The Monterey Institute has a wireless network consisting of 27 access points transmitting radio frequencies that can penetrate walls and other non-metal barriers. This network provides mobility and flexibility by enabling students to access their emails, Internet, Intranet, and campus network resources at various campus locations using their personal wireless laptops.
E-mail Account - All registered students are given an email account on the FirstClass email system. This system can be accessed from any campus computer, or from any Internet-connected computer. Conferences available on the FirstClass system allow students to share information with each other, faculty, and staff in a forum type setting. Individual conferences are available for student organizations, and for courses offered by the Institute.
Network Account - All registered students are given a network account. This account provides access to private and shared network storage and network printing. Students wishing to store files on the network, or print to any of the available networked student printers (computer labs, library) must first log into the network with their individual account and password. This includes students accessing the network through their wireless laptops.
Printing - Once logged into their network account, students have access to various networked printers set up for student use. These high-speed printers can be found at several locations around campus. Each individual student account is allocated a non-refundable dollar amount each semester for printing. With each printout, a charge is calculated against the student's account based on the number of pages printed and type of printing (black/white, color, and duplex). Students may print up to the allocated amount without incurring additional expenses. Once the amount is reached for a semester, students can purchase additional printing through the Cashiers Office. Unused printing does not rollover to the next term; each semester accounts are reset to the maximum allocation.
At this time, no program at the Institute requires laptops of its students, though some programs have begun integrating laptops into their programs. Please check with your program coordinator for specific information about laptops in your area of study.
Many students are already taking advantage of the wireless network and have found the convenience of owning a laptop to be invaluable, as this allows them to work not only outside of the computer lab schedules, but also in the quiet of their homes. Professional students are also finding that owning a laptop not only frees up much of their time, but also provides them with a great career enhancement tool that they can use after they graduate.
Some programs are evaluating and making available academic versions of software used for instructional content. The use of this software adds value to student owned laptops and is intended to enhance each student's professional career. Please check with your program coordinator to determine if such software is available in your area of study.
Students with laptops wishing to take advantage of the wireless network, print to networked student printers, and/or wishing to access their secure network files must first connect to the campus Windows network. This may require the student to join their laptop to the Windows domain. This can be accomplished by requesting support from the Wireless Network Manager through the Lab Support Center. Students wishing to access the First Class email system need not join the Windows domain, but will need to install the First Class client to take advantage of all of the features available in First Class.
It is recommended that students wishing to purchase new laptops for use at the Institute contemplate spending between $1,500 and $2,000. Laptops purchased in this price range normally come with sufficient processing power and features to ensure that they will be compatible with our campus network. Features to look for include:
- 1GHz processor *
- 512MB of memory *
- 30GB hard drive
- large SXGA/TFT screen
- integrated wireless 802.11b or 801.22b/g
- DVD/CD-RW combo drive
- 56K modem
- Windows XP Professional
- 3 year warranty
* Faster processor speeds and added memory can dramatically improve performance. Additionally, new technology such as Centrino mobile processors can extend the battery life on a laptop, allowing the student to use the laptop without recharging for up to eight hours, rather than the traditional two hours. New students may want to check with current students to find out what level of laptops have been successful their individual programs.
The Institute does not recommend the use of Apple laptops on campus, but does attempt to provide the support it can for Apple owners. Please note that some recommended software does not work on the Apple platform, and that some services such as network file access and network printing might not be available. Other general wireless access is available if the proper equipment is installed.
Students who already own laptops may purchase a wireless access card through various locations including the campus bookstore, local vendors, or mail-order vendors. Pricing on wireless access cards varies greatly so students are encouraged to shop around before they make a purchase.
To purchase network cards in advance, the following specifications should be followed to make a wireless card compatible with the campus network:
- IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g (backwards compatible with 802.11b)
- Windows 2000/XP Professional (*Windows 95/98/ME/NT/XP Home Edition not recommended)
* Some services such as network file access and network printing might not be available for these operating systems.
Our Information Technology Services department provides assistance over the phone (the Lab Support Center may be reached at extension 6425), in person at Casa Fuente 448A, or by e-mail at labsupport@miis.edu.
The Institute also has several networked computer laboratories for use in a wide range of courses from all four graduate schools. Each lab is customized to some extent for the needs of particular disciplines, but is available to all Institute students when not reserved for classes. Students are strongly encouraged to have their own computers for routine work, however, in order to avoid end-of-semester bottlenecks in the labs.
The William Tell Coleman library also has networked computers for research purposes as well as a laptop teaching/conference room. Students are strongly encouraged to have their own computers for routine work, however, in order to avoid end-of-semester bottlenecks in the labs.
