Undergraduate Students FAQs
Computers
Q. I want to buy a computer, what do you recommend and do you offer any discounts?
A. We recommend you purchase the computer you feel most comfortable using within your price range. Most resident and commuter students bring Windows (Dell or HP) laptops to campus but the Apple laptop population of computers is growing. We recommend an Apple computer for Graphic Design majors who will take most of their Graphic Design classes on Apple Mac Pros. Take advantage of our agreements with Dell and Apple to receive Lasell's discounted price.
Q. Do you have a recommendation for the minimum technical requirements for a computer?
A. For Windows (Dell or HP) computers we recommend Windows 7 Home or Pro Version with at least 4GB of RAM and a minimum of 160GB hard drive. For Apple computers we recommend a MacBook or MacBook Pro with a minimum of 4GB of RAM. Resident students, don't forget the surge suppressor and an extension cord.
Q. Should I get a laptop or a desktop computer?
A. With a laptop, you have the versatility to take it to wherever you are most comfortable. If your roommate is distracting, you can simply pick up your laptop and study in the library. However, most students' favorite place to lay with their computer is in their bed. As you make the choice between a desktop and a laptop, ultimately, you should weigh your own personal pros and cons.
Q. What software should I have on my computer?
A. We recommend a word processor such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice (free). Microsoft Word is available for Windows and Mac at a discount from The Donahue Bookstore through JourneyEd. OpenOffice is available for Windows and Mac as a free download at OpenOffice.org.
Q. Are resident students required to bring a computer to campus?
A. Resident students are not required to bring a computer to campus but if it is financially feasible, students are encouraged to bring their own computer. If resident and commuter students don't bring computers to campus, there are over one hundred computers available in public computer labs. The labs located in Brennan Library are open over 88 hours each week during the Fall and Spring terms. In addition, there are many more computers in departmental labs available to students.
Q. Are commuter students required to bring a laptop to campus?
A. Commuter students are encouraged to bring a laptop to campus to take notes during class and use to check email and study between classes. If you don't bring your own laptop to campus, there are plenty of computers in the Graduate and Commuter Lounge and in public areas around campus.
Q. If I am a resident student and bring a desktop computer to campus, how can I connect it to the Lasell network?
A. Lasell has a high-speed wired and wireless network, which extends to each residence hall room and every student has his or her own connection. If you don't have wireless on your desktop, all you need is a CAT 5 cable to connect to the wired network.
Printing on Campus
Q. Do I need to bring a printer to campus?
A. You will have a pre-funded printing account of $25 per semester which can be used at public printers located in all computer labs and lobbies of many academic buildings. Resident students can bring a personal printer to campus but it is not necessary as most assignments can be turned in electronically and public printers are available. Wireless personal printers will not work on the Lasell wireless network.
Q. Can I print from my laptop to a public printer on campus?
A. Yes, you can print Word and PDF documents from your laptop to the Library and Technology Help Desk public printers. Select the the Web Print link on the front page of MyLasell and follow the prompts.
Wireless
What do I need to connect my computer to the Lasell wireless network?
A. For a MAC, all you need is a working wireless adaptor. For a PC you will need , a working wireless adaptor, latest Windows updates, valid virus protection and Cisco NAC (provided when you connect to the wireless network) loaded on your computer.
Q. Can I connect my iPad, iTouch, smartphone, and game console (Xbox, PlayStation and Wii) to the Lasell wireless network?
A. To connect your device to the Lasell wireless network, go into the settings of your device and choose the network "Lasell". You will need to send the MAC address for your system to the Technology Help Desk to get connected.
Q. Is there anybody to help me connect my computer or device to the Internet when I arrive to campus?
A. The Technology Help Desk is here to help you! To contact us, dial 617-243-2200, email helpdesk (at) lasell.edu or visit us at the Help Desk office located on the lower level of the Brennan Library.
Public Computer Labs
Q: When will the Brennan Library Labs be available for my use?
A. Labs are open Monday - Friday from 7:45a.m. - 11:45p.m. and on Saturday from 12:00p.m. - 4:45p.m. and Sunday 12:00p.m. - 11:45p.m. The Glow Student Lounge has public computers and a printer and is always open.
SmartPhones, iPads and iTouch Devices
Q: Will my iPad, iTouch and Smartphone (Blackberry, iPhone, Droid, etc) connect to the Lasell wireless network?
A. To connect your device to the Lasell wireless network, go into the settings of your device and choose the network "Lasell".
Q. Can I get my Lasell email on my Smartphone (Blackberry, iPhone, Droid, etc)?
A. To learn how to configure your email to be read on your smartphone go to the Outlook Live Help Site and follow the direction under Set Up Your Email Account on Your Mobile Phone. Be sure to select POP/IMAP email type when prompted. The Server Name is Outlook.com and Username is your Lasell email address.
Phones in Resident Halls
Q: Can resident students use a land line phone in their room?
A. Although most students rely on their cell phones, there is at least one phone jack per room for resident students. Students must provide their own telephone. On-campus, 911, 800 and 617 area code calls are free.
TVs, Cable Network, and Game Consoles
Q. Do I need a TV for my room?
A. Yes, if you want to watch TV in your room you will need to bring a cable ready TV to campus. You will also need to bring a Coax Cable to connect your TV to the cable jack in the room.
Q. Are there public TVs on campus?
A. There are several public large screen TVs in major public areas on campus such as the Campus Center, Commuter/Grad Lounge, Glow Student Lounge and the Rosen Lobby.
Q. What cable television service is provided for students?
A. In residence hall rooms, each student is provided with Comcast cable television service with a full cable lineup.
Q. Can I bring my game console to campus?
A. Lasell network supports the use of Xbox, PlayStation and Wii in residence halls. You will need to send the MAC address for your system to the Technology Help Desk to get connected.
Technology Help for Student
Q. What help is available on campus for students using computers?
A. There are online user guides and training videos available on the Information Technology site on MyLasell. For personal assistance, contact the Technology Help Desk at 617-243-2200 or email helpdesk (at) lasell.edu. If the problem is related to connecting to the Lasell Network the Help Desk staff will work to fix the problem. The Help Desk staff is not able to work on issues related to the malfunction of technology belonging to students. For issues not relating to connectivity to the Lasell network, the Help Desk recommends Systems Analysis technology repair service located a half mile from campus.
More Information
If you still have questions or need more information, contact the Technology Help Desk Monday - Friday from 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. at 617-243-2200 or email helpdesk (at) lasell.edu.
Join Us on Facebook