Technology Support Services
- How do I obtain my university email address?
- How do I know if I have a virus and what do I do?
- What is a "High User" and how do I get labeled a "High User"?
- Can you service any computer and where can I go?
- How can I dial-in to the University using a modem?
- I'm trying to access the library databases, but my computer keeps prompting me for my username and password why?
- Can I connect to the Library from Home Using a High-Speed Internet Connection?
Laptop Program
- Is the laptop program mandatory?
- If I am not a mandatory student, can I still get into the university laptop program?
- How much does the laptop cost?
- How do I sign up for a university laptop? How do I get my laptop?
- Will Financial Aid apply to the laptop?
- What kind of university laptop will I get? Is it the latest model, or an older, stripped-down model? What kind of software comes on it?
- If I choose NOT to get a laptop through the university program and want to purchase a laptop on my own - or already have a great laptop, what are the mandatory specifications my laptop must meet?
- I'm a student with my own laptop. Can I get full access to the university wireless system with my non-university laptop?
- Can I install my own software on the laptop?
- What happens if my university-purchased laptop is stolen?
- What if my university laptop needs repair? What if I corrupt one of the basic software programs or the operating system? Do you repair private laptops as well?
- Some universities replace laptops every two or three years. Does UIW do that? Can I get a newer laptop through the program?
1. How do I obtain my university email address?
When you register for classes as a freshman, you’re assigned a UIW email address. This is an important email address. This address will be how all the University’s offices (Registrar, Financial Aid, Billing, and so on) communicate with you while you are a student here.
If you have lost or forgotten your email address (this applies to all students) come by the Help Desk in the Administration Building and we’ll help you out.
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2. How do I know if I have a virus and what do I do?
Here are a few primary indicators that your system might be infected:
- Runs consistently slower than normal
- Stops responding or locks up often
- Crashes and restarts every few minutes
- Restarts on its own and then fails to run normally
- Applications don't work properly
- You see unusual error messages
- You see distorted menus and dialog boxes
If you feel your computer may have a virus, bring your laptop or tablet to the Help Desk, so that we can troubleshoot and apply the appropriate fixes or patches.
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3. What is a "High User" and how do I get labeled a "High User"?
While dormitory residents access the Internet through their own network maintained by Apogee Telecommunications, the main UIW network is a resource that is shared by students, faculty, administrators, and staff members across the campus.
The purpose of this network is to support the student learning environment.
If you choose to use our main network for other purposes (such as downloading movies and music), you may have your use of the Internet restricted by our administrators because you are interfering with the rights of others doing legitimate academic work. This is called the “High User List”
If your Internet access slows dramatically during or after such a download, bring your computer to the Help Desk. If we verify you are on the High Users' list, you’ll be given a copy of the UIW Network/Internet Access Policy. Your access will be restored when you acknowledge receipt and understanding of this policy. Further incidents of this nature may result in additional sanctions up to and including loss of your UIW network privileges.
Please note that these limitations do not apply to the UIW residential network maintained by Apogee Telecommunications. Apogee maintains its own End User Agreement with residential students.Back to FAQ'S
4. Can you service any computer and where can I go?
If you purchase a computer from UIW, we at the Help Desk will maintain that computer according to its warranty at no cost to you. You can bring your computer to the Help Desk, which is located on the bottom floor of the Administration Building.
Our technicians are "factory trained". That is, their work on your computer will not void its warranty. Our technicians can install new components, re-install software, and instruct you on how to connect to the UIW network or wireless system to make sure you are getting the most out of our system.
In no instances are we able to fix machines not purchased from UIW. In some limited cases we can help you restore lost network connectivity. Please read our Service Level Agreement for more information.
5. How can I dial-in to the University using a modem?
Click here for a step by step tutorial on how to set up a "Dial up Connection" to the University.
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6. I can't log in to check my grades online. What do I do?
The functions you may access through the web are for students, faculty, and employees. These functions require a password, or PIN (Personal Identification Number), which is assigned to you by the University. Upon first entry into the secure area of web registration, you will be prompted to change your PIN to a password of your choice. Be sure you write your new PIN down so that you will remember it. You cannot go beyond the login screen without resetting your PIN. You will be prompted to verify your PIN after the initial entry. To verify your PIN, re-enter your new PIN at the prompt. After three attempts of entering the wrong PIN, your PIN will become inactive and will no longer work. You must then contact the Registrar's Office at 829-6006 to have your PIN reset.
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7. I'm trying to access the library databases, but my computer keeps prompting me for my username and password why?
If you are trying to access the library database from off campus. There are 2 steps you MUST complete before you can successfully access the library databases.
Step 1: Install the UIW VPN software, there are 2 options:
WebVPN for Window and Macintosh or
Install VPN client for Windows
Step 2: Login to the VPN software; Your username and password you would use is the same as your UIW email username and password.
After you have accomplished these 2 steps, you can successfully begin browsing the library databases. If for some reason you continue to have issues please contact our Help Desk.
8. Can I connect to the Library from Home Using a High-Speed Internet Connection?
Yes, but to do this there are 2 steps you MUST complete before you can successfully access the library databases.
Step 1: Install the UIW VPN software, there are 2 options:
WebVPN for Window and Macintosh or
Install VPN client for Windows
Step 2: Login to the VPN software; Your username and password you would use is the same as your UIW email username and password.
After you have accomplished these 2 steps, you can successfully begin browsing the library databases. If for some reason you continue to have issues please contact our Help Desk.
Laptop Program
1. Is the laptop program mandatory?
All students are expected to enter the University with a laptop or tablet computer, and for some of our schools this is a requirement, not an expectation 9check with your school).The University does offer a laptop/tablet computer purchase program that makes acquiring technology tools for college life very easy and efficient. No student is required to purchase a laptop from UIW, but many choose to, for a variety of reasons. Whether you decide to purchase a computer from UIW or elsewhere, please understand that learning with technology and using a computer daily is an integral part of the UIW experience.
2. If I am not a full-time student, can I still purchase a university laptop or tablet computer?
Currently only full time "traditional" students are eligible to purchase a discounted system from UIW.
3. What are the advantages purchasing a laptop through the University? How much does the laptop cost?
It’s a good deal for you. Some advantages of purchasing a laptop through UIW are:
- High end laptop or tablet available at a discounted price.
- Built-in wireless capabilities
- Office 2007 bundled with the computer
- Norton Antivirus and Spy Sweeper utilities preinstalled
- 3 Year Parts/Labor and Accidental Damage Protection (Battery carries 1 year warranty)
- Quick repair time, with no charge for these services
- Custom UIW logo carrying case
- Custom UIW logo 1GB Memory Key
For Fall 2008, the student tablet package costs $1,600 while the traditional laptop package costs $1300.
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4. How do I sign up for a university laptop? How do I get my laptop?
To receive a laptop for the Fall 2008 semester, a letter of intent must be filled out and turned in no later than August 29, 2008; however, if you want to receive your laptop or tablet before classes begin, please submit your letter of intent no later than August 29, 2008; however if you would like to receive your laptop or tablet before Fall classes begin, please submit your letter of intent no later than July 31, 2008. The form can be downloaded here. Letter of Intent forms can be faxed or hand delivered to the Business Office located in Administration Building Room 190.
5. Can Financial Aid be used to support laptop/tablet purchases?
Yes. Because we expect students acquire mobile technology to succeed at UIW, Financial Aid may be applied to the price of a UIW computer.
The Financial Aid Office has a great deal of experience in helping students offset the cost through student loans.
If finances are a problem, go see them - you'll find them to be very helpful. Call them at 829-6008 or send an email to Financial Aid.
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6. What kind of university laptop will I get? Is it the latest model, or an older, stripped-down model? What kind of software comes on it?
All university laptops and tablets are the latest Dell models. They’re compatible with the UIW network and wireless systems.
When you buy from UIW, the computer you buy comes with the Microsoft XP Professional operating system, the complete Microsoft Office 2003 Suite (Outlook, Excel, Access, Word, Power Point, etc.), Norton Anti-Virus, and Webroot Spy Sweeper utility programs
7. If I choose NOT to get a laptop through the university program and want to purchase a laptop on my own - or already have a great laptop, what are the mandatory specifications my laptop must meet?
Any laptop or tablet computer purchased new in the past two years or so will meet your needs. All we ask is that your computer is equipped with the following software:
Operating System: Windows XP or newer
Software: Microsoft Office Suite 2003 or newer. Must be complete package with Excel, Word, Power Point, Access, etc.
Anti-Virus: We recommend Norton Anti-Virus; McAffee is also acceptable.
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8. I'm a student with my own laptop. Can I get full access to the university wireless system with my non-university laptop?
Yes, assuming your computer includes wireless capabilities. Because we use an encrypted wireless system, authentication is required before you will be allowed to get onto the wireless system. You will need to bring your laptop to the Help Desk in the basement of the Administration Building to have the wireless encryption code installed. Otherwise, you will not be able to connect into the campus wireless system.
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10. Can I install my own software on the laptop?
Yes, if the software is not pirated or an unauthorized copy. We abide by copyright laws; if you bring your laptop in for service and the technician questions a piece of software on your laptop, you need to be ready to show that you paid for it and that it is not illegal.
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11. What happens if my university-purchased laptop is stolen?
Students are responsible for replacing the laptop if it is stolen. Students can purchase a new laptop that meets UIW's operating system and software specifications so that it is compatible with the network.
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12. What if my university laptop needs repair? What if I corrupt one of the basic software programs or the operating system? Do you repair private laptops as well?
You can bring your laptop to the Help Desk, located on the bottom floor of the Administration Building. Our technicians are "factory trained"; that is, their work on your laptop will not negate its warranty. Our technicians can install new components, re-install software, and instruct you on how to connect to the UIW network or wireless system to make sure you are getting the most out of our system.
In no instances will we make repairs to private laptops. You must find an off-campus repair facility for your private laptop.
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13.Some universities replace laptops every two or three years. Does UIW do that? Can I get a newer laptop through the program?
The UIW laptop program does not replace your entire university laptop. We do provide free software upgrades to Microsoft Office on university-procured computers as well as other software on the laptop. If you wish to purchase more memory, a bigger hard drive, or other upgraded components, we can install them free of charge on your laptop and your warranty will remain intact.
If, after two years in the program you wish to get a new laptop, you can do so. Pricing will be at the current rate at that time.
The Dell website has been created for the University of the Incarnate Word to offer Dell systems at special discounted prices. To qualify, you must be a current student or faculty member at the University of the Incarnate Word, Incarnate Word High School, or St. Anthony's Catholic High School. Click here to view the Dell Website.
