Student Computing Frequently Asked Questions

Information Services has been listening! Here you will find answers to our most popular questions about Student Computing at Wellesley College.

1. Should I bring a notebook or a desktop to campus? What about a PC or a Mac?
   
   

   At Wellesley, most students find it more convenient to bring a notebook (laptop or portable) computer because of the increasing emphasis on portability, wireless access and the convenience of being able to use her own computer in more places than just her own room. Students also find it helpful to be able to bring their computers with them when they go home or on vacations. The decision to purchase a Windows PC or a Macintosh should be based on how well a student knows either operating system. Wellesley supports both!

   
   
2. Do I need to purchase a new computer?
   
   

   We highly recommend that incoming students purchase a new computer. An older computer is not likely to last through a student's four years at Wellesley. The Student’s Guide to Purchasing a Computer gives details about the minimum requirements for bringing a computer to connect to Wellesley's network: http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/ResNet/purchaseguide.pdf

   
   
3. Does Wellesley provide computers that students can use?
   
   

   Yes! Students have access to Windows and Macintosh computers in labs all around campus. Residence halls also have at least one Windows PC and a laser printer that is for student use. There is a dedicated lab in the Science Center that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For details and a list of labs on campus, see: http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/ComputingLabs/ For more information on Wellesley’s Knapp Media and Technology Center, see: http://www.wellesley.edu/Knapp/
   

4. Does Wellesley provide wireless access to students?
   
   

   Yes! Wireless access continues to grow on campus. All students, faculty and staff can access the Wellesley Wireless network in locations such as Wellesley’s libraries, one common area in each residence hall, the Wang Campus Center, computing labs and several academic buildings. See our wireless web page for details: http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/Wireless/

   
   
5. Where can I use my computer?
   
   

   Each student has their own physical network drop in their room for internet access. Students with notebook computers that have wireless capabilities can also use the Wellesley Wireless network. There are places to connect your notebook with network and power outlet access in the computing labs and throughout the Clapp Library.

   
   
6. Does Wellesley College charge for printing?
   
   

   In all of our computing labs, black and white laser printing is provided free of charge with a one-copy limitation. Each residence hall computer room has a printer, and each House Council determines how the paper is provided. Many students also bring their own inkjet printer and have found it helpful. Color and large-format printing are available at the Knapp Center. See the Knapp Media and Technology Center web site: http://www.wellesley.edu/Knapp/ or call the Knapp Media and Technology Center at x2369 for more information.
   

7. Do I really need Microsoft Office?
   
   

   Yes! While there are several other office software suites available, it is in a student’s best interest to use Microsoft Office. Other software suites are NOT 100% compatible with MS Office and may potentially cause problems completing assignments. Please see our Computing Purchase Program site for details about purchasing Microsoft Office with Wellesley’s educational discount: http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/CPP/
   

8. Where do I find the students who can help me?
   
   

   While many students find quick answers from the community through the Computing Questions conference in FirstClass, Information Services hires and trains a variety of students to provide student computing help at various locations:
   
   General help with papers and presentations using Microsoft Office and other basic software help is available most afternoons during the fall and spring semesters at the Clapp Library Reference Desk.
   
   Whether you are planning a digital video project, or need to use a scanner for a class project or poster session, the Knapp Media & Technology Center staff are pleased to offer support for projects, classes and organizations. Among the many types of projects completed each year, members of the Wellesley community use the Knapp Center to create web pages, edit video footage and build full length DVDs, scan and edit photographs, and print large format posters. You can also get general help using the computers and other equipment there in the lab. Please see the Knapp Media and Technology Center web site for finding technical and project support: www.wellesley/edu/Knapp/
   
   Computing First Aid is available during the fall and spring semesters at the Clapp Library First Floor Lounge and the Science Center MiniFocus most evenings. The students staffing CFA are primarily trained to troubleshoot connection problems and other issues students may have with their own personal computers. Please see the Computing First Aid web site for details: www.wellesley.edu/Computing/ResNet/Help/first-aid.html
   
   You can submit a Student Computing Help Form to request a room visit for your own computer or to report a problem with the equipment in your residence hall computer room. Even students who live off-campus can submit a form to arrange an on-campus personal appointment or phone consultation if an on-campus appointment is not an option. For access to the Student Computing Help Forms, please see www.wellesley.edu/Computing/ResNet/Help/
   

9. What if I have more questions?
   
   

   Entering students please use your MyWellesley account and post questions in the Computing-Library-Phones discussion forum, e-mail your questions to resnet-info@wellesley.edu or telephone the ResNet team at (781) 283-3355. Existing Wellesley students can post questions to the Computing Questions conference found on their FirstClass desktop.