Technology is an important aspect of our everyday lives, and it plays a significant role in teaching and learning environments too. ITServices at Queen’s has considered all of your technology needs, giving you one less thing to worry about as you make the transition to university life.

 

ITServices 2011 Back-to-School Flyer (PDF, 1.14MB)

 

Click on these links to be taken directly to information in the following subject areas:

• Personal Computers
• Computing Safety
• Troubleshooting and Support
• NetID, SOLUS and MyQueensU
• Other Services for Students

If you have a question that is not answered here, please call us at 613.533.6666 or fill out our Online Help Form.

 

PS - We recommend the sushi. 

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Do I need my own computer?

Public computing sites and kiosks are available across campus, providing students with access to networked computers, software, and Internet services. However, as the cost of personal computers continues to drop, many students choose to invest in their own computer as a matter of convenience. Furthermore, some faculties, such as Law, Commerce and Applied Science, either require students to bring laptops to class, or strongly encourage students to acquire their own computers as an essential tool for their education.

 

Where should I buy my computer stuff?

Now that you have a student number, you are eligible to make all of your technology-related purchases at the Queen's-owned Campus Computer Store. Being a Queen's student entitles you to our deeply discounted pricing on hardware and software, and automatically qualifies you for student financing and other services such as computer rentals. Visit our website to check out our current promotions and to shop online 24/7. For Back-to-School, we'll ship your purchases to you anywhere in Canada - free! When you get to campus, come visit our store in Dupuis Hall - we have everything you'll need while you're at Queen's.

 

Campus Computer Store 2011 Back-to-School Flyer (PDF, 4MB)

 

What software will I need?

The various Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suites are commonly used packages at Queen's. We have negotiated licensing agreements with both of these companies, allowing us to sell you full versions of these various suites, including the installation disks, at a fraction of the normal educational price. Please consult your department or faculty to see if your program has any specialized software requirements.To purchase software, please visit the Campus Computer Store online store.

 

Are financing options available?

Queen’s makes it easy for students to acquire computers. As well as accepting major credit cards, the Campus Computer Store offers low-interest leasing plans, for which all students are automatically pre-approved. Students may apply their bursaries or student loans to purchase computers and software. If you do not have the funds to purchase a computer, we can help provide alternatives.

 

What about wireless Internet?

Wireless Internet access is continually expanding across campus. Most common student areas, such as Stauffer Library and the Queen's Centre, have wireless access points. In addition, we offer encrypted wireless access (WPA2) everywhere the wireless network is available. 

 

*PDF files can be read for free using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

 

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Is it true that I can get free antivirus software?

It sure is! Queen's has purchased a site license for Symantec Endpoint Protection  (SEP) for use by every member of the Queen's community. SEP for Windows is downloaded through Ida, the ITServices Desktop Assistant. Ida retrieves, installs, configures and updates many Windows applications in use at Queen's. To access antivirus software for the Macintosh, visit our Macintosh Software Download page.

 

I keep hearing about "phishing". What is it, and how can I make sure it doesn't happen to me?

Phishing is a method of trying to get people to give away their personal and confidential information. It is accomplished electronically - usually through email - and is successful because the person requesting the information masquerades as a real person or company. The most common phishing attempts at Queen's are emails requesting your NetID (or username) and password. No legitimate authority at Queen's will ever ask you to divulge your NetID password. It is a violation of the Queen's Computer User Code of Ethics to tell anyone your NetID password. The ITServices website offers information on phishing and NetID best practices.

 

Where can I learn more about student safety?

 

• Visit the Security section of the ITServices website to learn about electronic security and safe computing.
• Take ITServices' online course, Computing Safely @ Queen's, to learn the basics of personal computing safety. Test your knowledge by taking the quizzes! (Note: you will need to log in using your NetID and password to take this course.)
  
• For general student safety information (at home, on campus, online and personal safety), visit the Student Safety and Community Living section of the Student Affairs website.

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What if I have computer problems?

The IT Support Centre offers troubleshooting and software support by telephone, at our walk-in desk, through an online help form and at our drop-off depot. In addition, Campus Computer Sales & Service has a hardware repair shop located right in the heart of campus, in Stauffer Library. The hardware depot is authorized to perform warranty service on many name-brand computers, including Toshiba, Dell, Lenovo, HP and Apple.

 

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What's a NetID? What do I use it for?

Your NetID is your online identity at Queen's, and it is assigned to you when you are offered admission to the University. It is typically some combination of your last name and/or initials, possibly with a number. It is used to access numerous online services at Queen's, including email, online course materials, and SOLUS. You must activate your NetID before you can access services with it. Activating your NetID includes creating a strong password, which you should never share with anyone. You will never be asked for your NetID password by anyone in ITServices.

 

So what's SOLUS?

SOLUS stands for Student OnLine University System, and means ‘light, knowledge and information’ in Gaelic. It is the Student administrative system used to register for courses, to add/drop courses, to update address information, and to view financial and other academic data. The website of the Office of the University Registrar has detailed information about SOLUS, including where to go for help.

 

How do I get to SOLUS?

SOLUS is accessed through the MyQueensU portal. Once you have logged into the portal using your NetID and password, you can access SOLUS in one of three ways:

 

• using the link in the blue utility bar, visible from every screen;
• by clicking on the Palette tab and using the link in the SOLUS Student Centre app; or
• by adding the SOLUS Student Centre app to your Home page.

What else do I have access to through MyQueensU?

Logging in to MyQueensU not only gives you access to SOLUS, it also gives you access to your email (webmail), library account and more. For more information about MyQueensU, and how you can customize it to suit your preferences, please visit the MyQueensU documentation on the Queen's Wiki.

 

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