendor to invoke your warranty.

Accounts	Create Your Accounts: http://bannerweb.wpi.edu

Q: What are the WPI computer accounts and how do I create them?

A: WPI computer accounts act as your virtual identity, define your e-mail address, and grant you access to WPI IT resources. To create your WPI Computer accounts, you will use your WPI Student ID to login to the Web Information System and set your Personal Identification Number (PIN). (Information on how to do this is provided by the Registrar's Office.)

Once logged into the Web Information System (bannerweb.wpi.edu), locate Personal Information which contains a link to Computer Account Settings. To establish your computer accounts, click the Computer Account Settings link and follow the directions to receive a username and set a password. Please review the following webpages for more information:

Q: What is Exchange e-mail and how is it going to help me at WPI?

A: The Exchange mailbox provides access to e-mail and calendars through Outlook Web Access (OWA), the Microsoft Outlook client, or any other standard mail reader. Your Exchange mailbox allows you to manage a calendar, tasks, notes, and many other features that support WPI's project-based approach to education. It is a convenient way to schedule group meetings and reserve campus meeting spaces. It also provides the ability to create rules and junk mail filters.

Networking	Network Operations: http://www.wpi.edu/+netops

Q: How can I connect my computer to the WPI network and the Internet?

Residential Networking - available to students who live in an on-campus residence hall
A GigE switched Residential Networking (ResNet) connection is included in the residence hall room fee. Additional systems can be connected to your port via a hub or switch at the rate of $20 per additional IP address. ResNet enables access to the Internet and to most software and printers available in public labs. Staff will be available during New Student Orientation (NSO) to assist you with setting up your wired ResNet connection.
Wireless Networking - available to all registered students
All buildings on campus, including academic buildings, Gordon Library, the Campus Center and residence halls are equipped with wireless networking. For a complete list of locations please see the Wireless Networking page. In the Library and Campus Center, you can borrow a laptop with a wireless card to use while you're in these buildings. If you are considering purchasing a wireless card to use on campus, be sure that it supports WPA2-Enterprise. Our wireless network supports 802.11n as well as the older protocols of 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11b. If you are purchasing a new notebook, we recommend getting a wireless card that can take advantage of 802.11n.

Q: Are routers or wireless access points allowed on the WPI Network?

A: No - these devices are NOT allowed on the WPI Network. Please read the WPI Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) (http://www.wpi.edu/+aup) to find out more about what is allowed on the WPI Network. The Prohibited Activities page has more information as well.

Q: How can I access IT resources while working from off-campus?

A: WPI enables remote access to digital resources using the following tools:

VPN

The Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides a secure connection to WPI digital resources enabling encrypted access to the same resources available on campus. With it, you may access network file shares (ex: \\rivet.wpi.edu\applications) or the Terminal Server while working from off-campus. Visit the VPN webpage for more information and instructions on the VPN.

Library Online Resources

The Gordon Library provides online access to many library databases, electronic journals, and electronic books. Peruse their periodicals at Searchable Collections.
Using the proxy server, you can connect to Library resources from off-campus. Details are available at the Library’s Off-Campus Access webpage.

Remote Desktop (Terminal Server)

You can make a Remote Desktop connection to our virtual lab. The Terminal Server provides you access to most of the programs installed on lab computers.

Outlook Web Access

Outlook Web Access (OWA) offers easy access to your WPI e-mail, contacts, calendar, etc. via a web browser while off-campus. Login to OWA to access your WPI e-mail or view the OWA FAQ for more information.

Computers & Software	PC Recommendations: http://www.wpi.edu/+CCC/Student Microsoft® Software @ WPI: http://www.wpi.edu/+CLA

Q: Are students required to purchase their own computers?

A: No, students are not required to purchase their own computer at WPI. The campus's many computer labs are equipped with computers of various platforms with a wide range of accessories and software available for student use. However, most students like the convenience of being connected to the WPI Network and Internet in their room.

Q: Can I purchase a computer through WPI?

A: Yes. WPI has made arrangements for special pricing to purchase computers from Dell™ Computer and Lenovo™. Visit http://www.wpi.edu/+CCC/Student and click Purchasing a Computer through Dell or Lenovo or go to the vendor sites directly:

Dell's WPI website is linked from http://www.wpi.edu/+CCC/Student/dell.html
Lenovo™ website is: http://www.lenovo.com/shop/deals/wpi

Once you are an active WPI student, you are eligible for a general educational discount from the Apple store.

Q: Do I have to purchase a PC through WPI to use it on the network?

A: No. We have students arriving on campus with computers of varied configurations, almost all of which can be configured to operate with the campus resources. Be sure that you are familiar with your vendor’s warranty policy and know how to contact them in the event you need technical support. Also be sure to bring the installation and/or system restore discs with you to campus!

Wired network card requirements	Wireless network card requirements
Gigabit Ethernet Adapter	Integrated Wired and Wireless Ethernet Adapters (802.11a/g/n)

Q: Can I use a laptop or tablet computer?

A: Yes. A laptop computer can be used for most of your work at WPI. Tablet computers are also in use. It is important to consider the price of a laptop/tablet versus a desktop for the same performance. Also, desktops are generally cheaper and easier to upgrade. Students who find their laptop or tablet lacking the resources they need for a particular project can always make use of the computers in the public labs.

Q: What specifications do you recommend for a computer?

A: Specifications are detailed on our website http://www.wpi.edu/+CCC/Student under Computer Recommendations. These provide a reasonable assessment of computer systems to meet your needs throughout the next four years at WPI.

Q: What version of Windows is supported at WPI?

A: We support all versions of Windows 7. Students have the option to purchase an upgrade version of Windows 7 Ultimate Edition once they arrive on campus, which they can use to upgrade systems with Windows Vista.

Q: What if I bring my Mac to campus?

A: Macintosh computers work on our campus network; however much of the academic software that is used here is only available on the Windows or UNIX platforms. A remote desktop connection to our virtual lab allows Macs to access many of the Windows-only software applications. Please note that the Helpdesk does not support dual booting systems.

Q: Do I need to purchase anti-virus software?

A: We have licensed McAfee® VirusScan® Enterprise edition to install on all computers on the WPI network. Most new computers come with a trial version of anti-virus software. You do not need to purchase the full version of an anti-virus utility, but you should remove the trial version and install McAfee® VirusScan® as soon as you arrive on campus.

Q: What software is available for me to use at WPI?

A: WPI offers over 100 academic, design and office productivity software applications. Information about what’s available, including the Microsoft® Campus License Agreement (CLA), can be found at http://www.wpi.edu/+CCC/Software

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Last modified: May 11, 2011, 13:18 EDT