Getting Help: For Students

Information Technology (IT) provides a variety of services to students. Student consultants staff the Help Desk in Andrews Library where students can receive telephone computer support or assistance with lab machines. Problems beyond the scope of the students at the Help Desks are referred to IT staff.

The Library also provides easy access to many research tools through computers, including its online catalog, CD-ROM databases, and research services via the Internet. Other departments, including Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Education, English, the Languages, Geology, Mathematical Sciences, Music, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology/Anthropology have access to departmental computing facilities specifically for use by students in their classes.

The Wired Scot, located in the lower level of Lowry Center, offers a social space to check email and print 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Each student in the residence halls has access to the campus data network. Connections are available so students can access and share files on the network, print to public printers, and communicate using e-mail. Wireless internet access is currently available in all academic buildings, Douglas Quad, the Lowry Center, and Galpin Hall. Students also have access to the College's online resources and the internet.

In order to use the network connections, it is recommended that students bring recent Windows or Macintosh computers to campus. The computer must be equipped with a 10/100-Base-T Ethernet card. A wireless card is required for connecting to the campus wireless network. Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Media Center, and OS 9, are not supported on our network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need my own computer at Wooster?

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.

What Kind of Computer is best?

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 Computer Sales page for information on recommended systems and information about adding components to an existing computer.

Does Wooster have computer purchase plans?

Visit our Computer Sales page for the latest information on recommended systems as well as links to vendor web sites to receive academic discounts.

Does the College support Windows Vista?

Microsoft has recently released Vista, their much-anticipated new operating system. They have also released a new version of the Office suite — Office 2007. Each of these products differ from their predecessors in very significant ways. For this reason, the Office of Information Technology has assembled a team to evaluate each of these new products, and to make recommendations regarding their deployment on campus. While we will look to this team for guidance as to when we should begin to deploy these products, at this time we do not anticipate significant deployment to campus computers prior to the summer of 2008.

A significant number of software vendors have not yet released Vista-compatible versions of their applications. Vista-compatible versions of ArcGIS, Autocad, Adobe Creative Suite, Filemaker Pro, Maple, Mathematica, Novell Client, Palm Desktop, Pharos, Quark Express, RealPlayer, SnagIT, and SPSS will not be available prior to the third quarter of this year. (This is by no means an exhaustive list.) As we evaluate these new Microsoft products, we will also be testing their compatibility with various types of hardware in use on campus including printers, USB drives, scanners and PDA's. As our testing and validation efforts proceed, we will update the campus as to our timeline for deploying and supporting Vista and Office 2007.

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 you have questions about new PC purchases with Windows Vista and Office 2007, please contact the helpdesk at 330-287-3000, xHELP (x4357).

Is Wireless Internet Available?

Wireless internet access is currently available in all academic buildings, Douglas Quad, and Galpin Hall.

The College's wireless network, ScotZone is an authenticated, secure network using Cisco's most secure network protocols. The Office of Information Technology has chosen to secure the network at this level to offer users full access to all network resources rather than limit access.

Is Internet access free?

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.

Are residence hall rooms wired?

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.