Student Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to come to campus with a laptop?
2. Do I have to buy the recommended laptop?
3. How can I purchase the recommended laptop?
4. If I already have a laptop, can I use it a Framingham State College?
5. What Operating System do you recommend?
6. Where do I go if I need help?
7. How do I name my computer?
8. How do I set an administrator password?
9. How can I access the network using my laptop computer?
10. Do I need to bring my own printer?
11. Can I bring an Apple computer?
12. Can I bring a desktop?

1. Do I have to come to campus with a laptop?

Starting back in the fall of 2002, Framingham State College began requiring all incoming freshman to own a wireless laptop. Beginning spring 2003, Framingham State College began requiring all transfer students to own a wireless laptop.

2. Do I have to buy the recommended laptop?

Every incoming student to Framingham State College is required to own a wireless laptop . The college negotiates with top vendors to make available high quality products at a discounted rate. These laptops are fully supported by Framingham State and guarantee compatibility with our network. The added value of the service is tremendous. Students purchasing machines outside of this program must rely on their own support for any problems encountered.

3. How can I purchase the recommended laptop?

You can purchase the recommended laptop (Dell Latitude D630) online or over the phone. To purchase the laptop online click on the Dell icon found on the ITS website and follow the instructions. To purchase the laptop over the phone please call (508) 215-5906 and a member of the ITS staff will give you the necessary information.

4. If I already have a laptop, can I use it a Framingham State College?

Yes , if it meets the minimum specifications. Also, check the minimum specifications of the operating system and other software.
Operating System Minimum : Windows XP Professional.
These are the ONLY operating systems allowed on the campus network.

• Processor: Pentium M, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon
• Memory (RAM) Recommended: 512MB (1GB for Vista)
• Hard Drive Minimum: 30GB (40GB for Vista)
• Media Drive : CD-RW or CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive
• Floppy Drive: 3.5 Floppy drive
• Networking 10/100, a.k.a NIC (Network Interface Card)
• Wireless: 802.11a/b/g Card with 128-bit encryption (Microsoft brand cards are incompatible with our network)
• Cables: Category 5 Ethernet cable
• Software: We are a Microsoft College so the labs as well as most of our faculty and staff computers are loaded with Microsoft software.
• Virus protection. The college uses Symantec's Norton Antivirus which is provided as a free download for all students and lasts the entirety of your enrollment at FSC.

5. What Operating System do you recommend?

In the summer of 2005, FSC upgraded all lab desktops and all laptops to XP Pro and therefore we recommend that all students use the same operating system. The recommended laptop for 2008-2009 will come with Windows XP Professional. Any Microsoft Windows version prior to Windows 2000 will not work on our network (this includes Win 3.x, Win9.x, Windows ME and NT versions). Windows XP Home and Windows Vista Home will NOT work on our network. However, Windows XP Professional or any Professional Version of Windows Vista will work on the FSC network.

6. Where do I go if I need help?

If you are having any problems with your computer please bring it to the Student Help Center , located in HH bottom floor, where the student Lab is. A technician will troubleshoot all problems. If further troubleshooting needs to be done, a ticket will be put into our database and you will bring your computer to ITS located in the Arthur Doyle Technology Center . Here your issue will be diagnosed and the necessary actions will be taken to fix all problems.

7. How do I name my computer?

Student computers need to be named using this convention:
FRCID#-LT (laptop) Example: FRCzz99-LT
Log on to your laptop as Administrator

Right click on the icon for My Computer and then select Properties.

Click the Computer Name tab.
Click the Change button.

In the Computer Name field name your computer as stated above (FRCID#-LT). Click OK. Restart the computer.

8. How do I set an administrator password?

Setting a strong administrator password will help to keep your computer clean of viruses and spyware, while also keeping your data secure. To set or change an administrator's password first log into your machine under the account who's password you want to change. Hold Alt-Ctrl-Delete, and select change password from the options presented. Enter your current password in the first box, followed by the new password in the next two boxes (the reason you need to enter it twice is to make sure you have no mistyped your password.) When the "password changed" dialog box appears click ok. Press the cancel button on the Windows Security box. You do not need to restart your computer.

9. How can I access the network using my laptop computer?

Wireless access is available throughout the campus to access the network. We now have nearly 260 access points troughout the College, providing wireless connectivity to just about every point on campus including all academic buildings, residence halls, and may outdoor locations. We also offer a port-per-pillow (Hardwired connection) in the residence halls, which is the preferred option using your RJ45 cable. The hardwired or Ethernet port allows a constant 10/100Mb and is a more stable and reliable medium.

10. Do I need to bring my own printer?

No, but we do suggest that you bring your own personal printer. There are many networked printers on campus for student use. However, there is NO color printing and not all printers will be available 24 hours.

For help with Campus Printing, please click here for a tutorial.

11. Can I bring an Apple computer?

Apple computers may be brought to campus however, they are not permitted on the FSC network. Apple computers DO NOT fulfill the requirement for wireless laptop computer.

12. Can I bring a desktop?

Yes, but it DOES NOT fulfill the laptop requirement.