For students moving on to campus for the first time who plan to bring a computer, the University offers tips help ‘get connected’ quickly and easily:

·      Large computers, monitors, and printers take up considerable space in a residence hall rooms. Plan to compromise with any roommate(s) if you have a lot of computer equipment.

·      If bringing a laptop computer, take appropriate precautions against theft. Even if the laptop is insured, the data stored on it is not. Computer retail stores sell locking and security devices designed to prevent theft.

·      Each University Park residence hall room is wired for Internet connection. Students will need to have an Ethernet card installed in their computer if they wish to use the Penn State network to access library resources and e-mail from their room.

·      Bring all power and data cables, especially Ethernet network and modem cables.

·      Computer cables often end up in a tangle, so it’s a good idea to secure them. Electronics stores sell wire ties for this specific purpose.

·      Bring along all original CD-ROMs and diskettes, as well as copies of all licenses in case any computer problems require re-loading of programs.

·      Bring a multi-outlet surge suppressor. This convenient device guards computer equipment against power surges, and safely accommodates multiple plugs.

·      Buy, install, and maintain virus protection software. University computing environments worldwide are rampant with computer viruses, which can cause problems ranging from the annoying to the disastrous – such as the destruction of data or hardware.

·      Save working files often and regularly back up all files located on a computer hard drive.

            Penn State has several sources of computer assistance available to students. The Center for Academic Computing provides help with all sorts of computer hardware and software; the Microcomputer Order Center offers discounted purchases of new hardware and software for Penn State students; the Office of Telecommunications provides help with connectivity issues such as voice and data lines; and the Computer Repair Shop provides both out-of-warranty and warranty repair of selected brands of hardware.

**ptk**

Contact: Tysen Kendig, Department of Public Information, at (814) 865-7517 or e-mail tysen@psu.edu.