Student FAQ - Computing at Occidental College

How do I setup an email forward?
For current students and employees, please contact the ITS HelpDesk to have your email forwarded to a non-Oxy address. For recently graduated seniors, if you graduated within the last 6 months, please contact the ITS HelpDesk to have your email forward set up. You may also want to check out the Graduated Seniors page for more information about your files and what will happen to your email in 6 months. For Alumni, please contact the Alumni Office to have your email forward set up. They can also help you use the Alumni Directory, which you can use to change your forwarding address in the future. [Top]

What computers are available to me if I do not bring my own computer?
The College has 200 computers in 15 labs available for general student use. These computers are Windows XP PCs with all of the usual desktop software, as well as full Internet access. In addition, they have specialized software for coursework in many disciplines. All of the labs have laser printing capabilities. For more information about Oxy's computer labs, click here. [Top]

Which of the residence halls are wireless and which have computer labs?
All residence halls have computer labs. All residence halls have both wired and wireless high speed network access in the dorm rooms, including the Internet.
For more information about the wireless network, click here. [Top]

What would be the advantage of bringing my own computer?
Many students like the benefit of working any time of the day (or night) in the comfort of their room. With network access from your residence hall room you have the ability to print to the laser printer in your residence hall lab. Students with laptop computers are taking their laptops to class and to the Library and typing their notes directly into the computer. Laptops also afford you the opportunity to take your computer back and forth between home and the college over the holidays and weekends. In addition, Occidental has a wireless network that covers many areas of the campus. Thus your laptop can access the Internet from many places on campus.
For more information about connecting to the wireless network, click here. [Top]

Is there a particular computer that I should purchase?
The choice is really up to you, your expertise, and your budget. The College supports both Windows and Macintosh machines, so the decision about what kind of computer to buy is largely one of personal preference. For more information about purchasing a personal computer, click here. [Top]

Can I buy computer related items through the school?
Oxy does not sell computers, but many computer vendors provide student discounts when items are purchased directly with them. Additional information can be found on this page.
The bookstore sells items needed to connect computers to the Oxy network, including network cards, cables, and hubs.

In many residence hall rooms, an Oxy-approved mini-switch is required for you and your roommates to share the network connection supplied. The necessary items can be purchased at the Bookstore.

Software is available through the bookstore either off-the-shelf or via special order. The bookstore also stocks many other computer accessories like blank CDs and DVDs. [Top]

Do I need to have my own printer?
You are welcome to bring a personal printer with you to Oxy, but you will have many printers available to you as an Occidental student. For more information, click here. [Top]

Does Oxy charge for printing?
No, but we ask that you print responsibly. [Top]

Are there color printers available for student use?
Yes. There is a color laser printer in the ITS MediaLab that students are welcome to use. [Top]

Can I print to an Oxy printer from my personal computer?
Yes. For more information about how to set this up on your computer, click here. [Top]

What should I do if I need help using software?
There are Student Technology Assistants at the MediaLab on the ground floor of the library. They are available to assist you in the operation of the equipment and college standard applications software. If a Technology Assistant is not available, ITS will be happy to assist you during normal business hours. ITS is located on the first floor of the library. Additionally, web peer advisors are available in the Medialab most afternoons [MediaLab information]. Peer advisors can assist with course work related to using the web, email and newsgroups. The Medialab is located on the first floor of the library. [Top]

Can I connect my computer to the campus network from my dorm room?
Yes! The campus network provides you with access to many valuable resources including email, the internet, and OASys (the Library's online catalogue). Network access is provided free of charge as a service to all students. Your computer will need a network (Ethernet) card, cable and some software. Once you've obtained these items, installation is provided for free.

In many residence hall rooms, an Oxy-approved mini-switch is required for you and your roommates to share the network connection supplied. The necessary items can be purchased at the Bookstore.

For information on how to connect your computer to the network, click here. [Top]

How can I check my email?
Once you've activated your Oxy computer account, you will use this to access email, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. There is no charge for sending or receiving email at the college. [Top]

Can I get my email when I am not on campus?
A: Absolutely! You can use our WebMail service to access your email from anywhere. Just enter http://webmail.oxy.edu/ in your browser. [Top]

How do I find my Oxy ID number?
Your Oxy ID number can be found here. You will need to know your Oxy user name and password first, though. If you're not sure how to find that, click here. [Top]

Should I be worried about viruses and spyware?
Standard industry practices strongly recommend running anti-virus software to protect your computer from viruses. Anti-virus software is also running on all computer lab machines. In addition, implement some backup method to protect yourself from hardware failures that could result in the loss of important files. For information on how you can protect your PC (including how you can download McAfee VirusScan for free), click here. [Top]