Welcome to AU! Information Technology Services provides a wide range of computing and telecommunications services. This document will give you a quick overview about computing at AU and provide quick answers to some of the questions you may have. In many cases the answer provided includes a link to a separate document containing more detailed information. You can locate information on variety of topics on the Information Technology Services web site at http://www.aurora.edu/its/.
- What type of email service is available for students?
- My instructor has placed materials for my class on Moodle.
- Where can I find up-to-date information about my classes and grades?
- I forgot my password! Where can I get help?
- Are there any restrictions on using computers at AU?
- Do I need to own my own computer?
- What type of computer do you recommend?
- Should I buy antivirus software for my computer?
- What do I need to know about the computer labs?
- Is network access available in the dorms?
- Why won't some network applications work in my dorm room?
What type of email service is available for students?
Every AU student receives a personal email account. You can get to the email server from the AU home page or by using your web browser to access the site webmail.aurora.edu. It is important that you check your inbox regularly since important information will sent in electronic form to these addresses that will not be available in any other form, and it is also the address your instructors will use to communicate with you electronically. Students who wish to do so may have their AU mail forwarded to a different address. For more information on email forwarding and related topics, see TB#28: Email Administration: Vacation Messages and Forwarding.
My instructor has placed materials for my class on Moodle.?
Moodle, AU's online learning system, is used in the majority of AU classes. A link to the Moodle server has been placed on the main AU home page. To log in, us the same username and password you use for your AU email account. For more Moodle information, see Moodle Student's Guide.
Where can I find up-to-date information about my classes and grades?
Students can access personal information using WebAdvisor, a web-based interface to the Datatel student information system. Using WebAdvisor you can review upcoming class schedules, your personal class schedule, as well as information on your grades and account balances. There is a link to WebAdvisor from the AU home page. Login using the same username and password that you use for email.
I forgot my password! Where can I get help?
First, a little background. At the time of their initial enrollment AU students are given accounts on three systems. You should have received (or, depending on when you're reading this, will soon receive) a letter with details about your accounts. On all systems your username is the same, typically first initial + lastname + a 2-digit number. For students the same password is used on all three major systems: WebAdvisor, AU Email, and Moodle. For password assistance, please contact information services by sending email (if you can) to itshelp@aurora.edu, or by calling 630-844-5790. For more information on your AU accounts see AU Computer Accounts: An Overview.
Are there any restrictions on using computers at AU?
Every student is bound by the general Acceptable Use Policy, posted on the web site at www.aurora.edu/its/compuse.htm. This policy explains your rights and responsibilities as a member of the AU community.
What do I need to know about the computer labs?
AU maintains two public labs on the Aurora Campus. The two labs in Dunham Hall (101 and 102) are heavily used for classes but are available for walk-in users at other times.
Do I need to own my own computer?
It's not required, but owning your own computer will make you a much more productive student. Many classes at AU make extensive use of computer applications and developing your computer skills is part of your AU education. Computer labs are available but they are often full at high-demand times of the week, and if you have your own machine you can avoid the wait. Laptop or notebook machines are especially useful for students because they permit working from more than one location, but you should be aware that they tend to be somewhat more expensive and are more vulnerable to theft. The recent installation of wireless access points on the Aurora campus, covering the library and other public areas of campus including most classrooms, favors the selection of a wireless-ready notebook computer.
What type of computer do you recommend?
Which computer to buy is a personal choice. Aurora University does not officially recommend a specific computer brand or platform, but most standard models from reliable vendors will work fine. If you're bringing an older machine, we suggest that it be running a recent version operating systems (Windows XP or VIsta, Mac OS X, Linux 2.6 or later). Wireless notebooks must be compatible with the 802.11b/g standard.
Should I buy antivirus software for my computer?
It is essential that your computer be equipped with antivirus software. If you're living in the dorms you will not be permitted to connect to the campus network until your machine is equipped with antivirus protection. Trial versions of antivirus software often comes with new machines, but beware: if you don't buy a subscription once the trial period is over, you are no longer protected and are vulnerable to loss of data and computer damage. No cost antivirus products are available. Contact Information Technology Services for details.
Is network access available in the dorms?
All the residence halls at AU have high-capacity Internet service. You must bring your own properly equipped machine and complete the online registration process. Details are available at www.aurora.edu/its/tb/25resnet.htm.
Why won't some network applications work in my dorm room?
There are several answers to this question. First, in order to preserve bandwidth for instructional purposes, we have installed controls that block certain network applications (such as peer-to-peer file sharing systems and some online gaming environments). See the statement on bandwidth management for details. Second, bandwidth balancers are in place to ensure that all students have equal access to the available bandwidth, and during periods of exceptionally heavy use some bandwidth-intensive applications may not run well or at all. In addition, when a student's machine has been identified as being infected with a virus, that computer will be disconnected from the network to prevent spread of the virus to others. Remember: it's your responsibility to make sure your PC is virus-free and is running up-to-date antivirus software!
[Rev. 23 May 2006]