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Home - Computing - Home Computing Environment

Home Computing Environment

See application specific notes:

See also the Technology Literacy Requirements.

Please note that the School requires that all incoming students have computer access at home as follows:

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Windows Vista

  1. MySJSU: Windows Vista users must use Internet Explorer 7.0 when accessing MySJSU.

  2. Second Life is now officially supported on Windows Vista. However, please make sure that you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card. More information on compatible graphics cards is available at: secondlife.com/corporate/sysreqs.phplink goes to non-SJSU web site.

See also Windows Vista FAQ.

Mac OS X

In LIBR 202 (all sections), all students are required to use software that is currently only available for Windows. The program is called Inmagic DBTextWorks (see link in sidebar). A Mac user will need to use Windows-emulation software such as Microsoft Virtual PClink goes to non-SJSU web site in order to use a Macintosh to run DBTextWorks. If you have one of the newer Intel-based Macs, Parallelslink goes to non-SJSU web site is one option for running a virtual environment. [Notice: SLIS has not tested the combination of Parallels/Windows XP/DBTextWorks.] Note that you must also purchase Windows XP to use DBTextWorks in a virtual-Windows environment. You can continue to use Microsoft Office in Mac OS X. If you already have Microsoft Office installed in your Mac OS X environment, you are not required to purchase it for the virtual-Windows environment unless you want to run Microsoft Office in the virtual environment.

Alternatively, you may invest in Windows emulation software, such as Virtual PC 6.0. The presentations may play slightly slower under Virtual PC 6.0 (depending on the processor and amount of memory in your Mac), however you should still be able to view the presentations adequately to suit your class requirements.

Microsoft Office and Academic Pricing

The Microsoft Office Suite for Windows and Mac OS is available to students through various vendors at a discounted academic price. You will be purchasing both the installation media as well as licensing for the product.

The following Microsoft links explain the latest Microsoft Office products:
PC: www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx#link goes to non-SJSU web site
Mac: mactopia: Office 2008 for Maclink goes to non-SJSU web site

Academic Pricing: Academic pricing requires proof of academic affiliation (applies to faculty, students, and staff). For in-person purchases at the Spartan Bookstore, you should have your Tower Card with you in order to purchase these products.

For online purchases through Creation Engine see their Policies: Academic Affiliation Requirementslink goes to non-SJSU web site for details on what serves as proof of affiliation and how to submit it. One proof of affiliation is an email address ending in .edu. See e-mail accounts overview for how to obtain a .edu address. Other vendors have similar proof of affiliation policies.

Those wishing to purchase from the SJSU Spartan Bookstore can purchase the software either in-person at the Spartan Bookstore or online via Creation Enginelink goes to non-SJSU web site. See additional online vendors below.

Creation Engine purchases can be made by any SJSU student residing in the United States.

Students purchasing through the SJSU Spartan Bookstore will be asked to fill out and sign a contract prior to purchasing Microsoft Office products.

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Antivirus Software

Students are responsible for purchasing, installing, and maintaining antivirus software on their home computers. It is now a mandatory requirement that students have antivirus software installed on their home computers. Students are also required to keep their virus definitions up to date.

Anti-spyware Software

Recommended:

It is good to run more than one anti-spyware scanner periodically. For instance, scan your system using Ad-aware and delete any spyware/adware that is detected. Then, run Spybot S&D and do the same. Often the second program will identify spyware & adware that the first program missed.

Laptop Rental

Please note that students may rent laptops through SJSU Associated Students. The price is $25 per week, and an SJSU student ID is required. Students interested in this should contact Associated Students at 408-924-6976 and inquire about the Laptop Rental Program.

Email Accounts

All active SJSU students will receive an SJSU email account beginning in Fall 2008. Information regarding SJSU student email accounts will be posted at E-Mail Accounts.

Web Browsers and Cookies

Please make sure that your web browser is configured to accept cookies. Several SLIS server programs require the usage of cookies in order to function correctly.

Powerpoint 2004 on Intel-based Macs

Some students who try to view Powerpoint presentations under Powerpoint 2004 on their Intel-based Macs have reported several issues. The main issues are:

  1. Links embedded in the Powerpoint file do not work.
  2. Audio embedded in the Powerpoint file does not play.

Students who are experiencing the above issues are encouraged to upgrade to Powerpoint 2008 for Mac. SLIS has verified that the issues have been resolved under Powerpoint 2008.

Students can obtain Office 2008 for Mac (which includes Powerpoint 2008) at a discounted rate ($79.99) through the SJSU Spartan Bookstore or the CSUF Titan Bookstore. See also Creation Engine under the heading Microsoft Office and Academic Pricing above.

See the following for additional information:
slisweb.sjsu.edu/ecommunication/homecomputing.htm#office.

Note regarding Second Life compatibility with Mac OS X

Linden Lab (the company behind Second Life) has notified users (December 2008) that there are significant compatibility issues between the Second Life viewer and the video card device drivers under Mac OS X version 10.4 (Tiger).

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