COMPUTERS, EMAIL AND THE INTERNET

 

If you didn't know this before you got to Drexel but we are techonologically advance university. We are supposely one of the "most wired" schools in our region (that means you can be connect to the web all over campus). Which goes to say Drexel is big on computers.


COMPUTERS

Just four years ago Drexel required all their students to have PC's (personal computers). Now it's optional...BUT if you don't have a home computer you will be put in a huge disadvantage. ALL majors require some type of interaction with computers (it's the way of the future).

We recommend you BUY one before you get to college so you become familar with it. That will save you a lot of time. Also get familar with Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, Outlook, Internet Explorer (Netscape pretty much sucks), and Power Point. I assure you, you will use these programs once you enter Drexel.

Computers too expensive? Think again. Computer prices are dropping as we speak. Gateway has computer starting at $900. They also have payment plans, so it's more affordable to get one. Also check out, compaq, dell, and stores like staples and office max. you never know when you'll stumble across a great deal.


EMAIL

I don't know to express how important EMAIL is at Drexel. Email is the primary source of communication. It's how you will receieve your grades (some professors), notices, annoucements, and general information YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Every student enrolled at Drexel receieved an email account. You can pick up your email account through IRT (Information Resource Technology) wesite (http://www.drexel.edu/irt). Just follow their directions and you're on your way to emailing bliss.


TELNET [ PINE ]

Telnet is a quick and easy way to check your email ANYWHERE on ANY computer. Telnet can become very handy when you are on co-op and desperatly need to check your email. To learn how to use TELNET/PINE go to http://www.drexel.edu/irt/helpcentral/pine-tips.html

WEBMAIL

Drexel has a very special feature undercover. Many people don't know about this service and we at the NAACP is going to blow it's cover. It's called WEBMAIL. You can log onto the INTERNET and check your Drexel email account. An excellent service. All you need is your log in name and password. The address is http://webmail.drexel.edu . You might want to bookmark that one.

THE INTERNET

If you live in the dorm you will have a network connection, which will allow you to log onto the INTERNT. If you are a commuter student or live off campus you will need to find an ISP (internet service provider). Some are FREE, some are not.

Drexel has a partnership with DCAnet and allows students to receive service at a discounted rate. There are many other "cheap" ISP service, such as AOL.

Tution is high enough and you don't want to pay for INTERNET service will don't worry. There are many FREE ISP's BUT... free comes with a cost. Most of the free service will have a small banner always displayed on your screen as long as you are connected to the internet. The banners aren't that bad, as long as you change your computer resolution to the smallest possible (preferable 1024 by 768 pixels).

To change your resolution right click on the desktop, click the properties option, then go to settings. In the desktop area more the slider until it reads "1024 by 768 pixels" then click apply". Click ok or yes. Test it out, if you like you screen that way keep it. If it's too small for you, change it back to a larger size by sliding the slider to the left.
Some free ISP's include NetZero, freei, and Juno. For more FREE ISP do a search on "free isp" on any search engine.

Remember EVERYTHING at Drexel is done VIA the Internet (class registeration, co-op job search, and most professors post lecture notes, extra reading material, and other help). If you don't have Internet connection you can go to Korman or Hargerty Library to check your email, surf the web or do homework, but you will most likely have to wait in line for a free computer.

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