IT Support Statement:
Mount Marty University is committed to ensuring that students have access to technology resources required to support our mission of education, scholarship and service. The following guidelines and requirements are meant to ensure those resources are secure, easy to use and available when you need them.
Personal Laptops/Desktops Guidelines
Most students prefer to bring their own computing device. We support wireless network access and printing on most devices with modern, up to date, operating systems. The specifications below are known to work with our vendors. We are here to help with any of your technology needs but support for any personal devices or operating systems is on a best effort basis.
- A system (laptop recommended) running Windows 10 (Professional recommended) or later, MAC OS 10.11 or later.
- A computer that has at least a 2.4 GHz processor
- A minimum of 8 GB of RAM
- 256 GB hard drive or larger
- Wireless capable
- An Ethernet port and HDMI port are recommended
- Some classes may require a webcam for online sessions
- A manufacturer’s warranty is highly recommended
**Chromebooks and Windows 10/11 computers operating in S mode are known to have compatibility issues with software required by students.
The Mount Marty Helpdesk is unable to provide hardware support for devices that are not owned by the university. If it is determined that your issue is hardware related, you will be referred to your hardware manufacturer or local IT resources to resolve the issue.
Mobile Devices
The Mount Marty University network provides connectivity, campus email and printing support for mobile devices running the latest versions of IOS, Android and Windows Mobile operating systems. Mount Marty help desk staff are knowledgeable about most devices but any device not owned by the university is supported on a best effort basis.
Wireless Access
Mount Marty University provides state of the art wireless services in all buildings at our main campus as well as the Sioux Falls and Watertown locations. The primary purpose of the wireless network is to support our mission but is also available for appropriate personal use as allowed in our acceptable use policy.
Game Consoles
Game consoles may be used in dorm rooms using the available physical Ethernet port in each room. Most consoles and games work on the network but the help desk does not provide any support for these systems.
Other Network Devices
The connection of network devices not expressly allowed in this policy is prohibited. Devices such as wireless access points, switches, hubs, etc. threaten the security and reliability of the network. The use of these devices may result in the suspension of network privileges.
Software Provided by Mount Marty University
Specific software packages are used in some academic programs and departments across campus. While other packages can provide the same functions, there are significant convenience advantages to using one of the standard packages. Most instructors will be expecting assignments to be completed in standard formats. Mount Marty University has a published list of standards for software below. Recommendations for software used by students are the same as those recommended for university-owned computers and include:
- Office 365 Online or Office 2016 (or later) suite of applications
- Web Browser - Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge
- E-mail - Gmail
- Printing – PaperCut Mobility Printing
- IBM SPSS (see your instructor for eligibility)
Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is a critical security component and is a requirement for any laptop or desktop attached to the University network via wireless or wired connection. There are many free and paid versions of antivirus software available. Campus owned computers utilize Sophos Antivirus and the Helpdesk can provide best effort support with Sophos when used on personally owned devices.
The following Antivirus software is known to cause issues with the Mount Marty network:
Webroot – AVG – Avast - McAfee
Firewall
The Mount Marty network is protected by a state of the art, next generation firewall. It is highly recommended that you also enable the built-in firewall on your device or install a 3rd party application that provides firewall services.
Backup
There are numerous backup devices available including online storage and physical external USB drives. Several services offer "cloud" backups, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or iCloud. Students are responsible for maintaining and updating an adequate backup copy of their work product to allow them to continue working in the case of a computer loss or malfunction.
A smaller thumb drive is useful for transporting files around campus but can be easily lost or damaged and is not recommended as the students' primary backup (either a portable hard-drive kept in their room or cloud backup services are advised).
Prior to bringing your laptop to the Mount Marty Helpdesk for service, please backup all important files. The Helpdesk is not responsible for lost or damaged files that result from any assistance, recommendations or service provided.
Network Abuse
The campus network is monitored for any threats against its stated mission. Access may be suspended for users violating the acceptable use policy, exhibiting malicious behavior such as hacking or virus activities or any other actions that threaten the security and reliability of the network. This may happen without notice and will remain in effect until the issues are resolved.