Computing @ RU

Academic Computing Quest 2004

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What are we going to cover?

• Wireless Network• Microsoft Campus Agreement • Tablet PCs – What are they?• Computer Recommendations• Computer Support• Storage Devices• Antivirus Software • P2P Networks

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Mobile Computing @ RU• Wireless Initiative underway• To be completed by August• What will be wireless?

– Almost everything!– Academic Buildings (Classrooms)– Residence Halls

• 802.11b/g up to 54Mbs• Students will need an 802.11b or

802.11g compliant network card• Most newer mobile computers

have wireless card built-in

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MS Campus Agreement• University has paid licensing cost for students to use

several Microsoft packages.• Available software includes:

– Microsoft Office 2003 Professional– Windows XP Upgrade– Microsoft OneNote– Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac

• Media purchased from bookstore for $12 a title• Must be removed if student leaves before graduating• Users must sign and agree to terms of electronic or

printed license agreement

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What is a Tablet PC?• A fully functional notebook computer that

runs Windows XP Tablet PC Edition– Runs all Windows XP Applications

• In addition to standard notebook functionality, the tablet provides:– Digital Ink capabilities allowing for pen-based

markup of documents and handwritten notes – Handwriting recognition– Voice Recognition

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Types of Tablet Computers

• Slate– More like a notepad– No keyboard– USB ports available for

external keyboards• Convertible

– Converts from a Slate style tablet to a notebook computer

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Why should a student purchase a tablet?

• Mobility• Digital Ink – electronic notes• Ability to use a computer in areas that are

more difficult with a traditional laptop.

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PowerPoint notes with a Tablet (Journal)

•Electronically save PowerPoint Presentations and take notes directly on the slides.

•Quick access to course notes.

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Microsoft OneNote• The real power behind the Tablet PC• Take notes just like you would with pen and

paper• Organize notes by subject, class, date or any

criteria you specify• Combine text, handwriting, and recorded audio

all on one page• Powerful search feature – search all of your

handwritten notes with the click of a button• Specify definitions of terms as you take notes to

allow you to easily look up words without having to wade through your notes

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OneNote Notebook

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RU RecommendationGateway m275 – Price $1880

http://esourc.gateway.com/radfordu2• Convertible Style• 1.5GHz Pentium M Processor• 512MB Memory• 40GB Hard Drive (4200 RPM)• Integrated CD-RW DVD Combo Drive• 14.1” Screen• 10/100 Network Port• 802.11g wireless adapter• 1394 – Firewire• 2 – USB 2.0 Ports• V.92 56K modem• Extra Battery• Backpack carrying case• 3 Years of Support

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Other Purchase Notes

• Addition of port replicator can turn tablet into desktop

• No accidental damage protection available in Virginia

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Are other models available?• RU is has purchased over 300 Gateway tablet

computers for faculty and staff and has made this our model of choice.

• Dell does not make a tablet computer, but we have worked with them to provide an option for those who do not wish to purchase the tablet.

• Dell D505 $1703– Same configuration as Gateway without tablet

functionality– Addition of Complete Care

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What if I use a Macintosh?• Majority of RU faculty and students use

Windows computers.• Some departments on campus do you

Macintosh computers. Students in these departments often have Windows computers or Macintosh computers

• Contact department representative– Art, Biology, Media Studies, Music and Theatre

• iBook– OS X.3, 1GHz G4, 512MB, 40GB– AirPort Extreme Wireless Card

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Computer Support

• RU support Windows XP as the primary operating system

• Network connectivity support only provided for Windows XP operating system

• Windows XP upgrade available under Microsoft Campus Agreement from the RU bookstore

• Unfortunately we are unable to provide assistance for the Windows XP upgrade procedure

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Storage Devices

• Network storage space – Safest place to save work

• Network drive available from anywhere via RU Portal ‘My Files’ page.

• USB thumb drives are convenient for quick reliable storage

• Removable magnetic media such as Floppies and Zips are very risky and often result in significant loss of data.

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P2P Networks• Consumes valuable academic resources

(network bandwidth)• Often introduce malicious code including

viruses and spyware• RIAA has submitted subpoenas for

violators to several Universities• P2P applications are now disabled

campus wide (Kazaa, BearShare, Limewire, Morpheus, …)

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Antivirus Software

• McAfee antivirus available free of charge for download for all students from the Portal https://www.portal.radford.edu and via checkout from the Library.

• Automatically updates definition files• Students without McAfee antivirus

installed on their computer may have their network access disabled in the event that a virus is running on their computer

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More Information

• http://www.radford.edu/~itr• Call the Technology Assistance Center at

(540) 831-7500• Email us at helpdesk@radford.edu