Campus Computer Orientation for Students at Dickinson College |
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ResNet Information
Recommended Software
Dickinson's Campus Network
Your Accounts & Passwords
Electronic Mail
Library & Information Services Help Desk
Computer Viruses and Hoaxes 101
Additional Resources
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ResNet Information |
The Library and Information Services has information for connecting your computer to our campus network on the Library web page under Technology Services.
Someone will stop by and help you during the first 2 weeks of the fall semester. It is called the Resnet Blitz. Look for posters at each dorm for dates & times.
For more information about computer help can be found off of the Resnet home page called the Resnet Service Annex . |
Recommended Software |
Windows (XP) or Mac O/S 9 or higher
Microsoft Office Suite
An anti-virus program
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Dickinson's Campus Network |
| A network is nothing more than a collection of computers connected together for the exchange of data and sharing of resources.
At Dickinson, there are several computers on the network called file servers , which provide storage space for the campus. Students have access to the Residential file server (ResServ or Y drive). You may access this server from your room, labs, the Library and micro- computer rooms.
When you turn your computer on, the network login box appears, allowing you to connect to ResServ or Y drive. |
Benefits of Using ResServ or Y drive
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200MB of storage space for papers and homework
Stored files are backed up nightly
Accessible from most anywhere on campus
More reliable than floppy disks
Access to print services in Library and campus micro rooms |
Your Accounts & Passwords |
| You have several different computer accounts, whether you realized it or not. Each of them has its own separate password and serves a unique purpose: |
Alpha - for email and web pages
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15 MB of storage space
Incoming and saved electronic mail
and personal web pages
Password protected:
6-20 characters long
Expires every 26 weeks
Case-sensitive, no spaces allowed
Common words cannot be used as passwords (try two words, omitting the space between them, or add number combinations to common words)
After 20 unsuccessful login attempts, the system automatically locks your account as a safety precaution
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NT - for network access to ResServ or Y drive
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200MB of storage space
Term papers and homework
can be stored here
Required to log into Dickinson networked computers
Password protected
for your privacy
6-14 characters long
Expires every 90 days
No spaces allowed in password
After 6 unsuccessful login attempts, the system automatically locks your account as a safety precaution
Your have Private, Public & Drop folders on Y drive
Your NT account will become locked if you try to save a virus-infected file to the network
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Banner- for online grades and registration
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Password is a 6-digit PIN number that was originally sent to your Dickinson email account If forgotten you must click on I don't know or forgot link to request it. It will be emailed to you.
Main uses
are:
Registration (register for classes, add/drop)
Academic Profile (view midterm/final grades, check historical info about your transcript and academic evaluation)
Financial Profile (account summary, financial aid totals)
Link to Banner available on Students page
Check Registrar's web page for related information |
Blackboard - if your professor uses it for your class
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| Only needed if one of your professors decides to use the Blackboard online learning environment
Your login name is the same as your email user name, and your password initially is the same as your login name, so you should change it right away.
Password notes:
Does not expire
If you forget your password, click the Forgot your password? link on the login screen and follow the instructions |
Electronic Mail
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Accessible from Dickinson's web site via the Students link
Log in with your Alpha username and password
Works the same way from home as it does at Dickinson
Accessible wherever web access is available
You can set up an independent address books |
Library & Information Services Help Desk offers |
| Phone support
call 245-1000 or extension 1000 on campus
ResNet instructions
Damaged disk recovery
Account and password-related problems
Help with supported software
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| The Help Desk is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library and Information Services Helpdesk is located in the lower level of the Library.
You can email helpdesk@dickinson.edu. |
Computer Viruses and Hoaxes tips |
| A virus is a piece of programming code that is usually hidden in a file. It is often designed to automatically spread to other computers once the infected file is opened.
The most common way to get a virus is to open an infected email attachment, but you may also get viruses by downloading files over the internet or by using an infected diskette in your computer.
The best way to protect yourself is by installing an anti-virus program on your computer and keeping it updated weekly.
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| A hoax, on the other hand, is usually an email message someone started and encouraged the reader to pass it on to everyone they know. They are not true, and the basic problem with hoaxes is they litter the information highway with useless email traffic.
If you get a message that sounds believable and you are encouraged to send it to everyone you know, DON'T!
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Additional Resources
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| Library and Information Services has an On-line tutorial page for more information. |
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