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Welcome to Technology Resources at TCUTechnology Resources is the central computing facility for TCU, providing network connectivity throughout the campus and mainframe and microcomputer services and support for all levels of the University. The Technology Resources staff is available for consultation and assistance with computer problems.
Technology News:
- TCU to Launch iPhone Application
TCU will launch “iTCU,” a new iPhone application September 14.
“Research has shown the iPhone is the third most popular platform to access www.tcu.edu, and TCU students appear to be eager to access other TCU resources from their mobile devices. We wanted to better gauge this demand from students and the TCU community by releasing iTCU,” said Bryan Lucas, executive director of technology resources. “We are one of only around a dozen schools with any such application.”
Click here to view full story.
- Give Feedback on iTCU iPhone Application
Please click here to give your feedback on the new iTCU application.
- Apple 10.6 Snow Leopard - Public release date is August 28th, 2009.
Microsoft Windows 7 - Public release date is October 22nd, 2009.
Technology Resources has been working with beta copies of both operating systems (O/S) in order to ensure compatibility with our supported applications and network infrastructure, and to identify any necessary security modifications.
The next step will be to work with a pilot group to gather feedback and suggestions to make the operating systems functional for our user community. Once pilot testing has been completed, we will communicate further implementation details and coordinate deployment with your department.
Please do not purchase individual copies to upgrade your TCU computer as it will not be allowed on the TCU network. In addition, reimbursement requests for individual O/S purchases will be declined.
(Note: TR maintains site licenses for Apple and Microsoft client operating systems)
Thank you for your patience. We are excited about the new operating systems and want to make sure that the TCU user community has a great experience with them.
- Antivirus software upgrade for faculty and staff Windows computers
TCU Technology Resources is upgrading antivirus software on faculty and staff Windows computers. The installation process will occur as follows:
- TR will "push" the package to your workstations the evening of June the 11th. This push is transparent and does not initiate the software's installation.
- When staff arrive in the morning, they can initiate the installation by rebooting their workstations. Note that if computers are powered off, the computer will need to be powered on then rebooted after it has been on for 90 minutes.
- The installation will occur prior to the user seeing the logon screen and will last approximately 10-15 minutes. It is important that computers are not powered off during the installation.
- When the installation is complete you will see a new icon on the bottom right hand corner of your system tray.
This new antivirus version will reveal more spyware, trojans, and virus threats. Please allow two nightly scans to quarantine or delete them
TR is upgrading from Symantec Antivirus 10 to Symantec Endpoint Protection 11, Symantec’s current antivirus offering. Symantec Endpoint Protection offers significantly improved virus detection capabilities as well as performance enhancements, most notably improved performance during scheduled virus scans. TR is will be upgrading the antivirus protections for Macintosh customers in the near future.
- TCU Dial-Up Service will be Discontinued on June 26, 2009
Synopsis: TCU Technology Resources will be retiring its dial-up Internet access model pool on June 26, 2009. Individuals who currently use this service to connect to the Internet will need to locate and use an alternate Internet Service Provider.
While Technology Resources attempts to offer as many services as possible, due to declining usage, maintaining the dial-up service no longer makes financial sense. Therefore, Technology Resources will be discontinuing its dial-up service on June 26, 2009. As a result, you will no longer be able to access the Internet by dial-up to the local number, 817-257-7224, or the long distance number, 1-800-542-0639.
The dial-up modem pool is expensive to maintain and its usage has declined significantly. Broadband Internet services such as DSL and Cable have now become the new standard for Internet connectivity at home. Over the past several years, costs for high-speed services and dial-up services have decreased considerably.
In addition, while traveling, TCU faculty and staff can easily attain Internet access via hotels, restaurants, businesses, and airports.
To assist you in locating an alternate provider, Technology Resources has compiled the list of providers below.
NOTE: Technology Resources DOES NOT endorse or support any of the following providers.
Any decision to purchase service through an alternate provider is done so at your own risk.
Dial-Up Providers
Please see below for a list of alternative dial-up options. Most are relatively low-cost with differing usage plans. Additionally, most of these Internet Service Providers are nationwide services and will have multiple dial-in numbers for use when you are traveling.
High-Speed Internet Providers
The providers listed below are just a handful of companies that offer high-speed Internet access. Most companies that offer high-speed Internet also provide dial-up numbers for use when you are away from your home and need Internet access.
Wireless Internet Options
Many businesses within the TCU community offer wireless Internet. Some are free, while others may charge a small fee or require a purchase from their establishment. A listing of free wireless hotspots can be found here: http://www.wififreespot.com/index.html
Broadband wireless cards are small peripherals that attach to your laptop and then get an Internet signal using the same connection as a cell phone. Contact your cell phone provider for more information on wireless broadband cards for your computer.
- TCU Used Computer Purchase Program
Faculty and Staff computers are currently replaced on a four year cycle. After replacement of a computer, the employee who had been using the computer is eligible to purchase it from TCU. If that employee elects not to purchase the computer, it is availale for othr employees to purchase. Arrangements to purchase used computers can be made with Chad Smith at c.d.smith@tcu.edu.
Price: Computers cost $100. Monitors are $50. Payments must be made at Financial Services with checks made out to "TCU". Please take the proof of purchase slip from Financial Services when picking up the computer.
Program details:
- All used computers include the Windows XP operating system. No other applications are installed. Microsoft Office is not installed on the computers.
Computers are "as is" when purchased. All manufacturer warranties on replaced computers have expired. TCU Technology Resources provides no warranty, repair or support on these computers.
- Computer that have been replaced and purchased by Faculty and Staff are no longer eligible for use on the TCU network or for any TCU computing purposes. The used computers are strictly for Personal Use Only.
- Replaced computers must go through a decommisioning process (typically 14 days) before they a eligible for purchase. During this process, the system will be reimaged which will remove all previously installed software and delete an data stored on the computer.
Schedule: Used computers can be picked up from Sid Richardson, room 111 on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 3pm and 5pm. If the Tuesday-Thursday time is not convenient, individuals may make an appointment with Chad Smith to arrange a different pick up time. Please contact Chad at c.d.smith@tcu.edu.
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