Computing @ RU
Academic Computing Quest 2004
What are we going to
cover?
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Wireless Network
Microsoft Campus Agreement
Tablet PCs – What are they?
Computer Recommendations
Computer Support
Storage Devices
Antivirus Software
P2P Networks
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Mobile Computing @ RU
• Wireless Initiative underway
• To be completed by August
• What will be wireless?
– Almost everything!
– Academic Buildings (Classrooms)
– Residence Halls
• 802.11b/g up to 54Mbs
• Students will need an 802.11b or
802.11g compliant network card
• Most newer mobile computers
have wireless card built-in
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MS Campus Agreement
• University has paid licensing cost for students to use
several Microsoft packages.
• Available software includes:
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Microsoft Office 2003 Professional
Windows XP Upgrade
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac
• Media purchased from bookstore for $12 a title
• Must be removed if student leaves before graduating
• Users must sign and agree to terms of electronic or
printed license agreement
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What is a Tablet PC?
• A fully functional notebook computer that
runs Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
– Runs all Windows XP Applications
• In addition to standard notebook
functionality, the tablet provides:
– Digital Ink capabilities allowing for pen-based
markup of documents and handwritten notes
– Handwriting recognition
– Voice Recognition
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Types of Tablet Computers
• Slate
– More like a notepad
– No keyboard
– USB ports available
for external keyboards
• Convertible
– Converts from a Slate
style tablet to a
notebook computer
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Why should a student
purchase a tablet?
• Mobility
• Digital Ink – electronic notes
• Ability to use a computer in areas that are
more difficult with a traditional laptop.
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PowerPoint notes with a
Tablet (Journal)
•Electronically save
PowerPoint Presentations
and take notes directly on
the slides.
•Quick access to course
notes.
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Microsoft OneNote
• The real power behind the Tablet PC
• Take notes just like you would with pen and
paper
• Organize notes by subject, class, date or any
criteria you specify
• Combine text, handwriting, and recorded audio
all on one page
• Powerful search feature – search all of your
handwritten notes with the click of a button
• Specify definitions of terms as you take notes to
allow you to easily look up words without having
to wade through your notes
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OneNote Notebook
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RU Recommendation
Gateway m275 – Price $1880
http://esourc.gateway.com/radfordu2
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Convertible Style
1.5GHz Pentium M Processor
512MB Memory
40GB Hard Drive (4200 RPM)
Integrated CD-RW DVD Combo Drive
14.1” Screen
10/100 Network Port
802.11g wireless adapter
1394 – Firewire
2 – USB 2.0 Ports
V.92 56K modem
Extra Battery
Backpack carrying case
3 Years of Support
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Other Purchase Notes
• Addition of port replicator can turn tablet
into desktop
• No accidental damage protection available
in Virginia
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Are other models available?
• RU is has purchased over 300 Gateway tablet
computers for faculty and staff and has made
this our model of choice.
• Dell does not make a tablet computer, but we
have worked with them to provide an option for
those who do not wish to purchase the tablet.
• Dell D505 $1703
– Same configuration as Gateway without tablet
functionality
– Addition of Complete Care
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What if I use a Macintosh?
• Majority of RU faculty and students use
Windows computers.
• Some departments on campus do you
Macintosh computers. Students in these
departments often have Windows computers or
Macintosh computers
• Contact department representative
– Art, Biology, Media Studies, Music and Theatre
• iBook
– OS X.3, 1GHz G4, 512MB, 40GB
– AirPort Extreme Wireless Card
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Computer Support
• RU support Windows XP as the primary
operating system
• Network connectivity support only provided for
Windows XP operating system
• Windows XP upgrade available under Microsoft
Campus Agreement from the RU bookstore
• Unfortunately we are unable to provide
assistance for the Windows XP upgrade
procedure
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Storage Devices
• Network storage space – Safest place to
save work
• Network drive available from anywhere via
RU Portal ‘My Files’ page.
• USB thumb drives are convenient for quick
reliable storage
• Removable magnetic media such as
Floppies and Zips are very risky and often
result in significant loss of data.
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P2P Networks
• Consumes valuable academic resources
(network bandwidth)
• Often introduce malicious code including
viruses and spyware
• RIAA has submitted subpoenas for
violators to several Universities
• P2P applications are now disabled
campus wide (Kazaa, BearShare,
Limewire, Morpheus, …)
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Antivirus Software
• McAfee antivirus available free of charge
for download for all students from the
Portal https://www.portal.radford.edu and
via checkout from the Library.
• Automatically updates definition files
• Students without McAfee antivirus
installed on their computer may have their
network access disabled in the event that
a virus is running on their computer
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More Information
• http://www.radford.edu/~itr
• Call the Technology Assistance Center at
(540) 831-7500
• Email us at helpdesk@radford.edu
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