Detailed information on technology and computer services for faculty, staff and students is available on MySouthwestern: Students | Faculty and Staff
Internet and Network
Wireless access to the internet is available throughout the campus, including the library, classrooms, Tea Room, lounges and key outdoor areas. After laptop registration, students can log on to an unsecured connection for casual web browsing or configure the laptop for automatic log-in to a secure encrypted connection.
Southwestern uses a robust Exchange 2010 server for email. Users can access Southwestern email wherever they have Internet access using Outlook Web Access or by using any standard email client. New students receive their email address and account information by email upon completion of registration. Account information is also available at Orientation and in the Computer Lab (first floor of the library).
Laptops on Campus
Southwestern does not have a laptop requirement but does set minimum specifications for connecting to the network:
- Windows XP/Vista/7 or Mac OSX (Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard or Lion)
- Pentium III - 1 GHz or higher (or Industry Equivalent)
- 1 GB of RAM or higher
- 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet card (if wired access in the library is desired)
- Wireless Ethernet card that supports 802.11b/g (for wireless access)
- Must be up to date with operating system security patches
- Must have anti-virus software with current virus definitions
In addition to note-taking, students may use laptops for accessing MySouthwestern, email and course web pages on TWEN, as well as taking exams using SofTest by ExamSoft. Print jobs can be sent from laptops through the wireless network to printers in the library or the study area in the Westmoreland Building (on the second floor).
Library Technology
The library offers both wired and wireless network access and each student receives a quota of storage space on the library's file server. The Computer Lab on the library's first floor houses 32 computers, printers and a scanner for student use. Applications include Microsoft Office, WordPerfect Office and internet browsers. In addition to the Computer Lab, the library has three learning centers, each with 16-20 workstations that can be used by individuals whenever they are not in use for instruction. The lab and learning centers are reserved for the exclusive use of Southwestern students.
Students have access to a broad array of online information resources through the library, including LexisNexis, Westlaw, BNA Online, CCH Intelliconnect, CEB Onlaw, RIA Checkpoint and others. The library staff distributes LexisNexis and Westlaw passwords to new students when classes begin during LAWS Week. Off campus access to most databases is available with authentication through a proxy server.
