New Student FAQs
Welcome to Loyola. Many of you may have questions about computing on campus. Listed are some questions you may have along with some answers that we hope will help.
1. Do I need to bring a computer to campus?
More and more students are bring computers to campus, but for those who cannot Loyola does have computer labs on campus with both Dell and Macintosh computers. Included are 3 Dell Labs that are open 24 / 7 for your convenience.
2. What kind of computer should I bring to campus?
The answer to your question depends on your selected major. Business school students should bring a Windows based computer, while Visual Arts students would do better with a Macintosh. It is always a good idea to ask your advisor for recommendations.
3. Should I bring a laptop or a desktop?
Either one. There is usually enough space in the resident hall rooms to accommodate a desktop. If you prefer a laptop, you can take advantage of the convenience that it provides. It is recommended however that you do not leave the laptop in public areas. If you are working in the library and need to get a book from the shelves, it is always a good idea to take the laptop with you.
4. Do I need to bring a printer?
Since printers are small and very affordable, many students find it very useful to have one in there room. If you choose not to bring one, we have printers in the labs where students can print for free. You will not be able to connect your laptop in our labs to print to those printers, but you can bring a file on a diskette or usb flash drive.
5. What software is installed on the Lab computers?
We use the Microsoft Office Suite as a standard across campus. In a few locations such as the Law School, WordPerfect is installed.
6. Will I have a network connection on campus?
Yes, every student will have their own network port in their resident hall room.
7. Are the resident halls wireless?
Yes, all resident halls have wireless access .
8. Where is wireless supported on campus?
Wireless capability is supported in the Monroe Library, the Law School, all resident halls, the Pine Street Cafe, the Danna Center, the Recreational Sports Center, Miller Hall, and all outside public quad areas.
9. If my computer breaks, does Loyola have a service department that can fix it?
Information Technology is your Internet Service Provider. We can help you get connected to our network. All other issues with your computer need to be handled by an outside service provider. Please call I.T. at x2255 if you need a recommendation for a repair center.
10. Do I need an antivirus program on my computer?
Yes. Loyola provides Computer Associate's EZ Antivirus free of charge. You will receive an email giving you instructions on how to download it to your computer.
11. Do I need a firewall installed on my computer?
Information Technology has a firewall that protects computers on our network, but it is ok to have one on your computer as well.
12. Does Loyola sell computers?
We do not sell computers on campus, but we do have an on-line stores where you can purchase from. Feel free to check our online stores for personal purchases.
13. What is the minimum required configuration that a computer must have to work on Loyola's network?
Windows:
Windows 98 with a 600 processor; 128 MB Ram; 20GB Hard Drive; 56k modem for Dial Up connection, or Ethernet card and cable for direct connection.
Macintosh:
OS 8; a G3 Power PC processor; 128mb Ram; 20GB Hard Drive; 56k, modem for Dial up connection, or an Ethernet port with cable for direct connection.
NOTE: While it is possible to establish an Internet connection with less , this is the minimum requirement recommended.
