Frequently Asked Questions

New UTSA students often have questions about technology at the university. The following questions were suggested by articles in PC Magazine and by the Educause Web site.

PERSONAL COMPUTING

Is a computer required?

Can I bring my PC from home to use in my dorm room?

Do I need a printer in my dorm?

Does the college offer Internet filtering?

Does UTSA have a laptop program?

Is there computer training available?

SOFTWARE / HARDWARE PURCHASING

Does UTSA offer any discounts on desktops or notebooks?

Does UTSA offer any discounts on software?

What specific operating system and software is required or recommended?

BROADBAND & WIRELESS COMPUTING

Are there broadband connections on campus?

Is there wireless access on campus?

Is there a fee to use the wireless network, Air Rowdy?

When is the wireless network available on campus?

Do I need a special user ID and password to access Air Rowdy?

STUDENT COMPUTING LABS

Are the Student Computing Labs open after school hours?

Is printing free in the Student Computing Labs?

ONLINE SERVICES

Does UTSA support online class registration?

Can I take classes online?

What other UTSA services are offered online?

CAMPUS COMPUTING POLICY

Is there a campus policy dealing with the use of computer resources?

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PERSONAL COMPUTING

Is a computer required?
For the general student population -- no. However, some majors may require you to purchase a PC. Check with your academic advisor for more information. Student Computing Services operates three fully-equipped computer labs on campus, with PCs for use by students.

Can I bring a PC from home to use in my dorm room?
Yes, dorm residents can bring their home PC or laptop.  

Do I need a printer in my dorm?
It may be convenient to have a printer in your room. You can, however, use the UTSA PrintSmart system to print out your school assignments at any Student Computer Lab.

Does UTSA offer Internet filtering?
No, not at this time.

Does UTSA have a laptop program?
No. The UTSA Student Laptop Initiative was recently cancelled. Students who purchased Gateway laptops through the Laptop Initiative program can contact the Student Computing Services Labs for maintenance requests.

Is there computer training available?
No, although the Student Computer Lab staff will provide assistance with the software that is available on their PCs.

SOFTWARE / HARDWARE PURCHASING

Does UTSA offer any discounts on desktops and notebooks?
No. The university no longer has a laptop purchase program. However, most major PC manufacturers do offer Educational Discount programs. Check their Web sites for more information.

Does UTSA offer any discounts on software?
Yes. The UTSA Software Sales page has information on the discounted Microsoft and Adobe software offers for students.

What specific operating system and software is required or recommended?
The university does not specify what software to use. However, some professors or programs may have software requirements. UTSA also offers Microsoft software titles (Microsoft XP, Microsoft Office) and Adobe software at drastically reduced prices. More information is available at the UTSA Software Sales program site.

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BROADBAND & WIRELESS COMPUTING

Are there broadband connections on campus?
Broadband connections are available in UTSA dormitories.  Broadband access is provided by a private vendor, not the university.

Is there wireless access on campus?
Yes. The UTSA wireless program, Air Rowdy, manages wireless hot spots on all three UTSA campuses (1604, Downtown, Institute of Texan Cultures).

Is there a fee to use the wireless network, Air Rowdy?
No. The Automated Services Fee covers student use of all central information technology resources, including Air Rowdy.

When is the wireless network available on campus?
Air Rowdy is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except in rare instances of equipment failure or maintenance. Maintenance is scheduled during off-peak hours, and notification is provided in advance.

Do I need a special user ID and password to access Air Rowdy?
No. Your student logon ID and password (which can be obtained at any Student Computing Lab) is used to log in to Air Rowdy. For more information on Air Rowdy, go to the official Air Rowdy Web site .

STUDENT COMPUTING LABS

Are the Student Computing Labs open after school hours?
Yes. For the complete list of labs and their hours of operation, visit the Student Computing Services Web site.

Is printing free in the Student Computing Labs?
Each student receives a 200-page allotment each semester. More information is available at the PrintSmart UTSA Web site .

ONLINE SERVICES

Does UTSA support online class registration?
Yes, registration for UTSA classes occurs online.

Can I take classes online?
UTSA offers a limited number of Distance Learning classes.

What other UTSA services are offered online?
UTSA students can make tuition payments, view unofficial transcripts, check financial aid award information and register/add/drop classes online.

CAMPUS COMPUTING POLICY

Is there a campus policy dealing with the use of computer resources?
Yes. The use of computer resources is governed by the UTSA Information Resources Use and Security Policy.

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