Student Technology Resources

Navigating your computer purchasing journey can be overwhelming. Below are the explanations of the three main specs you will be looking for when purchasing your device. Shop our partners, Dell and Apple, for education pricing and special warranty bundles. 

Processor: This is like the engine in a car. The more powerful, the more your device can handle. The average user will not need the high end processors because they will most likely never use it to its full potential. You will notice different generations of processors. One way to future proof yourself is to get a newer generation processor.

You might hear or read about the amount of Cores in the processor. These are like silos for information pass. Dual or quad cores will suffice for the average user.

Storage/Hard drive: This is where your files (documents, pictures, projects) are stored on the hard drive. Much like the storage on your phone, you can fill your laptop. Most Word or Excel documents will not take up much room but pictures and videos will. Keep those things in mind when deciding how much storage you need. We always recommend using an external hard drive or cloud storage to back up your files. This can free up space on your laptop as well as provide secondary copies in case of device failure.

• SSD vs HDD
  • HDDs are an older storage technology that use spinning disks to read/write data. SSDs are faster and more power efficient than HDDs. HDDs are priced lower, but SSD prices are dropping.

RAM/ Memory: RAM is the multitasking power of your device. The average user will be using many web bases applications ( social media, Netflix, virtual meetings ) but some majors will have more robust software they use. These would require more RAM so that performance is not slowed down.

Russell Library - Second Floor Computing Area

Library 2nd Floor
OS: Windows
Thundercloud: Yes
Seats: 47

Library 2nd Floor
OS: Mac OS
Thundercloud: No
Seats: 4

Russell Library - First Floor Atrium
OS: Windows
Thundercloud: Yes
Seats: 6

West Campus-Bobcat Village
OS: Windows
Thundercloud: Yes
Seats: 8

Check Out Computer Equipment from Russell Library

Laptops available for check out* includes a mix of Thundercloud Thin Clients, Windows Laptops, and Mac laptops

Laptop Inventory
Dell laptops: 42
MacBooks: 29
Thunderbooks: 15
Chromebooks: 16

iPad Inventory
iPad Air: 67
*based on availability
How to Check Out Computer Equipment from Russell Library

Device Registration is required for certain devices to access the housing wireless or wired network. For more information, please see the "Connecting Devices" section on our Wireless page.

If you have issues getting your Unify credentials set up, connected to the Bobcat Devices wireless network, or registering your device, please submit an IT Help Desk ticket or call 478-445-7378.

New students (Freshman and Transfer) who have not set up a DUO Authentication account must do so at the time of their initial log in to their Unify account.  View complete instructions HERE.

PIRATED MUSIC, MOVIES, SOFTWARE

Stealing digital content, such as music, movies and software, is known as piracy. At Georgia College & State University (GCSU), we are not pirates, and the university encourages all campus community members to not illegally obtain these materials. People who do engage in these activities can be subject to slow internet speeds, legal ramifications and more.

As part of GCSU’s commitment to raise awareness on issues related to illegally downloaded materials and to comply with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, we would like to make you aware of laws and policies concerning the use of copyrighted material, such as digital movies, music, software, etc.

All users of the GCSU network (wired as well as wireless) are required to abide by all state and federal laws governing copyrights and trademarks as well as other applicable laws and all applicable university policies. The use of copyrighted material may require the permission of the copyright owner. The absence of a copyright notice or symbol on a work does not denote a lack of copyright. You are required to obtain written permission before you are allowed to use any GCSU materials, trademarks or logos for commercial or any other unofficial university purpose.

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). The rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial portions of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

The fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research is not an infringement of copyright.  Faculty in Georgia are specifically and individually responsible for proper application of fair use and copyright requirements in their contexts. Refer to the USG Policy on the Use of Copyrighted Works.

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may incur either actual damages or statutory damages of not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per infringement. For "willful" infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per infringement. For details, refer to Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504 and 505. Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties including up to 5 years incarceration and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.

For more information please refer to the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, particularly their FAQ at https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq.

In addition, we would like to remind you that GCSU Policy expressly forbids the sharing or serving of copyrighted material without the proper consent of the author. Failure to comply with this policy may result in restriction or loss of university network access and/or disciplinary action through the Office of Student Life. Should you infringe on a copyright while using a university network, GCSU will be notified with the specific information regarding the work infringed and enough information to identify you specifically on the network. For questions involving copyright issues, please consult the GC Office of Legal Affairs. 

You have many alternatives to illegal file sharing and downloading in order to avoid civil and criminal charges. One of the best sources for a list of legally downloadable online content is provided by EDUCAUSE. 

IT organization memberships

Georgia College faculty, staff, and students have access to privileged research, professional development, and other opportunities through campus membership and/or subscription to IT-related groups.

EDUCAUSE

EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education by promoting the intelligent use of information technology. EDUCAUSE programs include professional development activities, print and electronic publications, strategic policy initiatives, research, awards for leadership and exemplary practices, and a wealth of online information services. These resources and activities are available to all interested employees at EDUCAUSE member organizations, including Georgia College. Many EDUCAUSE resources (including ECAR reports) are available to the public on the EDUCAUSE website. 

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is an instructional video library designed to train people on the latest technology, business, leadership, and personal productivity and development skills. As faculty, staff, and students of Georgia College, you have access to a wide variety of courses that can lead to Certificates of Completion and Competency Badges that you can display on your personal LinkedIn site. LinkedIn Learning can be access by clicking on the link provided in Unify or by logging in here.

Microsoft Teams Meetings

Microsoft Teams is a group of collaboration software that can be used to help teams work together remotely.  With Teams you can easily join or host an online meeting. In the meeting you can share your screen, chat through voice, video, or text. You can divide into groups, send files, record, and transcribe the meeting. You can create Teams and Channels within a team for group work.

Using the Teams App  
1. Open the Teams App.    
2. Sign in with your GC e-mail address and Unify password. 
3. Authenticate using DUO.

Getting started with Microsoft Teams
Introduction to Teams
What is Microsoft Teams

What’s new?

Beginning Monday, 2/5/2024, it will be easier than ever for GCSU students to manage your GCSU account, which gives access to Unify and Microsoft products. The new password reset system, Microsoft Self-Service Password Reset, or SSPR for short, allows you to change, reset, and unlock your password. 

Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) is a feature of Microsoft 365 that ensures that you will never lose access to your account.  It allows you to set up alternative verification methods so that if you lose your password, you can verify your identity and reset your password – without needing to contact AskIT@gcsu.edu.

SSPR Features
- Easy enrollment anytime, anywhere
- Password recovery through email or mobile phone
- Enroll on a mobile phone for easy password recovery
- Offers more protection against cybersecurity threats

Please note that the MyPassword tool will be going away on May 31, 2024.

Please complete the SSPR registration by providing the information requested.

What do you need to do?
If you have not previously done so, set up additional authentication methods for your GCSU account through Microsoft. We recommend using at least two different methods. Select Password Reset - Microsoft SSPR from the accordion menu to view detailed instructions.

Need assistance?
If you have any questions or need assistance, call us at 478-445-7378 or submit a ticket at https://AskIT.gcsu.edu.

Microsoft SSPR Instructions

Paw Printing

Print straight from your computer by sending your documents to the printers via your Bobcats email!

For black and white printing email: pawprinting@gcsu.edu

For color printing email: colorpawprinting@gcsu.edu

$.15/ea - Black and White Printing (effective 9/5/2023)
$.75/ea - Color Printing

Software - Personal Purchases USG Tech Store

Login to My GCSU and select the Office 365 tab for details.

Access your email and office services online:  Microsoft 365
You can use use Apps from Apple or Google.  

Your username is your full email address and campus password.

New students may access the download 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester.

Technology designed with collaboration in mind. 15 study rooms in the library, 4 units in the lobby of Atkinson, and 3 units in Kilpatrick are equipped with Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TEC). This technology allows students to wirelessly connect their devices in order to collaborate during group projects, studying, and discussions

TEC allows students to display up to 4 devices at the same time, toggle from student to student, and run web conferencing. Students can utilize this technology to collaborate during presentations, create powerpoints, watch movies, and generate discussion.

Look for TEC equipped study rooms and try it out today! Follow the instructions below to begin your first TEC experience!

TEC Instructions Updated (pdf)

For additional information, submit an IT Help Desk ticket or call 478-445-7378.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephones provide quicker resolution for technical issues in the classroom and provide immediate access to Public Safety.   The phone features two buttons:  IT Help Desk and Public Safety.  This initiative was funded by the Student Technology Fee.

Press either the IT Help Desk or Public Safety button respectively for a speakerphone call.  If you lift the handset, you will automatically be connected to the IT Help Desk.  To privately contact Public Safety you will need to press the button first and then lift the handset.  The dial pad is disabled as the classroom phones are in a closed system using the Georgia College network.