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FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

ResNet at Bethune-Cookman University provides:

  • A personal Internet connection for every student living in the residence halls
  • Detailed documentation for connecting to the network
  • Internet resources (World Wide Web, electronic mail, Wildcat Web, Blackboard)
  • 250MB of disk space on our network (referred to as a "personal network drive") to save files to and/or host a web page. This space is accessible from any networked computer on campus, eliminating the need to carry disks across campus from computer to computer. This network space is also backed up by Information Technology every night, which makes it a secure place for important papers and other files.
  • CIT Helpdesk is available to assist with connecting your computer to the network and other basic computing questions.
  • Bethune-Cookman University and the Center for Information Technology also provide students with:
  • A Bethune-Cookman e-mail account that is accessible from any computer with access to the Internet.
  • Wireless Internet access in the residence halls common areas, many academic buildings, as well as the dining hall and Wildcat Center.
  • Approximately 500 computers in our computer lab - areas with networked IBM compatible computers that have the Microsoft Office 2003 software, as well as course-specific software. Any Bethune-Cookman student can use the computer labs. These labs are located in the Library, classroom buildings, and several of the residence halls.  Even if they own a personal computer, students will often work in the computer labs because of the software and hardware available. The labs also provide a study space away from the distractions of a residence hall room.

How much does ResNet cost?

Bethune-Cookman University does not charge a fee for ResNet access.  However, a technology fee is included in the student’s tuition and fees to help offset the cost of maintaining and supporting the computer labs around the campus. The only costs students may incur include the cost of a computer that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for ResNet access, a supported operating system and additional software (such as Microsoft Office), an Ethernet cable, and a printer.

How many students bring a computer to campus and connect to ResNet?

At the beginning of each academic year, approximately 75% of our students that live in the residence halls have a personal computer connected to ResNet. The number of connections increases as the academic year progresses.

What are your recommended ResNet computer specifications for 2009/2010?

For IBM Compatible Computers:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition  or Vista Business or Ultimate (Only)
  • 1.80GHz Core 2 Duo processor or better for desktop computers
  • 1.66GHz Core 2 Duo processor or better for notebook computers
  • At least 1GB RAM
  • 80GB hard drive or larger
  • Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 (Optional)
  • Fully Functional Antivirus Software: i.e. Norton AV, McAfee AV, Trend Micro AV, etc.

For Macintosh Computers:

  • Mac OS X version 10.4 or later
  • 1.83GHz Core 2 Duo processor (includes current iMacs and iBooks)
  • At least 1GB RAM
  • 80GB hard drive or larger
  • Microsoft Office 2004 (for Mac OS X, optional)
  • ully Functional Antivirus Software: i.e. Norton AV, McAfee AV, Trend Micro AV, etc.

For All Computers:

  • Ethernet cable (Cat 5e, RJ-45 connector)
  • CD-RW/DVD-ROM ("Combo") drive
  • Built-in 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet PCI Network Interface Card
  • n 802.11b or 802.11g compatible wireless network card (Notebook)
  • Inkjet printer with USB 2.0 A to B printer cable

Why are your recommended ResNet computer specifications so high?

Bethune-Cookman University has both minimum and recommended computer specifications. Computers meeting or exceeding our recommendations can be expected to have a useful network life of 2-4 years. Most new computers will meet or exceed our recommendations. Computers meeting or exceeding our minimum specifications can be expected to have a useful network life of 1-2 years, and may require hardware or software upgrades later.

Computers are a major University purchase, and we hope that the computer you bring for your first year at Bethune-Cookman University will last throughout your four years here. If you purchase a “high-end” or "business-class" computer now, it will likely still meet your personal computing needs during your senior year. If you purchase a “lower-end” or "home use" computer, you may need major hardware and software upgrades, if not a new computer, so personal computing needs can still be met before you graduate.

Should I get a notebook computer or a desktop computer?

Both notebook and desktop computers are welcome at Bethune-Cookman University.
Notebooks have the convenience of portability. A student can take their notebook computer home on breaks and over the summer, and they can even take it with them if they spend a semester or year abroad. They can bring their notebook to the library and to other locations on campus where network connections are available. Most students do not bring their notebook computers with them to their classes, but they do bring them when they go to study in locations other than their room.

Bethune-Cookman University also has a wireless network, BCC2001, available in various locations on campus, including residence halls lobbies, Dining Hall and the Carl S. Swisher Library. Students with notebook computers equipped with a wireless network card will be able to take advantage of this resource.

Students who are involved with activities such as athletics that take them away from campus, students who are planning to study abroad, and students who plan on having internships either away from campus during the academic year or away from home during the summer may prefer having the mobility that a notebook computer offers.

Bethune-Cookman University does not have problems with notebook theft on campus. We strongly encourage students to use notebook locks to secure their computer any time they are not actively using it. Students should also lock down their computers when they bring them to publicly-accessible areas such as the library and while they are kept in their residence hall rooms.

Desktops are less fragile, less expensive, have larger monitors, larger keyboards, and have greater upgrade potential.

Should I get a Macintosh or IBM Compatible computer?

Both Macintosh and IBM Compatible computers can be connected to our network if they meet the requirements listed in this guide, and both are equally supported on campus.

The decision to purchase a Macintosh or IBM Compatible computer is a personal one. Regardless of major, Bethune-Cookman students will be exposed to both computer platforms while they are on campus.

One thing to consider when purchasing a computer is the prevalence of viruses and spyware/adware on computers. At this time, there are no known Mac OS X computer viruses, and over 100,000 virus threats to IBM Compatible computers. The amount of spyware/adware for IBM Compatible computers is also significantly higher than for Mac OS X. Students with IBM Compatible computers will spend much more time removing these problems from their computers and spending time on preventative maintenance than Mac OS X users.

Will any version of Microsoft Windows Operating System, IBM Compatible, work on ResNet?

Bethune-Cookman University recommends and supports Windows XP Professional Edition.  Windows Vista Business and Vista Ultimate are also supported.

Windows XP Professional Edition and Windows 2000 are the versions of the IBM Compatible operating systems that are supported on BCC2001, Bethune-Cookman wireless network.  Vista Business and Vista Ultimate are also supported.
Bethune-Cookman University does not support Windows 95, 98, ME, XP Home versions, Vista Basic or Vista Premium. These operating systems will prevent students from accessing and installing major components of the Bethune-Cookman University network, including personal network drives, course-related software, and the virus-protection software provided to all students. Students bringing computers with Windows XP Home Edition will be told to purchase an upgrade to Windows XP Professional Edition through the e-Academy website or your local computer store.

Do I qualify for educational pricing on computer hardware or software?

Yes, as a student at Bethune-Cookman University you qualify for educational pricing with some computer and software vendors. Educational pricing is also available through the Campus Book Store at Bethune-Cookman University.

The Campus Book Store will be offering educational pricing on Acer Notebook computers.  These notebook computers can be special ordered through the bookstore. Microsoft software products such as Windows XP Professional upgrade, Windows Vista Business upgrade, and  Microsoft Office 2007, etc., can be purchase through the e-Academy website at substantially reduced prices for student.

What if I already own a computer?

If you already own a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed below, it should connect to the campus network.

  • A computer with Windows 2000, a Pentium III processor, at least 256 MB of RAM, a 20 GB hard drive, and an installed 3Com 10/100Base-T Ethernet card meets the minimum requirements need to connect to our network.
  • A Macintosh computer with a G3 processor running Mac OS 9.2 with 256 MB of RAM, a 20 GB hard drive, and an installed 10/100Base-T Ethernet card meets the minimum requirements need to connect to our network.

Computers meeting the above requirements may need to be upgraded in a year or two to remain compatible with current software and our network.
If your computer does not meet these specifications, you may need to upgrade its components for network compatibility and maximum performance or purchase a new computer.

What kind of Ethernet card will my computer need?

An Ethernet card is necessary to connect to our campus-wide network. You can usually purchase a computer with an Ethernet card already installed. All current computers come with Ethernet built-in.
When ordering a PC, you can usually specify that a 3Com Etherlink PCI card be installed. IBM Compatible notebook computers need the 3Com Megahertz 10/100 Mbps LAN PC Card. Most new computers come standard with a built-in Ethernet card.

What software will I need?

All computers in B-CU’s residence halls must authenticate through Cisco Clean Access. Cisco Clean Access is a network connection and compliance management solution which ensures that computers connecting to our network are protected against malicious threats such as viruses, worms, Trojans as well as known software vulnerabilities. Windows computers must install and run the Cisco Clean Access Agent program to access the Internet. It scans your system for vulnerabilities and certifies it as safe to access the campus network. All computers must have a valid and up to date antivirus and all windows updates must be current before access will be granted to the network.  Therefore it is important that you have valid antivirus software such as Norton AV, McAfee AV, or Trend Micro AV, installed and updated and all windows updates install on your computer before putting it on the network.  Sophos AV is provided free of charge to students who need a current version of AV software. This will make the process easier.  Clean Access will direct you to the appropriate web site for updates if your computer does not meet requirements for authentication.

All original operating system disks, CDs, and manuals for your computer should be brought from home. If you have upgraded your system software, please bring the upgrade disks, too. System disks may be required to connect to our network and will not be provided by Bethune-Cookman University.

Bethune-Cookman University strongly recommends that you use Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint while on campus. Purchasing Microsoft Office rather than other word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software packages is strongly recommended because it is compatible with our public computers and is also used by faculty and administrators at the University. Bethune-Cookman University's public computers currently have Microsoft Office 2004 for Macintosh and Microsoft Office 2003 for IBM Compatible (2007/2008 academic year).

Students must purchase their own copy of Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 for their personal computers - this software is not provided by Bethune-Cookman University.  Through a special agreement with E-Academy, Bethune-Cookman students are now eligible to purchase current Microsoft software (IBM Compatible and Macintosh) at a substantial savings.  Students can purchase software such as Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows XP (a discount of up to 87% of retail pricing).  More details about this new program can be found on the E-Academy website.

How can I protect my computer from viruses?

Bethune-Cookman University requires all computers connected to ResNet to have anti-virus software installed and kept up to date, and provides Sophos Antivirus Software at no charge for student to install. (See ResNet requirements above).
If a computer on ResNet is infected with a virus and attempts to spread the virus on the network, it will be disconnected from the network (including Internet, e-mail, network drives) until the viruses have been removed and ResNet verifies that the computer is clean.

This is done to reduce the number of virus infections on the network.

ResNet has seen a significant increase in adware/spyware on students' personal computers over the past year. ResNet recommends free software such as LavaSoft's Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy to reduce the problem.  Students may purchase other Ad-ware and spyware software.

How can I protect my computer from theft?

ResNet strongly recommends that students lock their residence hall rooms while they are away. We also strongly recommend that students bringing a notebook computer to campus purchase a notebook lock. A basic notebook lock is a coated steel cable that connects to the computer through a special slot (the slot is standard on all current notebooks) and secures the computer to a large or immobile object, such as a desk. Notebook locks are available with keys (recommended) or with combinations. Notebook locks with alarms or other special features are unnecessary.

How can I protect my computer from damage?

Bethune-Cookman University strongly recommends that you purchase an extended warranty to cover the life of the computer (three or four years). Depending on the brand of computer and the coverage available, this can provide technical assistance with hardware and software problems that may occur during the time you own your computer. Bethune-Cookman University does not provide assistance with hardware problems on students' computers - students will be directed to the computer manufacturer or a local vendor (at students’ expense) for hardware assistance.

Bethune-Cookman University also recommends that students' computers be added to their families' home owner or renter's insurance. The coverage may be an additional cost, but depending on the policy, the coverage may include issues such as broken screen or problems stemming from dropping the computer that the computer warranty may not cover. Please contact your insurance company for more information.

Will There Be Help Available to connect my computer to the B-CU Network?

Yes. At the beginning of the academic year at Bethune-Cookman University, ResNet distributes information packets to all incoming students with instructions for connecting your computer to the network. Students are encouraged to set up their own computers, and most students are able to easily connect their personal computers to the Bethune-Cookman University network with the instructions provided. The Student Technical Assistance Team is available to provide individual assistance when necessary.

What kind of wireless card would I need to connect to Bethune-Cookman wireless network?

To connect to wireless network, you will need a wireless card that supports either the 802.11b or the 802.11g wireless networking standard. (Some cards support both 802.11b and 802.11g, and will also work on wireless network.) 802.11a wireless cards will not work. Most laptop computers come with the appropriate wireless card installed.

Can I use my existing e-mail account (AOL, Hotmail, etc.) while at Bethune-Cookman University?

Access to third-party e-mail accounts is not blocked, and students may continue to use these accounts if they wish. However, all current students are provided with a Bethune-Cookman e-mail address (first.lastname@cookman.edu), and this address can be used to send and receive e-mail anywhere in the world. A student must use their Bethune-Cookman e-mail address for all e-mail correspondence with Bethune-Cookman faculty and staff. If a student uses another account (AOL, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.) to e-mail a faculty or staff member, the faculty or staff member may not respond. For this reason, we encourage students to have all their third-party e-mail forwarded to their Bethune-Cookman e-mail account, and to use the latter in all correspondence.

Should I buy a USB flash memory drive/memory stick?

Bethune-Cookman students, faculty, and staff have embraced USB flash memory drives/memory sticks because of their portability and ease of use. All of the computers in the Labs on campus have multiple USB ports you can connect these drives to. A 128MB USB flash memory drive/memory stick can hold more data than 91 floppy disks or a single Zip disk.

When purchasing a USB flash memory drive/memory stick, Bethune-Cookman University recommends drives that come with a 5-year or lifetime warranty, including those made by companies such as Cruzer, and Kingston.

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