Preparing technology for spring term
The spring term has 
officially started and classes are well underway. The start of a new semester is always busy for faculty, students, and staff, but it might be even more stressful if you spent Winter Term away from Elon and find yourself a little rusty when it comes to campus technology. If that’s the case, here are a handful of technology tips that will help guarantee a smooth start for a new semester.
Change your passwords
The start of a new semester is the perfect time to change the passwords to your online accounts. Since you’re already getting acquainted with a new schedule, it’s an easy time to grow accustomed to a few new combinations, too.
- Email – You can change the password for your email account, Moodle account, and wireless access on Elon’s self-service site. If you haven’t visited the site before, make sure you click the ‘Sign-up’ button.
- OnTrack – Your OnTrack password is managed independently of other Elon University accounts.
If you don’t have a good password idea, visit this website to generate a strong, secure password.
Always confirm technical requirements
It’s always stressful when you attempt to access your course online and your computer can’t view or display the webpages you need for class. Before a class even begins, it’s important for students to make sure they meet the technical requirements. This often involves updating a variety of computer software. The items that most commonly require updates are Java, Flash, and web browsers. Try accessing course materials early so that you know how to navigate them. This will prevent you from wasting valuable course time trying to figure out the technology.
Download Microsoft Office for free
Elon University students are entitled to a free download of the Microsoft Office 2010 (for Windows) or Microsoft Office 2011 (for Macs) suite through Kivuto’s E-Academy. All you need to do is sign-up for Kivuto’s E-Academy using your Elon University email address. From there, you can download the software. You should write down and save your product key in safe place in case you need to re-install the software later. After 30 days, there is no way to retrieve the product key. Additionally, students may choose to download Office 2013, although this is offered to students at a price set by Kivuto’s E-Academy. The Technology Service Desk also sells copies of Office 2013 for a nominal fee.
Computer repair services
Many students approach the Technology Service Desk in search of repair services. Unfortunately, we are unable to work on personal devices. However, we recommend students take advantage of the following local businesses for computer repair:
- The Computer Dept. – 336-756-7654 / 1409 University Drive #2
- Sites Computer Resources – 336-585-2032 / 1712 Westbrook Avenue
- AirTrack Devices in Burlington – 336-586-9001 / 3400-A South Church Street
If you have any questions involving technology, please contact the Technology Service Desk at 278-5200, or at servicedesk@elon.edu.
Image by Flickr user Nicholas Tonelli
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