Information Technology Q & AQ. Do I need to own
my own computer at UMaine?
A. Although it is not
required that UMaine students have access to their own computer,
we recommend that you do since it will make your college life much
easier. Most students who have their own computer tell us that
they can't imagine how others manage without one. They enjoy
having access to a computer when they need it, in the comfort of
their own room, whether it's for homework or sending personal
e-mail.
Q. What kind of
computer should I purchase or bring?
A. It is best to check
with your department. Ask your advisor or a faculty member (a)
what kinds of things you will need to do on your computer, (b)
whether you need specific software, (c) if the software is
available in a lab that you could use, (d) what kind of computer
is used most by the faculty and students in the department. It is
also a good idea to talk to other students in your department and
get their advice. Ultimately, you are the person who will be using
the computer, fixing it, or asking others to help you with it. So,
purchase a computer that you are comfortable using. Please call
the IT HELP CENTER at (207) 581-2506.
Q. Are there
computers on campus I can use?
A. The department of
Information Technologies (IT) has a number of public computer
clusters on campus. Some of these clusters are open most of the
day and into the evening. Other computer labs are reserved for
students taking courses in particular departments or majors in a
department. These labs may have specialized hours and software.
There are many places on campus where you can check your e-mail.
Q. Do I need a
printer? What about a scanner?
A. Computer clusters
have large black and white laser printers available for you to
print assignments and other documents. You can bring your document
on a disk, or transfer the document using your FirstClass e-mail
account to a computer in the computer cluster, then print it. The
IT Help Center has a color laser printer that you can use to print
color documents or computer generated art for a small fee. Flatbed
scanners are available on a first come, first serve basis in the
public computer clusters and in most computer classrooms. The IT
Help Center also has scanners available for your use. The Help
Center also has a slide shooter available to transfer electronic
images or files onto slide film for processing and a slide
scanner.
Q. How can I get
internet access for my computer, and how much does it cost?
A. If you live on
campus, you can get an internet connection directly to your
computer through the UMaineNet program. This connection does not
utilize phone lines or modems, so you need to have a network card
in your computer in order to use it. If your computer does not
already have a network card, you can purchase one from the
computer connection or most any computer retailer. The UMaineNet
fee is included in your dorm room fee, so there is no additional
charge to access the internet.
Q. Does e-mail cost
money? Can I have e-mail even if I don't own a computer?
A. Every UMaine
student and employee is entitled to a free e-mail account. The
FirstClass email/ conferencing system is the official campus
e-mail system. You can FirstClass to communicate with your campus
friends, classmates, professors, and even friends & family
off-campus! Your department may provide another e-mail account
which you may be required to use for purposes other than e-mail.
If you don't have our own computer, you can access you FirstClass
(or other e-mail accounts) on a computer in one of the computer
clusters or e-mail stations to access your account.
Q. What kind of
software should I buy for my computer?
A. All UMaineNet
participants have access to campus software applications at no
additional charge. This includes the software available in the
computer clusters and many others! If you live on campus, this is
a great deal for you! Purchasing all these applications would cost
you in the neighborhood of $1,000! In most instances, specialized
class software is available in a computer lab somewhere for you to
use and may be available through UMaineNet too.
Q. When I get to
campus, what should I do in order to get connected to the
internet?
A. A UMaineNet setup
guide will be available in your door room. You can also access the
UMaineNet set up instructions from the following Web site,
www.umaine.edu/it/services/networking You will
need to use your FirstClass user ID and password to register to
the UMaineNet program. If you have any questions about registering
your computer to the network or about your FirstClass account,
please contact the IT Help Center:
IT Help Center
17 Shibles Hall
UMaine Campus
(207) 581-2506
www.umaine.edu/it
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