Campus Technology
Email This Page button

For New Students

Welcome to Gordon College!
Technology is an important part of your Gordon education, and the Center for Educational Technologies (CET) is here to assist you with all of your technology needs. We look forward to working with you in the years ahead.

Read the New Student FAQ below, then click on the Support link to the left for help in in setting up your Gordon account, answering your technology questions, selecting a computer, connecting to our network and getting additional help from CET.

At anytime, the staff of CET would be more than happy to talk with you in person about any of your questions or concerns. 

June Bodoni
Director
Center for Educational Technologies

Chris Jones
Director
Technology Support Services

o: Jenks 317
p: 978.867.4500
e:

FAQ's
How do I set up my Gordon account?
Accounts for new students arriving in the Fall are ready around July 1, and accounts for students arriving in the Spring are ready around January 1. 
Activate your account now.

Am I required to have my own computer?
While you are not required to own your own computer, it is strongly recommended that you bring a laptop to campus. The College has four public computer labs (two Windows labs, one Macintosh lab and one combined Macintosh/Windows lab). Each lab is equipped with a laser printer, Microsoft Office, email, Web browsers, scanners, etc.  In addition, the Macintosh lab is equipped with sound and video editing capabilities). Because these labs can be very busy at times and are not always available when you need them, we recommend you bring a laptop to campus.

What kind of computer can I bring?
Gordon College strongly recommends that you bring the recommended laptop  to campus.
If you choose not to purchase the recommended laptop, make sure the computer you bring meets the following minimum standards.

Windows:

  • At least 512MB or memory
  • CD Drive
  • Ethernet Card (required to connect to the campus network)
  • Windows XP Home or Professional
Macintosh:
  • G4/G5/iMac/eMac/mini/iBook G4/PowerBook G4/MacBook)
  • At least 512MB of memory
  • CD drive
  • Mac OS X 10.3 or higher

How do I connect to the Campus network?
Each office, classroom, and residence hall room is linked through a fiber optic Ethernet network. In order to connect to the network, your computer must have a Ethernet card installed. Please note that this must be done prior to asking for assistance from the Center for Educational Technologies. CET staff are not authorized to open up any personally-owned computer for any reason including installing Ethernet cards. If you want CET staff to assist you in connecting to the campus network, here's what you need:

  • Ethernet cable (available in the Campus Bookstore)
  • Bring your computer to the CET or give us a call

If you want to connect your computer to the network on your own, here are instructions:
Gordon College Network Hookup Instructions

Which brand do you recommend?
See a list of our recommended laptops that Gordon College strongly recommends you bring.

What software do you suggest having installed on the computer?
A single license for each of the following software products is available to every student for free ($7.35 per CD) from CET once you arrive on campus.

  • Microsoft Windows XP Pro or Mac OS X
  • Office Pro 2003 (Windows) or Office 2004 (Mac)
    • Microsoft Office 2003 (Windows) and Office 2004(Mac) includes Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint. When buying a computer, make sure not to pay extra for Office or Windows XP Pro.
  • Anti-Virus software

    • Every computer on our network is required to use virus software to keep their computer from spreading viruses. Not using virus software and not keeping it up-to-date may result in suspension of network services or fines.

Can I get the software you provide before I arrive on campus?
You may download anti-virus software for your personal computer before you arrive on campus. If you take advantage of the recommended Windows laptop, you qualify for an advance copy of Microsoft Office. Otherwise you must wait until you arrive on campus and are issued your Gordon College ID card.

How long an Ethernet Cable do I need to connect to the campus network in my dorm room?
In different dorms you need different lengths. We sell 25' ethernet cables in our bookstore and have found these to be long enough for all the dorms, so if you want to purchase one ahead of time, come with a 25' ethernet cable (available at most computer stores).

Is there wireless on campus?
Yes, Gordon College has installed several wireless "hot-spots" around campus. Currently, most dorms do not have wireless access available, but many common areas (library, student center, etc.) are equipped with wireless.

Can I bring my own wireless access point to campus?
No, Gordon College does not allow any wireless access points on campus other than the official access points owned by the College. The reason for this is security. We can not properly secure our network if outside wireless access points are plugged into our network.

o: Jenks 317
p: 978.867.4500
e: