New Student Computer Questions Answered
Q: Are students required to bring computers to Concordia?
A: No, it is not required. We have many PC and Mac labs available that have all software needed for any class taken on campus. Also, each dorm has a lab available (See our lab information).
Q: What computer hardware and software is recommended on campus?
A: There really are no minimum hardware requirements for computers on campus as most new computers now are powerful enough to handle most if not all basic computer needs. Some recommendations are:
- If possible, upgrade to 512MB of RAM. This will allow more programs to run and soon will be the minimum on most systems.
- Add an integrated wireless card. Concordia College is in the process of adding several wireless access points across campus for student use.
Software required on campus varies by the user. Generally, on PCs Windows 98 or higher is recommended. Mac OS 8.6 or higher is recommended for Mac users on campus. Free Anti-virus software is available from RA's when students arrive on campus. If you do not have an office suite, the Concordia College computer labs have Microsoft Office installed for use whenever the labs are open to users. You can also download an alternative office suite such as StarOffice or OpenOffice (Check our software page for links).
Q: Does Concordia College have wireless Internet access on campus?
A: Yes. Concordia has put in several wireless access points around campus for the convenience of our students and faculty/staff. We currently have wireless access in thses locations:
- Birkeland Lounge
- Memorial Auditorium
- Hvidsten Music Building
- Instructional Media (Theater Building)
- Ivers 3rd Floor Foyer
- Jones 212
- Knutson Courtyard
- Library
- Lorentzsen Conference Room
- Normandy
- Old Main
- Riverside Conference Room
Concordia will continue to add wireless access across campus in the near future.
Q: Does Concordia College provide any software to students?
A: Concordia College does have McAfee VirusScan software freely available to on- and off-campus students. The Cobber Bookstore has many other software packages available for purchase as do several retail stores in the Fargo-Moorhead area. The campus labs are also available and have the software required for all classes in all majors.
Q: Is Peer-to-Peer (P2P) software permitted on campus?
A: Peer-to-Peer (P2P) software; such as Kazaa, eMule, or Morpheus, is not explicitly forbidden on campus or by 702 Communications as there are legitimate uses for this software, but its use is inadvisable. The legal issues in using such software are in question (see our Links section for more information) and the user, not Concordia College or 702 Communications, will be held responsible for any legal actions taken against him/her. Also, P2P networks have become a haven for virus writers to spread viruses quickly and over vast regions. Use P2P at your own risk. Read this for more information.
Q: How much computer support do students receive at Concordia College?
A: Computer Support can only assist with connection issues, installation of McAfee VirusScan software, and removal of viruses if infected. Check our how-to's to ensure your connection is set up correctly. If you are having any other issues, check out our Links page for help sites that may solve your problem. Otherwise, contact a local computer dealer.
Q: If Computer Support cannot help me, who can?
A: There are several local computer dealers in the Fargo-Moorhead area and their information can be found in the phone book or online. Labor rates vary so you may want to call a few different stores and check them out.