New Student Information
Topics
Computing Resource Summary
Computer Recommendations
Laptop or Desktop
Getting a Computer Set Up
Getting an E-mail Account
Network Access
How to Send and Receive E-mail
Computer Training
CE6 (WebCT/Blackboard) at USD - Online Courses
Instructional Technology Services- Media Services
Tech Support Center
Student Lab Locations and Hours
Does the USD network support gaming consoles
like XBox, Live, Play Station, Nintendo WII, and massively multiplayer online
role-playing Games (MMORPG)?
Computer Stores in the Area
Computing Resource Summary
The University of San Diego provides computing resources to the campus community through both computer labs and direct wired and wireless Internet and e-mail access from all residence halls and throughout the entire campus. Below you will find a summary of the computing resources that are available to your student at the University of San Diego. This is the page that will provide you with detailed technology information pertinent to your student’s arrival on campus.
Computer Recommendations
It is highly recommended that students contact the Tech Support Center before purchasing new equipment for network access with the university’s systems. In general, Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz is the minimum processor recommended; Microsoft software applications are preferred; and the more memory (RAM), the better. The Tech Support Center does not support operating systems below Windows XP or Mac OS X. For detailed recommendations and supported system information, please visit http://www.sandiego.edu/its/techsupport/requirements.php.
Symantec anti-virus software for both Macintosh and Windows systems is available to students free of charge. You can download a copy at http://www.sandiego.edu/unet/virus.php by logging in with your MySanDiego username and password. For questions, please contact the Tech Support Center in the University Center, Room 117, via e-mail at tsc@sandiego.edu, or call (619) 260-7900.
Laptop or Desktop
Ultimately, this is a matter or personal preference but laptops tend to be better suited for campus life. Desktops are usually less expensive, but laptops give you the flexibility to take notes in class or work in the library. However, because of their size and utility, laptops are more susceptible to theft. Public Safety reported two stolen laptops in the Residence Halls during Spring 2006, and the Tech Support Center strongly recommends purchasing a laptop lock to prevent such incidents.
Getting a Computer Set Up
During Torero Days, the Tech Support Center staff will provide assistance with connecting to the campus network. Student technology consultants are also available in residence halls the first week of classes to assist with the process. After Torero Days, students can contact the Tech Support Center at (619) 260-7900 (ext. 7900 on campus) for technical assistance. Please note, wireless access is available throughout the campus, including all the residence halls. Students are not allowed to configure personal wireless routers, switches or hubs.
Getting an E-mail Account
Each student is highly encouraged to setup a free MySanDiego account. Students need an account in order to access the MySanDiego portal, send or receive e-mail, or to utilize campus Web applications such as course listings, grades and timecards. Incoming students will receive an e-mail message to the e-mail address listed on their application in May inviting them to create an account by visiting http://mail.sandiego.edu and clicking on the Open an Account (Students) link. If your student does not receive this e-mail by late June, please contact the Tech Support Center at (619) 260-7900. Assistance for opening new e-mail accounts is also available through the Tech Support Center, University Center, Room 117, or the Information Technology Services computer lab located in Serra Hall, Room 205.
Network Access
The entire University of San Diego campus has wireless access. You will need a MySanDiego account username and password to access the ‘usd’ wireless network. Please be aware that if you disconnect from the wireless network, or if you turn your computer off or put it into hibernation or standby, you will need to log back into the Aruba Wireless Network with your MySanDiego information.
How to Send and Receive E-mail
Students can check their e-mail through the MySanDiego portal. They can also access tutorials on how to use mail clients such as Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail at http://www.sandiego.edu/its/techsupport/tutorials.
Computer Training
Information Technology Services offers free computer training sessions for students. The class schedule is published at the beginning of every semester and is available online at http://www.sandiego.edu/ittraining or in hard copy form in any of the computer labs across campus.
Registration is available online or by calling (619) 260-4810. For specific questions, please contact Shahra Meshkaty.
| Primary Software Applications Supported on Campus | |
| Word Processing | Microsoft Word (Macintosh and Windows) |
| Spreadsheet | Microsoft Excel (Macintosh and Windows) |
| Database | Microsoft Access (Windows), FileMaker Pro (Macintosh) |
| Presentation | Microsoft PowerPoint (Macintosh and Windows) |
| Internet | Internet Explorer, Netscape, Safari, Firefox |
| Microsoft Outlook (Windows), Microsoft Entourage (Macintosh), WebMail | |
| Layout | Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop |
CE6 (WebCT/Blackboard) at USD - Online Courses
CE6 (WebCT/Blackboard) is a course management tool that facilitates the creation of sophisticated World Wide Web-based educational environments used at USD. Many of the courses taught at USD have augmented components, course information, syllabi and group projects posted on the faculty CE6 (WebCT/Blackboard) site. The current version is CE6 (WebCT/Blackboard). To access the system, students are required to use their MySanDiego account username and password to view course material or posted grades, have discussions, or to chat with faculty and students. For more information, visit http://www.sandiego.edu/webct.
Instructional Technology Services- Media Services
Instructional Technology Media Services is comprised of: Media Production, Digital Graphic Design & Multimedia Lab facilities located in Maher 176, Equipment Repair & Installation, and Media Equipment Checkout located in Maher 186. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We provide a wide range of resources including equipment lending, digital graphic services, audio/video/multimedia production, media duplication, video/multimedia workstations, technical assistance, classroom support, and consultation/installation services. Please call (619) 260-4567 for more information.
Tech Support Center
The Tech Support Center, located in Hahn University Center, Room 117(adjacent to the Torero Grill), provides computer support for virus and spyware removal, hardware and software support and data transfer services and backup. On-campus residents can enjoy this service at no cost while off-campus students can purchase competitively priced service options. Online support is also available through the MySanDiego portal Technical Support Services channel. Our hours of operation during the summer are Monday -Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m and during the semester Monday – Thursday 7:00 a.m – 7:00 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The following is a list of all of our service options:
On-campus convenience and personalized, hassle-free service
- Windows and Apple Support and Troubleshooting
- Virus/Spyware Removal
- Operating
System and Application Re-installation
- User must provide all necessary installation CD’s
- Data Recovery and Backups
- Hardware Installation
- Printer Setup
- In-room Networking
- On-campus students only
- Wireless Connection Setup
- E-mail Support
- Online Tutorials
Student Lab Locations and Hours
Public student labs are located in Serra Hall, Olin Hall and Maher Hall. All labs have direct Internet and laser printer access. The main lab is located in Serra Hall, Room 205, and has both Windows and Macintosh computers. This lab is open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The labs in Olin Hall and Maher Hall have Windows computers only. These labs are open until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Please check posted lab signs or lab hours online at http://www.sandiego.edu/its/labs for extended and holiday hours.
The Tech Support Center maintains Windows and Macintosh computers in lounges in the following residence areas: the Valley, Alcalá Vistas, and Manchester Village. Macintoshes also are available in Aromas (the campus coffeehouse) and in the University Center.
Does the USD network support gaming consoles like XBox, Live, Play Station, Nintendo WII, and massively multiplayer online role-playing Games (MMORPG)?
Yes. The USD network is setup to automatically detect gaming consoles using our Safe*Connect network authentication software. However, these devices are not supported on the wireless network and must be configured with a wired Ethernet connection.
Computer Stores in the Area
- Best Buy - 5151 Mission Center Rd, San Diego, CA (Mission Valley Shopping Mall)
- Circuit City - 3331 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA
- Office Depot - 909 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA (right below USD)
- Apple Store - 7007 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA (Fashion Valley Mall)
- Fry’s Electronics - 9825 Stonecrest Blvd, San Diego, CA
