Student Computing FAQ

New to Computing at Binghamton University?

Here is a list of common questions and answers. If you don’t see your question answered here, contact the Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk (607-777-6420) or your residence hall’s ResCon (Residential Consultant) for assistance. ResCons are students employed by ITS to help students with problems setting up and using computers to connect to the university network from residence hall rooms. ITS has information about computing services at its.binghamton.edu. Students can read BU computing usage policies at its.binghamton.edu/policies.

What kind of computer should I get?

Any new Windows or Macintosh system should work properly on the BU campus network. However, several vendors have special computer purchase programs available to BU students. Though BU does not endorse any of these vendors or their offers other than to provide options to our students, these offers can be useful to those who are unsure of what to purchase. You can learn more about vendor programs at its.binghamton.edu/hardware.

Can I purchase a computer at BU?

Binghamton University does not sell or lease equipment to students. However, several vendors have special computer purchase programs available to Binghamton University students. Binghamton University does not endorse any of these vendors or their offers other than to provide the options to our students. For more information, go to its.binghamton.edu/hardware.

What are the recommended requirements for my computer?

Any new computer should work well, but an older machine with at least a Pentium III or equivalent processor, 1GB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive and Windows XP or newer, or Mac OS 10.4 or newer will be adequate for basic computing tasks.

Can someone setup my computer?

Most students are able to set up their computers themselves, or with minimal help from friends. If you need additional assistance, help is available from your residence hall ResCon (Residential Consultant) or the Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk (777-6420). ResCons are available to help fellow students with initial set up, configuration and connection of their computers from their rooms. Contact the Help Desk at 607-777-6420 or helpdesk@binghamton.edu.  ITS does not offer hardware installation or support services.

What do I need to connect to the campus network? 

To get connected you need an up-to-date operating system and up-to-date antivirus software. Also you need a computer with an Ethernet card and an RJ-45 to RJ-45 (straight, not “cross-over”) Ethernet cable. (ITS recommends you bring a 25’ cable.) RJ-45 to RJ-45 Ethernet cables are available from the campus bookstore and from most retailers that carry computers and computer accessories. Binghamton University also offers a growing network of wireless access points that allow you to connect to the Internet wirelessly with the appropriate hardware. For more information, see wireless.binghamton.edu.

How can I check to see if my computer will be allowed on the campus network?    

Open a web browser such as FireFox or Internet Explorer and go to verify.binghamton.edu.

How do I protect against computer viruses?

Go to its.binghamton.edu/software/anti-virus and download, install and run the free anti-virus software offered by ITS.

How much does it cost to get connected?

There is no additional charge for campus Internet connections or support services.

Is wireless computing available on campus?

Yes, wireless is available in most areas across campus. You need an 802.11b-compliant wireless networking adapter either built into your computer or other device, or as an add-in adapter. Authentication is required to use the wireless network. For more information on wireless computing, go to wireless.binghamton.edu.  Personal wireless access points are not allowed and not necessary on campus. 

What if I don’t have my own computer?

BU has a number of public computing areas available to students. In these areas you will find a variety of computing software and hardware. The main public computing areas are the Information Commons (Bartle Library and Science Library), Academic A Pod areas, Library North Ground Pod, West Pod, and Science II Pod. There are also a number of smaller public computing areas on campus. The main public computing sites and additional satellite areas offer a wide selection of locations in which to work.

What if I don’t have a printer?

Students can print directly to laser printers from BingSuns, Windows PCs and Macintoshes. BU provides each student with a weekly laser printing quota of $3.75 (75 pages) per week. (Quotas are reset weekly and cannot be carried over.) When you print a job, the number of pages printed will decrease your quota. In addition, each student is given an overflow allotment of $5.00 (100 pages) per semester. (The overflow allotment is reset at the beginning of each semester.) If a student exceeds his/her 75 page-per-week allocation, the additional pages will automatically be debited from the overflow allotment. Students may also pay for additional printing using their BUC$ account. For more information on printing, see its.binghamton.edu/printing.

Do students get free e-mail?

Each student at Binghamton University is assigned an e-mail account for the duration of the academic career at BU. Students may continue to use the electronic mailbox for up to 6 months after graduation. Your e-mail username and password are the same as your PODS username and password, which you can set yourself at BUBrain.binghamton.edu. Since e-mail is the preferred method of communication between the University and students, you should check your BU e-mail account regularly. BU also offers e-mail forwarding and aliases. For more information about e-mail, go to its.binghamton.edu/email.

Can I have my own web page at BU?

Yes, students may use their BingSun account to create personal web sites. Each student is assigned a BingSun account when s/he comes to campus. BingSun userIDs and passwords are the same as the Pods userIDs and passwords. You can set your own Pods password through BUBrain.binghamton.edu  – Banner. More information on creating a web page can be found at its.binghamton.edu/web.

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is a course management system used by instructors to generate information, communicate with students, record grades, and implement many other tools that can be beneficial to a successful on-line learning environment. To find out more about Blackboard, go to blackboard.binghamton.edu.

What software is available in public computing areas?

ITS keeps an updated searchable list of software installed in public computing areas at its.binghamton.edu/files/software/public/query.pl. Check the list to see what software is installed in which public areas.

Where can I find information about how to use software?

The University Center for Training & Development maintains a large searchable online documentation library complete with how-to videos. The library can be found at training.binghamton.edu.