IT Services
How to...
Using your own computer at Sussex
- Windows or Apple Mac based?
- Software for your computer
- Compatibility
- Wireless networking
- Printing from a non IT Services computer
- Residences
- Computer repairs
- Warranties
- Computer and laptop security
This document has been written to advise staff and students about using personally-owned computers while on campus at Sussex, in residences or at home. The document is primarily intended for laptop users but some information can be applied to desktop computers.
Windows or Apple Mac based?
At Sussex our main PC desktop Operating System is Windows 7. New Windows PCs will probably be shipped with Windows 8 installed. There are some deals available for students to purchase new computers at a discount.
- Toshiba student store
- Dell Student Computing Initiative
- Information on buying a Mac (including links to Apple's student discount pages)
Software for your computer
You will need to provide Microsoft Office, the Windows Operating System or Mac OS for yourself. Most retailers provide the operating system for your computer when you purchase it. The Microsoft (Campus) Agreement does not cover computers owned by students. Microsoft Office can be purchased at a reduced price; please see our software pages for information about this and other discounted software for students and staff.
Once you have software installed on your PC (operating system, office suite, anti-virus software, etc) you should keep it up-to-date. Most anti-virus programs and operating systems offer free software updates - it is essential that you install these updates regularly.
To update Microsoft Windows:
- open Internet Explorer and from the Tools menu select Windows update.
To update Microsoft Office:
To update Mac OS X:
- From System Preferences select Software Update
Compatibility
We have found that users with newer versions of Office have a little trouble transferring documents to other versions. For important essays and looming deadlines we suggest you work with one version of Office.
If you use a Macintosh then the preferred Operating System is OS X. MS Office for Macintosh documents are compatible with the PC version, assuming that a relatively "new" version of the application is installed.
If working with different versions of Word or another word processing application it is recommended that you save the document as a Rich Text Format (RTF) file. Most likely you will find the option to save as RTF on the Save As dialogue box; under the Save as Type drop down menu.
Wireless networking
IT Services runs a wireless service to enable laptop users to connect to the internet via the campus network.
Please note that it is against University Regulations to connect a computer to the network without permission. Research students who are allocated office or lab space may be able to connect their own laptops to the network in these areas. You should ask your local IT support staff about this. If computers are to be connected to the campus network, e.g. using a wireless card, then we require Anti-Virus Software to be installed and have its virus databases regularly updated.
Printing from a non IT Services computer
It is now possible to print from your own computer to an IT Services printer in a cluster room provided you are on campus and connected to a campus network such as eduroam (wi-fi) or ResNet. Full details of this web-based printing service are available online at: sussex.ac.uk/its/webprint.
Residences
Wireless is available in all residences and in addition there are wired networking points in all study bedrooms on campus allowing access to the Residential network (ResNet).
The Kings Road residence in Brighton is cabled with an outlet in every study bedroom.
Computer repairs
If your computer requires repairing then you should first check whether or not you have a valid warranty. A valid warranty may become void if you have it repaired by another organisation.
Technical Support
IT Services Enquiries is happy to provide advice on ITS supported software and issues relating to staff and students connecting their laptop computers to the campus network. We are unable to provide specific hardware support or repairs to personally-owned computers.
Union computers
For general computer support including hardware support or repairs, the student-run Union Computers based in Falmer House is open Tuesday to Friday during term time.
Local Repair Shops
IT Services cannot make specific recommendations, but the following is a list of some local repair shops:
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Mac Repairs |
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Warranties
If you are about to purchase a laptop or computer for your time at Sussex you may want to consider warranty options.
Home (UK) students
Consider purchasing a warranty to cover your time at Sussex. Three year warranties are available from most manufacturers and retailers. You should consider the details of the warranty. Think about the following options when looking at warranties.
Return to Base
You will be required to return the laptop to the manufacturer or retailer to be repaired. This may be by post (shipping) or in person. Clearly if you purchased the laptop in Brighton or the manufacturer is located close-by this may be a simple task. If the computer was purchased further away then the time and cost may become critical.
On-site
This type of warranty allows for a technician to come to the address of the computer owner. You should check that the warranty will visit you at your term-time and permanent address.
International Students
The above information about warranties still applies. Many of the large manufacturers offer international or worldwide warranties. Again, you should check what you are required to do for the computer to be repaired. You may find that the best choice of warranty will only be available from the global computer manufacturers.
As an example the following information is given, and is not intended as a recommendation. The information is likely to change.
Sony VAIO Overseas Service Package
VAIO owners can now get their Notebook repaired abroad. Valid in the following countries: USA, Canada, Hong-Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. After purchasing the product, please register (within 45 days from the purchase date of the Notebook) on club-vaio.com.
Toshiba Worldwide
Worldwide requires the customer to ship their laptop back to the nearest Toshiba Service centre at their own expense. Getech offer a collect and return policy on Toshiba notebooks (only) within the UK. For more details see:
getech.co.uk/estudent/sussex/sushome.htm
Apple
Apple offer 90 days free support and 1 year warranty for all purchases. In addition you can buy a 3 year AppleCare contract which extends the warranty to 3 years (including the first year). It is valid in most of mainland Europe. apple.com/uk/support/products/overview.html
Computer and laptop security
We recommend that you do not use identifiable laptop cases to decrease the probability of it being stolen. Eastpak produce bags which are not intended to look like laptop bags at: eastpak.com (campus bags)
We recommend that you insure your laptop. It is worth checking to see if your current (family home) house hold insurance can be extended to cover your possessions while studying.
Never leave your laptop un-attended.
Kensington Locks
Kensington are a company that provide locks that are suitable for computers. You can purchase a lock which will allow your laptop computer to be secured to a desk or other immovable object. Details at
kensington.com/
Information Security
"....The use of laptop computers and home computers also poses a particular threat to information security as these are not subject to the same degree of control as computers on campus. Laptops are frequently stolen and home computers may be used by other members of the family, so additional measures must be used to protect any personal data. ...."
Source: jisc.ac.uk/legal/index.cfm?name=lis_legal_risks
Legal Risks and Liabilities for IT Services in Higher and Further Education
Christine Cooper - October 2003
We advise you not to allow your mail client (e.g. Outlook) or other windows applications (FTP) to save or remember your Sussex password. Where the laptop is to be used by other family members, you should create a password protected account for yourself.
Mobile devices
For mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets which are often more vulnerable to theft, make sure that you use a passcode of some kind to protect your data and logins if the worst happens.
created on 2010-01-01 by Chris Limb
last updated on 2013-02-01 by Chris Limb