Orientation/New Student Advising

Computer Access and Services

Personally owned computers are an important component of academic life. While SPU maintains several general-purpose student computer labs, these facilities are heavily used by both on- and off-campus students. Having your own computer and printer will help you make the most of your educational (and social) college experience! SPU students make heavy use of our campus email system, library resources, online course content, online transactions (registration, grades, class schedule, and transcripts), and general Internet access, from their rooms as well as from secure wireless 'hotspots' located conveniently throughout campus.

Microsoft Windows-based computers (Windows Vista/XP) are the most popular systems on campus. SPU does not recommend a specific computer brand. We have found most systems currently available for purchase (from major vendors such as Dell, Apple, Lenovo, Hewlett Packard, and many others) provide sufficient power, memory, hard disk space, and software to meet campus-computing needs. Desktop computers are common, but many students appreciate the flexibility and portability of laptop systems.

Detailed information concerning student computer accounts, technology resources and support may be found on the CIS HelpPages.

SPU Email

Upon acceptance to Seattle Pacific University, you are provided an SPU email account (e.g., "you@spu.edu"). Email is a primary means of communication at SPU. You will want to access your new account immediately, and check it frequently for the latest updates and announcements.

To find out your new email address, log in to Banner and choose the Computer Resources Menu -> Manage My Computer Resources menu. HelpPages also have complete details about SPU email.

Microsoft Software

SPU maintains a campus license agreement with Microsoft that includes student licensing for Microsoft Windows operating systems and the Microsoft Office suite. You don't need to purchase software separately; we already have a license reserved for you! For details please check out our software information help page at www.spu.edu/cishelpdesk/software/info/.

Antivirus Software

SPU also maintains a campuswide software license agreement for McAfee antivirus software. All SPU students, faculty, and staff are licensed to use McAfee's award winning antivirus programs on their campus and home computers. For details, please see our anti-virus help pages (www.spu.edu/cishelpdesk/software/antivirus/ ).

Viruses and Security Alert

SPU is not immune to popular viruses transmitted via email and the Internet.In response to these problems, SPU requires that all computers be updated with the most current operating system and antivirus patches.These requirements are enforced before your computer gains network access, so to speed up your arrival we recommend you follow three simple steps a day or two (no more) before coming to campus:

• Install the most current operating system updates and patches (particularly Windows computers). Microsoft Windows users should go to http://update.microsoft.com or select Windows Update from the 'Start' menu for the latest update information.
  Apple users should select 'Software Update...' from the Apple menu.


• Make sure you have an automatically updating antivirus program installed (McAfee is strongly recommended and available from the SPU download site at www.spu.edu/download). Your system should be scanned and free of viruses immediately before arriving to campus.


• Rid your computer of spyware! These malicious programs are very common and hard to detect. A regular practice to remove spyware is something all Internet users should do on a frequent basis, both to maintain the health and performance of their computer, as well as to protect their confidential and personal information. Microsoft's Windows defender included in Windows Vista or available for download can be a great tool for keeping your computer protected.

 

Network Access

Our motto is "A port for every pillow; a clean computer on every port." All residential students have in-house access to SPU's Ethernet network. To access this network your computer will need a 10/100 ethernet port to connect. Nearly all new computers come with this port as part of the standard configuration. You will also need a standard cat-5 ethernet cable(approx 10ft.)

Please note that if you are connecting your personal computer to the SPU network, an up-to-date operating system and current antivirus software is a requirement. See the item above for details on SPU's antivirus campus license agreement.

Wireless Networking

SPU provides wireless network access in many areas, including select classrooms, meeting/study areas, and most residence halls. The wirless network supports 802.11a/b/g with WPA encryption. Please note, some older cards will not support this standard. If you are selecting a wireless card, we recommend choosing one with a g-radio.

Please note, wireless access points are not permitted on the SPU network. We make a concerted effort to provide wireless access available in residence halls. If you find you do not have adequate coverage in your residence, contact your peer advisor (PA) or the CIS HelpDesk.

Instructions for connect to the wireless network are available at www.spu.edu/cishelpdesk/network/wireless/.

Get Connected Program

When you arrive to campus in the fall, Computer and Information Systems (CIS) will be available to assist you in getting connected to the network for the first time. Our annual "Get Connected" program begins Orientation/Welcome Week Thursday and continues through the beginning of the first week of class.

 

During Get Connected, CIS HelpDesk students and staff are available to answer questions about getting your computer connected to the network and ready to take advantage of the myriad informational resources at Seattle Pacific University.

 

For additional information and support concerning computer access and services, check Computer and Information Systems.