Do These Steps to Ensure a Smooth Start to Your SPU Experience
Buy a computer! Start off college right by selecting a new computer that meets or exceeds SPU’s recommendations. We recommend laptops for their versatility and space-savings. Consider extended manufacturer warranties for added support and ease for servicing. For more information about buying a computer, review the Hardware Vendor list.
Bring accessories. Make sure you bring the original system discs that came with the computer (for backup and reinstallation purposes if there is an issue). Make sure you also have necessary accessories, such as: an 802.11 a/b or g wireless card for laptops; an Ethernet (RJ-45) cable; a printer; power strip and necessary connection cables.
Note: Please do not purchase personal wireless access points. Personal access points can cause interference with both our campus network and our wireless solution. As we continue to expand wireless coverage, personally-owned devices may need to be removed before access to the network is allowed. For instructions about wireless, please review the SPU-Wireless Network page.
Bring removable storage devices. Make sure you bring appropriate storage options. In addition to a rewritable DVD/CD burner (built into your PC), consider purchasing USB flash (also called “jump” or “thumb”) drives.
Buy SPU’s discounted software. Purchase (or download) and install SPU discounted software. Especially popular and helpful is the Office 2003 Professional suite. For more information about SPU licensed software go the Software Distribution page. Some software is also available from the SPU Download Center.
Install antivirus software. Current antivirus software is required for computers to access SPU’s network. We recommend McAfee VirusScan 8.0i, which is FREE BY DOWNLOAD. Whatever antivirus software you decide to use, it must be configured to regularly update its virus definitions (daily) and enabled for regular scans of the computer (at a minimum, weekly). More information about Anti-Virus Protection is also available.
Install anti-spyware tools. Make sure your computer has current anti-spyware tools. The anti-spyware tools must be updated regularly (weekly) and used to scan the computer regularly (weekly). Two good anti-spyware tools are:
Microsoft’s beta-version of their anti-spyware tool (at www.microsoft.com); and
Lavasoft’s Ad Aware SE Personal (at www.download.com – search on “Ad Aware”).
Information about Sypware Protection can help keep your computer operating smoothly.
Enable a personal firewall. If your computer’s operating system is Windows XP (Service Pack 2), enable Windows Firewall (Start -> Control Panel -> Windows Firewall). We strongly recommend you upgrade to Windows XP, Service Pack 2 if you haven't already done so. This version is incldued in the Microsoft Campus License agreement provided by the University.
Run Windows Update. To keep your Windows computer operating safely, you need to make sure you have installed all critical security updates from Microsoft. Go to Windows Update and examine your system for updates and download and install all items that are categorized as critical.
Enable automatic security updates. To keep your Windows computer up-to-date, enable your computer to receive automatic updates from Microsoft. You can do this through Start -> Control Panel -> Security Center -> Automatic Updates -> On.
Know your account information. Know your Banner UserID and Pin. Know your SPU Username and Password. These are used heavily and very important. Come prepared and things will go smoother. More information about Accounts and Passwords is also available.
