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What follows are lists of answers to questions parents and students commonly ask CTS during orientation sessions. If you have more questions that need answering, please consult the rest of our FAQs or contact us. We can be reached by email at help@oswego.edu, by phone at 315.312.3456 or via online chat at http://www.oswego.edu/help.
Billing questions
Which tech fees are included in my tuition?
The Resnet fee is already included in your tuition. Additional fees may apply if you opt for campus phone service or digital cable service.
What is the length of time I am able to obtain services if I register late?
You may sign up for ResNet, phone, or digital cable services at any time.
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Computers and residence halls
Will the Microsoft Vista operating system work on the residence hall network?
Yes. CTS plans on offering assistance connecting computers running the Vista operating system to the residence hall network as well as the campus wireless network.
What hardware and software are needed on my computer to connect to the campus network? What does the campus provide?
A computer with a functioning ethernet card and an ethernet patch cable is required. If you do not have an ethernet card installed in your computer, you will need to purchase one at the College Book Store or another store and install it. Technology Support can install the network card if difficulties arise. Network cables are available for purchase at the College Store as well.
How long should the ethernet cable I purchase be?
An ethernet cable of 25’ in length should be sufficient for most rooms.
What assistance will I get when I am trying to connect to the network in my room?
During the first week of school, CTS technicians provide on-site Resnet assistance for several days. Times and signup locations are announced in advance to students. The Technology Support Center can also provide basic phone assistance at x3456.
What type of network does the campus have?
The campus currently has an OC-3 network with a 300 Mbps connection to the Internet.
The campus requires we have anti-virus software. What product do you recommend?
SUNY Oswego owns a site license for the McAfee Enterprise anti-virus software. All registered students may download this software at no charge. The newest version of McAfee Enterprise can be obtained from our Software Download page. If you already have another anti-virus software, it may also work on ResNet.
Should I bring a printer with me?
It is worth bringing a printer only if you desire the convenience of printing within your dorm room or if you need to print on special stock (color paper, resume grade, glossy prints, etc).
Can I print to a computer lab printer from my dorm room?
Yes. Using the Pharos printing software, you can download print drivers that allow you to print to a computer lab printer from your room. All computer lab print jobs have a banner page with your username on it to distinguish it from others.
Can I use voice and/or video conferencing software?
Telephony software such as Skype should work in most scenarios, however we do not provide assistance with setup or troubleshooting these programs.
Can I use instant messaging software on campus?
The three major instant messaging software programs (AOL/MSN/Yahoo) should connect and allow basic chat functions. Due to the infinite number of messaging programs available, we cannot guarantee that every single one will work precisely as advertised.
Do you provide hardware support?
No, hardware repair should be pursued through the product’s company or vendor. If the hardware is no longer under warranty, the Technology Support Center will provide a contact list of repair facilities in the surrounding area. (Note: for hardware purchased via our College Store, they are considered the "vendor" in such situations.)
Does the campus provide academic software discounts?
Yes, the College Store offers computer software at academic discount prices.
How much RAM and processor speed does my computer need?
The current minimum system requirement is 128 MB. Most new systems ship with RAM well beyond that amount. The current minimum PC requirements are a Pentium III processor or higher. The current Mac requirements are a G4 processor or higher.
What size screen on my laptop do you recommend?
Bigger laptop screens offer more space, but tend to be more expensive. Choose a size that fits your comfort level and budget limitations.
Can I use my game console online?
An Xbox or similar device is considered a separate machine. In order to register the game console with Resnet, you will need to call the Technology Support Center. At that time the phone technicians will obtain additional information from you and file the registration request with Network Services.
Can I connect a router in my room?
No. The use of network routers (wired or wireless) are strictly prohibited by the Computer and Network Acceptable Use Policy in the Student Handbook.
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General computing questions
When can I activate my email account?
You will be entered into the college's Banner system once you have paid your initial deposit. Once this has been done, you should be able to activate your email account. Plan on activating your email account before arriving to campus.
How many computer labs are available on campus?
There are general access computer labs in the Campus Center, Mahar, Penfield, and Snygg. There are also three computer labs in the residence halls: Hart, Oneida, and Scales. In addition to these open access labs, there are numerous departmental labs located in most academic buildings.
How do you handle printing in the labs?
Each student is allotted 500 pages of print quota per semester. This is an amount determined by CTS that should cover most printing demands for a student. Additional pages can be purchased in $5.00 allotments at Culkin Hall. Color printing is available in Penfield and Snygg computer labs. A color page will deduct 6 pages from your print quota, whereas a B&W page deducts one page.
How much storage am I allotted for my email account and webspace?
Each student is currently allotted 75 megabytes of email storage space and 75 megabytes of file storage space on the campus servers. To monitor your disk space, go to http://www.oswego.edu/admin and sign in using your e-mail ID and password.
Can I reach CTS via email?
The Technology Support Center can be reached for technology-related issues and questions at help@oswego.edu. Questions regarding class registration, financial aid, similar issues should be directed to those specific campus offices.
Do you recommend Apple Mac computers?
We recommend that you choose a computing platform that you are already comfortable with. The College Store offers both Apple and Dell computers at academic discount prices. Certain majors may require a certain platform, so you may wish to check with the department of your major.
If I am a Business major, what laptop do you recommend, PC or Mac?
Windows-based laptops are required in the School of Business. For computer models and specifications, contact the College Store at 312-2849.
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Phones and residence halls
Do I have to bring my own phone?
Yes, the campus does not provide handsets.
Does each person in a room need their own phone?
No, there is one phone jack per room. Discuss the situation with your roommates and decide who among you will supply the phone.
Do each of us get a voice mailbox?
No, there is one voicemail box per extension. Roommates will hear all messages even if it is for one of the other roommates.
Do you recommend a wired or wireless room phone?
We recommend a wired phone, primarily because its performance does not rely on battery power.
Which cell phone provider do you recommend?
We do not provide recommendations for cell phones or related services. T-mobile, Cingular, Sprint and Verizon all get some level of signal in the Oswego area.
What is a PBN (personal billing number)?
The PBN is used to bill you for any off-campus calls (local as well as long-distance rates). Calls made to on-campus locations are free.
Do I have to sign up for a PBN to receive incoming calls?
No. You will receive incoming calls regardless of whether you have a PBN or not.
Do I need a PBN to use dial-up access to Oswego's modem pool?
No, the campus modem pool is accessible using a four-digit extension and thus does not require a PBN. Calls made to on-campus locations are free.
Do I need a PBN for collect calls and/or 800 numbers?
Yes.
For billing purposes, what is considered the local calling area?
Oswego, Mexico, Fulton and Hannibal extensions are in the local calling area. Anything outside of these areas are considered long distance calls.
Can I use Voice Over IP (VOIP) software to place calls?
VOIP programs may work, but we do not provide assistance with configuring or troubleshooting them.
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Television and residence halls
How many TV sets are allowed per room?
Wiring specifications allow for a single cable TV connection. Use of "splitters" and similar devices will result in poor signal quality and is not supported.
What channels do I get?
There is a standard set of channels included in your room rate. If you would like premium channels including HBO or Showtime, you can subscribe to digital cable service through the local Oswego Time Warner Cable office. There are several plans you can choose from available at a monthly rate.
Can I watch TV using a video card on my computer?
Technically this is possible, but we do not provide assistance with doing so.
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Wireless computing questions
Where is wireless access permitted on campus?
CTS wireless access points are intended to cover classrooms and public gathering spaces such as academic commons and dining halls. They are not intended to cover office space or residence hall rooms. Although coverage does leak into these areas given the nature of radio waves, we cannot support the signal in those locations.
How do I use the wireless network?
To ensure data traffic security, we require the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) software. To install this software, simply be in a wireless enabled space and launch a web browser such as Internet Explorer (IE). You will be taken to a site that will allow you to download and install the VPN software. If you already have an Internet connection, you can also download it from our software downloads page.
Will the Microsoft Vista operating system work on the campus wireless network?
Yes. A Vista-compatible version of the Virtual Private Network (VPN) software required to use the campus wireless network will be available for download by the start of the fall 2007 semester.
Can I print to a printer when connected to the wireless network?
Yes. Using the Pharos printing system, you can download print drivers for certain printers on campus - primarily computer lab printers.
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