Frequently Asked Questions
Internet Access / Wireless
Phone Services
What should I bring / What should I buy?
Computer Labs & Printing
Internet Access / Wireless
How do I get internet access in my room?
All you need is a computer with a standard wireless (or “Wi-Fi”) card which supports the 802.11 a, b, g or n standards. Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard) or newer will auto-detect the wireless network and prompt you to log on with your Albright Network Password. Windows XP or Linux users need to configure some settings first, but after that the process is the same. Windows XP and Linux instructions are posted here.
Important Note: If your computer does not have an up-to-date Anti-Virus software installed, you will not be able to connect to the Internet. Click here for recommended Anti-Virus products and where to obtain them.
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What if my computer doesn’t have wireless?
All models of consumer laptops should have a compatible wireless card pre-installed. Wireless cards and adapters for desktop computers and game consoles should be relatively inexpensive and available. If you have tried to obtain a wireless adapter for your computer or other device and find that one does not exist, you can contact the IT Services Help Desk (610-921-7676, helpdesk@alb.edu) to request that a wired port be activated in your room. You will need to contact us again if you change rooms in mid-year.
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Where on campus is there wireless internet (Wi-Fi) service?
In addition to residence halls, the interiors of all academic spaces (buildings or floors with classrooms or labs), the Campus Center and Dining Hall, the Schumo Center for Fitness and Well-Being, and the Library and its outside seating area are all wireless internet zones.
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What about my Xbox/Wii/PlayStation/TTY Telephone?
Most modern game consoles can accept a wireless adapter, usually through a USB connection (although certain ones may be specific to that console, while others may be able to use any USB wireless adapter; check your manual).
If you have a game console or other device (like a TTY telephone) that does not support any sort of Wi-Fi adapter, contact the IT Services Help Desk (610-921-7676, helpdesk@alb.edu), to request that a wired port be activated in your room. You will need to contact us again if you change rooms in mid-year.
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Does Albright block file sharing, torrent downloads, online gaming, streaming video or use bandwidth caps?
No. Peer-to-peer file sharing services and similar, bandwidth-heavy applications may be “throttled,” rather than blocked, so that the services still work, but at a reduced speed. This ensures that ordinary web pages are always available no matter how busy the network becomes.
Albright does not monitor any student or employee network connection directly, but we do have to respond to “cease and desist” notices from content owners like the RIAA and MPAA when they detect someone sharing copyrighted material on our network. The first time this happens, your network access will be suspended until you sign a statement acknowledging that you have been notified and have ceased sharing the content mentioned. Subsequent instances will be referred to the dean of students for standard disciplinary proceedings.
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Phone Services
Does the College provide land-line telephone service in my room?
Only in certain rooms. The basement rooms (which may have less cellular reception) in Albright Court, Krause Hall, and Walton Hall all have local phone service, as do all common areas, lounges and resident assistant (RA) rooms.
If you have been assigned a basement room, you will need to bring your own telephone (but only one, so talk to your roommate) and answering machine. Your phone number will be provided at check-in. Most standard Caller-ID devices will work. For long-distance or international calls, you can use a calling card as you would anywhere else. Dialing 9 accesses an outside line.
If you have questions about this service, please contact the Housing Office at 610-921-7641.
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Is there a campus emergency text message service?
Yes, Albright uses e2Campus, a leading text and e-mail messaging service. Any student or parent may register a cellular phone and/or e-mail address by visiting this link and creating an account. Please note that while the e2Campus system is not used for everyday announcements, standard text messaging rates do apply to any emergency notifications sent through this service.
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What should I bring / What should I buy?
What software does Albright recommend / require?
Microsoft Office 2007 (or 2008 for Mac OS) is the standard productivity / document suite on all College computers and is widely used by faculty. Your professors will inform you of any additional software that they would like you to use, which will likely come bundled with your textbook for their class, or will be available in the campus computer labs.
Can I buy a computer, printer, cellular phone or software from the College?
No, but many retailers will offer student discounts with proof of enrollment at an accredited institution. They may ask you to fax or e-mail a copy of your acceptance letter or current class schedule in order to claim this benefit. Dell University and Journey Education are two such retailers that offer deep student discounts on computer hardware (Dell) and many brands of popular software (Journey Education).
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Computer Labs & Printing
Are there computers available if mine is not working?
Yes, Albright maintains several on-campus computer labs for student use. Click here for details.
Is there a place where I can print my assignments, and does it cost anything?
All student computer labs and the Library have one or more black-and-white laser printers accessible from any available computer. There is presently no fee for student printing, though photocopiers accept change (in the Library) and Declining Balance (DBA) funds from your Student ID card.
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