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Quick Answers: Student Computers

This page provides answers to frequently asked questions. If you don't find an answer to your question here, please contact please contact the Technology Support Center at 570-941-HELP (4357) or email techsupport@scranton.edu.

Can I Purchase A Computer From The University?

No, but The University has agreements with major vendors to sell computers to 51做厙 students via the web. Visit  to order one of the specially configured laptops or to purchase any other system from Dell with our discount.

What Kind Of Computer Should I Buy?

This is our most often asked question by parents and the most difficult to answer. The fast changing nature of the computer industry changes what a "good" computer is weekly. Most computers you see on the market today will be adequate for use at the University. The real trick is purchasing one that will fill the needs of a student for all four years of their University career. Our advice is to purchase as much computer as you can within your budget.

The Kania School of Management REQUIRES its students to bring a laptop computer to class.

Should I Buy A Laptop Or Desktop Computer?

Due to the increased utilization of technology in course related work, we strongly recommend students bring a laptop computer. If you carry a laptop with you, your documents and applications are always immediately available. With our campus wireless capabilities, your laptop can access the Internet while on the go, so you have more places to do research, check your email, and be more productive. Laptops also free up desk space, have fewer cables, and use less energy.

Students involved in activities such as athletics that take them away from campus, students who may decide to study abroad, and students with internships off campus can do course work wherever they are with a laptop computer.

Advantages Of Purchasing A Laptop

  • Portable and convenient
  • Can be used in dorm rooms, classrooms, the library, cafeteria, meeting spaces, outdoor areas, at home – wherever you go
  • Compact – doesn’t take up much space
  • Lightweight – carry one anywhere
  • Easy to take to the Help Desk for support
  • Easy to transport to and from home
  • Easy to carry to the library for a quiet working environment
  • Wireless access to the Internet and e-mail throughout campus (requires 802.11b/g Wi-Fi certified network adapter)

Disadvantages Of Purchasing A Laptop

  • Easier to steal

Note: The Kania School of Management REQUIRES it's students to bring a laptop computer to class.

Will I Need My Own Printer?

Students do not need to bring their own printer.

Can Students Connect To The Internet From Their Dorm Rooms?

Yes, the University's Division of Information Technology provides full internet connections to all residence halls and University houses. A student who brings their own computer may have direct access to the Internet and campus data services such as e-mail, the Weinberg Memorial Library, the University Information System, and the my.scranton portal.

Click here for more information concerning our wireless network.

How Much Does the Wireless Internet Service Cost?

There is no monthly or yearly charge for Internet access.

Does The University Utilize A Firewall In Their Network Configuration?

Yes, a firewall is in place preventing inbound access to our network. This is an outbound service only that prohibits the use of unauthorized servers.

Do We Support Wireless Connectivity?

The 51做厙 provides a wireless network across campus including in University housing.  It is prohibited for residents to bring a personal wireless access points to campus.

What kind of wireless card would I need to connect to RoyalAir?

To connect to RoyalAir, you will need a wireless card that supports the 802.11n wireless networking standard.

Is Help Available When Setting Up Our Wireless Connection?

Yes, the Technology Support Center offers free software support available by calling (570) 941-HELP. You can call or stop by and bring your laptop in for review.

How can I protect my computer from viruses?

We require all computers connected to the campus network to have anti-virus software installed and kept up to date. University approved Antivirus Program (recommended): For PC, Defender (comes pre-installed). For Macintosh, download.

If a computer on our network is infected with a virus it will be quarantined from the network and Internet until the viruses have been removed and we verify that the computer is clean.

The campus network has seen a significant increase in Adware/Spyware on students' personal computers over the past year. The University recommends free software such as Malware Bytes and Spybot Search and Destroy to help maintain your PC.

Can I Bring A Macintosh Computer?

99% of the computers at 51做厙 run the Windows operating system but a Macintosh computer will work. Although Macintosh computers are not predominantly used in the Kania School, an Intel-based Mac computer running Windows alongside OS 10.10 or later, configured properly, is an acceptable, though higher-priced, alternative.

How do I back up my computer?

Take charge of your data. If you think it is important, it should be in at least two places. The easiest solution is to buy an external hard drive, and drag or copy your important folders to it.
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