How can I print while on campus?
Student notebook computers that are on the Mount’s wireless network have access to several black & white LaserJet printing stations located around the Campus; the Student Scholar Center with 24/7 access, the CLC Computer Learning Center, the College Library, the Student Gallery area by the Classroom building, the Art Building and the Harrington Center front desk. Students living in the residence halls have access to a dorm LaserJet printer and may also bring personally owned printers to campus.
If I experience a notebook computer problem who can I contact for help?
The Mount has an on-site Help Desk and a Technical Support group. They support the notebook computers that are purchased through the Mount and limited support for notebook computers that students bring to the Mount. Both hardware and software related issues are addressed through the ISS Help Desk which is located on the main floor of the Library. You can contact the ISS Help Desk via phone at 513-244-HELP (4357) or via e-mail at ISS_Helpdesk@mail.msj.edu. If your notebook computer was not purchased through the Mount and needs hardware repair or software installation, you will need to take your notebook computer to the place of purchase or to an authorized service provider for repair and support.
I currently own a PC. Am I required to order one of the Mount's notebook computers?
Notebook computers are strongly recommended for use by students at the Mount, but are not a required purchase. The Mount offers selected notebook computers designed to support the students with specifications to last 4 years (a 4-year warranty and 4-year accidental damage insurance on the HP notebook computers). The Mount is authorized to conduct both on-site and depot supported repairs for notebook computers purchased through the Mount approved vendor. Students may purchase a new notebook computer from other resellers or bring a previously purchased notebook computer as long as it meets the minimum computer specifications to run on the Mount’s wireless network. The Mount does not provide the same level of support for notebook computers that have been purchased outside the Mount. Contact the ISS Help Desk 513-244-HELP (4357) for more information. Minimum notebook computer specifications can be reviewed here.
What payment plans are available?
Our recommended reseller uses all major credit cards which are needed at the time of the web page purchases. Student loan option may be available to offset the credit card purchase. Contact the Student Administrative Services Office at 513-244-4418 for more information on available financial opportunities through the Mount.
If I find a different computer manufacturer with the same specifications as the notebook computers offered by the Mount, can I purchase that notebook computer to use at the Mount instead?
Yes, if the notebook computer that you purchase meets the Mount’s minimum specifications you can use the notebook computer that you have purchased at the Mount. However, you will not be able to take advantage of the on-campus technical support that is offered to students who purchase their notebook computer through the Mount. Notebook computers not purchased through the Mount will need to be returned to the place of purchase or to an authorized service provider for repair and support.
What happens if a newer or a different notebook computer is being offered by the computer manufacturer after I ordered my notebook computer through the Mount but before I receive the notebook computer?
Normal notebook computer manufacturing cycles range from 6 to 18 months depending on the manufacturer and market demand. The Mount works with the manufacturer for several months reviewing the latest computer trends and configures all the models we offer to last four years. The Mount strives to maintain the same notebook computer options for all incoming students for a single school year (fall and spring semesters), even though a new product may be announced. The Mount refreshes the models offered at the beginning of each school year’s ordering cycle in June. Standardizing on the same computer models for a school year assists in the troubleshooting and repair processes that we offer to students who purchase their notebook computers through the Mount.
Why should I purchase a notebook computer through the College? Why not from a local reseller in my home town? The Mount’s ISS staff reviews software needs and projects computer system needs has configured and sized the notebook computer selections to last for 4 years; a 4-year warranty and a 4-year accidental damage insurance for the Microsoft based computers. Most local resellers do not offer this same level of support. Our Technical Support group is authorized to complete both on-site repairs and administer depot repairs supported by the manufacturer. Loaner notebook computers are available if needed while the Mount recommend notebook computers are in for repair. The Mount does not provide the same level of support for notebook computers that have been purchased outside the Mount. The professional grade notebook computers purchased through the Mount are a better value than the consumer models purchased from a local reseller.
May I use financial aid money to pay for the computer?
New notebook purchase price may be an eligible expense for financial options offered through the Mount. Please contact the Office of Student Administrative Services at 513-244-4418 for more details on available financial opportunities.
If I choose to bring a notebook computer for use while attending classes at the Mount, what kind of support should I expect from the Mount’s ISS Help Desk and Technical Support for my notebook computer that I did not purchase through the Mount?
You may come to the ISS Help Desk and discuss what you need in software and hardware to insure that your notebook computer will access the Mount’s network. The ISS Help Desk will provide you with documentation to connect to the wireless MSJ network, add the wireless student printers and also provide the download and installation process to install the Mount’ recommended Anti-Virus software (no charge for Anti-Virus software) The Mount does not support software failure issues or hardware failure issues on notebook computers not purchase through the Mount. You will need to self-support those issues or take your notebook computer to the place of purchase or to an authorized service repair center. You will need to contact your manufacturer or reseller to review their process and procedures for returning your notebook computer for repair.
What Anti Virus software is acceptable to use on the Mount's wireless network?
The Mount uses the Cisco NAC Clean Access client to monitor Anti Virus and Microsoft critical updates that are required to keeping your notebook computer healthy and free of known virus. Below is a link that lists the most current Anti Virus software that is compliant with Cisco Clean Access: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/security/nac/appliance/release_notes/413/413rn.html#wp81944. Please note, even though Cisco may have a Anti-Virus software on their list, the Mount has only tested and recommend the MS ForeFront Anti-Virus which is provided to students at no charge.
My notebook computer currently has Microsoft XP as the operating system. Can I install Microsoft Vista or Windows 7 on my notebook computer?
Currently, MS XP and MS Vista operating systems are supported on the MSJ wireless network. MS Windows 7 is being evaluated to insure that it will work with all of the wireless services that we offer to the students; printing, web based programs access and Anti-Virus support. Once Windows 7 has been approved for use at the Mount, an e-mail from the Help Desk outlining the level of support and if student version of the Windows 7 operating systems will be offered though the Mount or from a authorized Microsoft reseller who is reselling the full student version or upgrade student version at educational pricing.
The link provided outlines MS Vista and upgrade options (purchases) to MS Windows 7 (www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/default.mspx)
The link provided will outline the computer system requirements for MS Windows 7 ( http://windows.microsoft.com/systemrequirements)
My notebook computer currently has Microsoft Office 2003 installed. Can I install Microsoft Office 2007? What about MS Office 2010?
The current Microsoft Office Suite supported by ISS is Microsoft Office Professional 2007. Media for Microsoft Office Professional 2007 is available for purchase through the ISS Help Desk. Contact the ISS Help Desk for media availability and current charges at 513-244-HELP (4357) or by e-mail at ISS_Helpdesk@mail.msj.edu. Feel free to contact the ISS Help Desk with any questions that you may have on the MS Office Suite of products and the versions we support. If your notebook is one recommended by the Mount, a reimage of your computer would most give you the latest version of MS Office that the Mount supports.