From network connections and e-mail accounts to online course materials and computer labs, to computer repair and classroom systems and much more, the Information Technology Services (ITS) team of staff and student assistants exists to provide professional assistance to college faculty, students, and staff for all their technology needs.
Our network
Because the network is the gateway to technology, all classrooms, labs, and offices have access to wired or wireless connections to the Internet. In fact, you will find wireless access available in many outdoor locations on campus as well. Eckerd College has also partnered with Apogee to provide wireless Internet service in all residence halls on campus. Apogee provides guaranteed service levels and 24×7 support.
Registering your equipment
One of the first things you will do once on campus will be to register your computer, phones, TV, gaming system, and any other device with our network. We provide all the instructions and support you need to get online when you arrive on campus.
ITS is here to help.
Armacost Library
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Remember!
ITS will never ask you for your password or for you to verify your password. Be suspicious of any email asking you to do so. When in doubt contact us. Always use the “Change my password link on MyEckerd.
IT services
- Computer support for students
ITS provides free diagnostic support for students experiencing problems with their personal devices. - Printing
Printing is available in the library and several other locations on campus through our Papercut system. Each student may print approximately 600 pages at no cost per year. An online Copy Center is also available to students for all your advanced printing needs. - Labs
A general computer lab is available on a 24×7 basis in the Armacost library and there are 12 additional academic computer labs on campus.
- Need equipment?
Students can borrow projectors, cameras, screens, laptops and other equipment from ITS for short durations at no charge. - Join the team
ITS is always looking for qualified students to join our staff. Contact us to learn how you might join one of the ITS student teams.
Google Suite for Education
Google Suite for Education (G Suite) – G Suite is a hosted suite of applications including communication (Gmail, Google Talk, Google Calendar) and collaboration (Google Docs, Google Video, Google Sites) tools. G Suite also integrates with Google’s search engine and provides robust searching within all of these applications. Google provides unlimited storage space for Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.
You can access the frequently-used Google Apps from MyEckerd or with the links below. Log in using your Eckerd College email address and password; once logged in you can access other Google Apps using the “keypad” icon at the top right of any screen.
Microsoft Office 365
Eckerd also provides students access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows students to access online and installable versions of Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. A full listing of the available apps on Eckerd’s Office 365 A3 license are available here.
Once enrolled students can access Microsoft Office 365 using their @eckerd.edu email address and password at https://portal.office.com. This license will remain available as long as you are actively enrolled at Eckerd College.
New to Eckerd?
Here’s what to buy
Suggestions for Purchasing New Computers
- Operating System: Windows 11 or macOS Ventura
- Backup: We suggest that you purchase an external hard drive and regularly backup your data. If you use Apple’s time machine you will need an external drive. Two terabyte drives are available for about $60-90. Cloud options include Google Drive, Drop Box, and iCloud Backup.
- Memory: minimum of 16 GB RAM. Generally more RAM is always better especially if you plan to do a lot of image or video editing
- Processor Speed: minimum of Intel Core i5 or equivalent, or minimum Apple Silicon M2.
- Hard Drive: 512 GB or larger. Highly recommend you purchase a Solid State Drive (SSD) for improved performance and reliability
- Wireless: Any WiFi device that supports 802.11ac and WPA2 Enterprise. This should be standard on almost all laptops and all-in-one computers. You may need to add a wireless card to tower models unless you plan to connect via Ethernet as below.
- Ethernet: as wireless network access has become more prevalent, some laptop manufacturers have stopped installing Ethernet cards for network cable access in certain models of laptops. In this case, we recommend purchasing a USB Ethernet adapter. This provides you with an alternate way of accessing the Internet. Keep in mind that wired is always faster than wireless!
- Monitor (Desktop): Minimum 23” add-on monitor screen for desktop devices (PC or Mac Mini) with a resolution of at least 1920×1080. The iMac 24” is popular as well.
- Screen Size (Laptop): 13″with a resolution of at least 1920×1080
Mac or PC?
Our students are about 50-50 Mac to PC so either will work well on campus. This is largely a matter of personal preference. ChromeBooks are inexpensive but very limited in function and the apps they can run. For example, they will not run Microsoft Office. Check with your faculty mentor or with itshelp@eckerd.edu for advice.
Warranty
Most retail computers have a 1 year warranty; we suggest you upgrade the manufacturer’s warranty to at least 3 years.
Note: Laptop warranties generally do not cover screen damage, such as cracking. Check with the manufacturer to see if they offer accidental damage coverage in lieu of the standard warranty.
Anti Virus
Students using personal computers at Eckerd, must be using active virus protection software that is updated with current virus definitions. “Current definitions” are defined as virus protection definitions acquired from the software manufacturer not more than two weeks old. Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender built in to the operating system but you can also download other antivirus applications if you have a preference. For macOS we recommend you download an antivirus application. There are many free and/or low cost options available. Please be aware that only one (1) antivirus program can be used at a time.
Setting it up
For mobile devices
Already have a Gmail account?
Discounts
As an Eckerd College student, faculty member, or staff member you can take advantage of discounts offered to our community.
- Apple Store for Education
Apple provides educational discounts for a variety of Apple products. - Best Buy student deals
- CampusEstore (Barnes and Noble Campus Bookstore
Educational discounts on everything you need with savings up to 85% off commercial software list prices. - Dell Computers
Dell provides educational discounts for a variety of products. - StudentDiscounts.com
Worldwide provider of discounted software for students and teachers. 24×7 live-person chat and telephone support.
Visiting campus?
Visitors are welcome to connect to our guest wireless while on campus. You’ll use a guest pass to connect to our network. If you are visiting from another institution that supports the Eduroam wireless network, Eckerd College also has this service available as well.
