Frequently Asked Questions about Computers

I already have a desktop computer - do I need to buy a notebook?
Yes.  Several courses will require that you use your notebook in class.

I already have a notebook computer – will this be sufficient?
The decision to upgrade your notebook computer is a personal one.  If your notebook computer was purchased in the last two years, you most likely do not need to buy a new one. Please see the Official Computer requirement page.

What software will I need?
All of the required software (excluding specific Operating Systems) will be provided to you by the University as part of a site license including:

•  Microsoft Office 2007 Professional for Windows or MS-Office 2008 for Mac (provided by Drexel)
  - PowerPoint
  - Excel
  - Access
  - Word
  - Outlook
  - Publisher
  - Groove
  - OneNote
  
  
• Symantec/Norton AntiVirus (provided by Drexel)

What type of wireless network adapter should I have?
You're notebook will need a 802.11a/g compliant wireless adapter to work at any of the locations.

How do I set up my wireless on my notebook and connect to Draco?
Before you can use the wireless service on campus, you must login and complete the instructions on the Drexel College of Medicine IT website before obtaining the access key. See the Computer Checklist page, item #2 for information on connecting to Draco.

I've heard of a wireless network called Dragonfly at Drexel. Is this the same as the Draco wireless network?
No, they are different. The College of Medicine has installed a new wireless system at the Queen Lane Campus called Draco.
This is the wireless that you should be connecting to at this location. See the Computer Checklist page, item #2 for information on connecting to Draco.

At the Center City Hahnemann Campus and on the main campus in West Philly a secure wireless network exists called Dragaonfly.
You may use this wireless however special registration and set-up is required. See the Computer Checklist page, item #2 for information on connecting to Dragonfly.

How do I set up my wireless on my notebook and connect to Dragonfly?
You must register your wireless network adapter with Drexel IRT on the dragonfly website. You will then receive the secure WEP key to use to attach. See the Computer Checklist page, item #2 for information on connecting to Dragonfly.

Will the wireless signal from Queen Lane reach beyond the campus?
No. The signal will cover the front courtyard and the shuttle stop, but will not cross over Queen Lane and into apartments or houses.

I have a network jack on my laptop, can I just use that?
Not typically. On campus, we do not provide hard wired networks jacks for you to plug in your notebook using your standard (10 Base-T or 100 Base-T) RJ-45 ethernet jack. Most notebooks come with a standard RJ-45 ethernet jack and we advise that you make sure your noteook has this. If you plan to get cable modem or DSL service in your home, you should make sure that your notebook has the RJ-45 Ethernet Jack to connect with.

Is a high-speed connection at home like DSL or Cable Modem required?
No. We don't require you to have an internet connection at home since you can access the Internet on campus with your wireless. However, since checking e-mail is a requirement we recommend you do have an internet connection at home.  A high-speed connection will allow you to access the Internet at much faster speeds and make watching lecture videos and downloads from home much more enjoyable. 

Local contacts for various internet services:

• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) or FIOS (High-speed Fiber Optic Line)
  Check with Verizon at www.verizon.net for availability at your location
  
  
• Cable Modem
  Check with your local cable TV provider, typically Comcast at www.comcast.com