Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use my own computer in the residence hall to access the Internet?

A. Yes. The campus computing network extends to each room in the major dormitories, fraternity houses, and Small Living Units (SLUs). Each residence hall room has one network jack per student of normal occupancy. [more about connecting to the OWU network]

Q. Is the campus wireless?

A. Wireless access is currently available in a number of locations on campus, including Beeghly Library, the Science Center Atrium, the Hobson Science Library, the Slocum Hall Reading Room, and Phillips Hall. Plans include expanding wireless access to other areas of campus.

Q. What if I don't own a computer?

A. An extensive array of micro computer labs on campus, including in the residence halls, is available to all students. [more about the microlabs]

Q. Do I need to purchase a new computer?

A. No, students can purchase a used computer or bring one from home. But do refer to the computer configuration section for additional information.

Q. Can students purchase a computer through the University?

A. While computers cannot be purchased directly from the University, OWU has partnered with IBM/Lenovo to make computers available to students for purchase at a discount. Information about this program is mailed to all incoming freshmen. To learn more about this program, visit http:/lenovo.owu.edu/ or contact Lenovo by calling 1-877-222-6426, option 1, ext. 6129.

Q. Is it better to have a Mac or a PC?

A. It's mostly a matter of personal preference, though some departments might have a preference for one over the other. Contact the departments directly for more information. Both Macs and PCs are able to connect to the OWU network to access the services available. All public-access machines run Windows XP Pro.

Q. Is it better to have a desktop or a laptop?

A. It is a matter of personal preference, as each has advantages and disadvantages. With a laptop you tend to pay more for the convenience of portability.  A laptop takes up less space in the dorm room. A laptop also allows you to take advantage of the growing wireless network.

Q. What about printing from my personal computer?

A. Many students decide to bring a personal printer to campus. Often times the printer and / or print cartridges is an expense that is shared by roommates (like a refrigerator or television). OWU currently does not provide access to the networked printers available in the libraries and in the labs from students' personal computers. Often students will e-mail a document to themselves then access the e-mail on a lab computer so the document can be printed on the networked printer.

Q. Is there a charge for using the printers in the public labs?

A. At the beginning of each semester, each student account is allocated a specified number of pages (currently 400) as their print quota. This print quota is reduced every time pages are printed on any of the networked printers. If students exceed the print quota, they can add additional pages to their accounts by visiting the Circulation Desk in Beeghly Library. (An important note: Students must know their OWU username and password to be able to print to any of the networked printers.)

 Q. What is the standard productivity software on campus?

A. Microsoft Office 2003 is available in public-access microlabs. The Office 2003 suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, FrontPage, Publisher, and Access. Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox are the Web browsers available.

Q. Is there any software available through the University?

A. Sophos Anti-Virus for Windows is provided to all students. This and other malware prevention tools are on the OWU Network CD for Windows given to incoming freshman during StART OWU. Current students can pick up a CD at the LIS Student Help Desk in Beeghly Library.

A special license agreement with Microsoft allows OWU to offer a selected number of Microsoft software titles at significant discounts. The software is purchased by accessing the software center option in the J/CX Student Access or going to the Website http://owu.e-academy.com/. Students log into this site using their OWU user name and password.

 Q. Does the University have off-campus dialup lines?

A. Yes. The dial-up number is 369-4665.

Q. Is there a charge for e-mail or for connecting my computer to the campus network?

A. There are no direct charges for these services.

Q. What do I need to attach my computer to the University network?

A. Hardware and Software Requirements

1. A computer meeting or exceeding OWU's suggested configuration.
2. A Network Interface Card (NIC) with an RJ45 network port. The NIC must be in working condition with the latest software drivers installed. 
3. A Category 5 (Cat 5) patch cable with RJ45 plugs. (We recommend you bring a 25-foot or longer cable to accommodate equipment placement in your dorm room.)

Q. How do I get help using the University's computing systems?

A. You can find answers to many questions by browsing the Libraries and Information Services Web site <http://lis.owu.edu/>. If you are not able to find what you are looking for, call the LIS Student Help Desk at 740-368-3520.