Supported and Required Technology at Emmanuel 

Using A Computer At Emmanuel

Emmanuel College provides public computer labs available to all students, but many students consider bring their own computer to campus. While Information Technology does not provide hardware support for students’ personal computers, software and network assistance is available for supported products through the IT Help Desk located in the Plaza Level of the Administration Building (Admin-024). You can contact the Help Desk at 617-735-9966 or at helpdesk@emmanuel.edu.

Supported Software

To ensure that your computer is compatible with our campus computing environment, below is a list of the most commonly used and supported software products on campus. Students are free to use any software they choose, but technical assistance is available only for those products listed in each category. If you are planning to purchase a computer, any reputable computer retailer can assist you with the recommended hardware requirements to run these software packages. Also, some students may use specialized software and hardware as part of specific majors. Faculty within the department can advise you on the details.

** Available free of charge to students through the Information Technology Help Desk

*** Emmanuel College requires all computers connecting to the campus network to have active and up-to-date antivirus software.

E-Mail and Conferencing System

Emmanuel College uses FirstClass as its e-mail system. This system is also used extensively for campus communication and coursework. The software includes such features as conferencing and private chats. FirstClass software is available free of charge, and training is available to students during orientation. Your e-mail account information and instructions for downloading and installing FirstClass will be provided to you under separate cover.

Connecting to the Emmanuel College Campus Network

If you are living on campus, network connections are installed in every room in the residence halls. These connections provide fast and reliable Internet service. This eliminates the need for a modem to access e-mail and the Internet.To take advantage of these services, however, your computer must be equipped with a network card and a network patch cable, with the following specifications:

10/100 Base-T, NE2000 compliant, with RJ-45 connector
Network patch cable with RJ-45 connectors

Emmanuel College has installed wireless access points in various public spaces around campus. This wireless network is available to all Emmanuel students who own a laptop computer equipped with a wireless networking card that meets the following specifications:

Any wireless (WiFi) enabled network card that complies with the
802.11 b/g Wireless Networking Standard

Once again a reputable retailer can assist you with selection and installation of the appropriate card for your computer. Because of liability, Information Technology cannot install these cards for you. When you arrive on campus, network configuration information will be provided to you. Please note that since there is no need for a modem on campus their use is strictly prohibited in the residence halls

Special Information for AOL Users

Connecting to the network via the network card in your computer and Emmanuel’s Internet connection, removes the need for a third party Internet Service Provider, such as AOL. However, we understand the popularity of AOL and AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) among students. Many students who use AOL and AIM at home wish to continue using these services at Emmanuel. This is not recommended. Certain conflicts between the AOL software and highspeed networks may cause severe disruptions in students’ ability to connect to the Internet in any way. In particular, AOL Instant Messenger has been prone to disrupt students’ network connections. Consequently, we do not recommend its use. If you must use an instant messaging program we recommend using either MSN Messenger or ICQ.

This doesn’t mean that you need to give up your AOL e-mail, however. You just need to stop using the AOL software to connect to the Internet and check your AOL e-mail. We recommend using either Netscape or Internet Explorer browsers and going directly to http://www.aol.com where you can log in using your AOL screen name and password to check your AOL e-mail.

Other Technology at Emmanuel

Telephone Service

Emmanuel provides each room with one telephone line that allows free on-campus and local calling to most areas of Boston. There are no activation costs to connect these services and no monthly costs. Your only phone costs will be for the long distance calls you make. You must, however, provide your own telephone. Telephone prices ranges from about $20 - $200. We recommend that you buy a telephone that is a “touch tone” phone and that has a Flash or Recall button. This will let you use more features on your line. Before buying a telephone you may wish to check with your roommate since some students decide to share one telephone. Note: We do not recommend the use of “cordless” phones due to possible interference.

Long Distance Service

Because of the rapidly changing offerings in the telecommunications market, it has become increasingly difficult for colleges to negotiate a student long distance rate that is both affordable and reliable. As a result, Emmanuel does not offer traditional long distance calling options for students living on-campus. Instead, we suggest students pursue options of traditional calling cards, prepaid calling cards, or cell phones. Calling cards are available in the bookstore. Also there are many options available on the Internet, and we feel students and parents can identify programs that best suit their individual needs. These 3 websites allow you to compare some of the more popular plans and are a good place to start your search:

http://www.longdistancefacts.org
www.saveonphone.com
www.longdistanceratefinder.com

Voicemail Service

As of the 2007-2008 academic year Emmanuel College will no longer be offering voicemail service in the Residence Halls. The vast majority of our students are choosing to use cell phones as their primary means of communication. Since cell phone providers all offer voicemail service to their customers, there is no longer a need for Emmanuel College to offer voicemail as an additional service in the Residence Halls.

Cable Television

Emmanuel College provides a selection of approximately 90 cable channels in the Residence Halls. Students can connect a standard coaxial cable from their cable-ready television to the cable jack located in each room of the residence halls. Since the exact instructions for programming a television to receive cable varies from model to model, students should consult the specific instruction manual that came with their particular television. Look for the directions that detail how to prepare the TV for cable reception (CATV) and how to program channels into memory.