Answer: There are several computer labs throughout the campus open at convenient hours, if you choose not to bring a computer to campus. However, most students elect to bring their own computer and take advantage of the fact that every residence hall room (and each student in a room) has access to the College's network.

Answer: The College supports both Windows and Macintosh computers. Whether you prefer a laptop or desktop model is a matter of personal choice. It is important to purchase a computer that can connect to our network with ease and includes a Network Interface Card (NIC). Please see our Web site at http://www.wooster.edu/technology/resources/sales.php for information on recommended systems and educational discount opportunities.

Q. Does the College support Windows Vista?

Answer: The Office of Information Technology continues to test the Windows Vista operating system with our campus technology resources. Due to the number of applications that have yet to release Vista compatible versions, Information Technology will not be deploying Vista to campus until 2009.
Students may bring Windows Vista to campus; however, limited support will be provided due to the number of applications used on campus that have not yet released Vista compatible versions. If purchasing a computer with Windows Vista, be sure to purchase either the Ultimate or Business edition as these are designed to work on large networks. We cannot guarantee that Home Premium and Home Basic will have full functionality on our network.

Q. Does Wooster have computer purchase plans?

Answer: Visit the Information Technology Web site at http://www.wooster.edu/technology/resources/sales.php for the latest information on recommended systems as well as links to vendor Web sites to receive academic discounts. We do not have a computer store on campus.

Q. Is Internet access free?

Answer: Yes. There are no charges for Internet access. Wooster provides an Internet connection to the campus network that is a shared resource for all students, faculty, and staff.

Q. Are residence hall rooms wired?

Answer: Yes. All rooms have direct access to the campus network and the Internet. There is a computer outlet for every student assigned to that room.

Q. Is Wireless Internet Available?

Answer: Wireless internet access is currently available in all academic buildings, Douglass Quad, select residential buildings, and Galpin Hall. Please note: wireless hubs and routers are not allowed on campus and will not work with our Network Access Client.

Q. Do you repair computers on campus?

Answer: While we do provide a help desk to help troubleshoot and diagnose issues related to viruses and spyware, wireless connection, Internet connectivity, printing, and general software problems, we do not perform hardware repair on student owned systems. Hardware and other critical repairs are referred to a local business, ComputerMixx, http://www.computermixx.com who offers student discounts.

What software do you provide for students?

Answer: Wooster provides a variety of applications free of charge to students. Software such as EndNote, Maple, Mathematica, and Sophos Anti-Virus are available for download from our website http://www.wooster.edu/technology/resources/software. We do not provide Microsoft Office to students. However, Office and other common applications are available for student use in the majority of our public lab spaces.

What about virus protection?

Answer: In order to provide a high level of security for our campus network, each student is required to register his or her computer through or Network Authentication Client (NAC). Using Cisco's Clean Access Agent, each student installs a small application on his or her computer when connecting to the Wooster network for the first time. This application checks for updates and adequate anti-virus software. If the computer does not meet the requirements, it will be granted limited network access only to the College of Wooster website. Students may download Sophos Anti-Virus to help protect against viruses.

Can I print on campus?

Answer: The College provides public printing and copying in the Libraries, Taylor Hall, Kauke Hall, and the Lowry student center. These copy machines are networked copier/printers that will handle paper up to 11x17 in all locations. After installing the Pharos client, students can create a document at their desk and print to any device on campus. If you print to one of the four public printers (located in Andrews Library, Timken Science Library, Taylor 205, and the Wired Scot), you can secure the job and release it when you get to the copy machine several hours after you have completed your work. To download the Pharos installer packages visit: http://www.wooster.edu/technology/help/copiers/pharos_setup.php. Each first-year and sophomore student will be given a printing account of $60.00 per semester, the equivalent of 1,200 pages printed on one of the new public copiers. Juniors will receive $75.00 (1,500 pages) and Seniors will receive a $100.00 (2,000 pages) per semester. Once their account limit is exceeded, students will be charged 5 cents per page printed. More money may be added to printing accounts at the Financial Services counter at the Wilson Bookstore.

Color Printing:
In addition to printing and copying units, the College provides public color printers for campus community use in The Wired Scot and in Timken Science Library. Color printing costs 15 cents per page.

Poster Printing:
A poster printer intended for academic use is located in Taylor 205. The lab has two designated computers that are configured to print to the poster printer. Instructions for printing a poster are available in the Taylor 205 lab as well as online. The cost to print a poster is $4.80 per linear foot.