Frequently Asked Questions

New to IWU

Q: Are there any discounts for hardware/software?
Q: Do I have to bring a computer?
Q: Will I be able to access the wireless network from my dorm room?
Q: What type of computer should I buy?
Q: What do I need to know about computers and technology at IWU?

Students on Campus

Q: What do I do about a virus on my computer?
Q: I can't remember my password. Can it be reset?
Q: How do I connect my computer to the campus network?
Q: When I tried to go to a certain website it was blocked.
Q: How do I login to the student web portal or my email?

Guests & Conference Attendees

Q: Where can I use the wireless network on campus?

New to IWU

Q: Are there any discounts for hardware/software?
A: Indeed. Refer to our Technology Purchases page for additional information.

Q: Do I have to bring a computer?
A: A personal computer is not required for incoming freshmen or transfer students, but is highly recommended. In the 2006-2007 school year over 90% of residential students brought a computer to campus. If you are not sure about purchasing a computer, we recommend that you wait until after you have spent some time on campus and decide later in the school year.

A personal computer is a great tool to use in pursuit of your education. The ability to create and print reports, prepare presentations and research via the Internet is a definite advantage and can help you manage your time more effectively. Each student has an active internet connection in his/her room that is dedicated to their own computer and available 24 hours a day.

Q: Will I be able to access the wireless network from my dorm room?
A: While it is possible that students may be able to access the wireless network from their dorm rooms, it has currently only been configured for the main lobby areas. Students do still have the option of a wired internet connection from their dorm rooms.

Q: What type of computer should I buy?
A: If you wish to purchase your own computer, we have prepared some basic specifications that you can use when you shop for a system. In general, any new laptop that you would purchase at a store would probably work fine. Below are some basic guidelines you can use for purchasing either a laptop or a desktop. Although there are many choices available, these are the system specifications that we would look for if we were purchasing a new computer for ourselves.

• Dell, Fujitsu, HP or Sony brands are recommended
• Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor
• Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system
• 1GB RAM
• 60 GB or more of hard drive space
• CDRW or DVDR drive, speakers, and sound card
• 128MB or larger USB memory stick
• Ethernet network interface card
• Laptops should have a wireless network card (G wireless is our standard on campus)
• Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 Suite (visit http://indwes.e-academy.com for significant student discounts)
• Internet Browser Software - Internet Explorer, Firefox or Netscape Navigator
• Antivirus Software - Norton Antivirus is provided at no additional charge for each student by the University (no Antivirus will be provided for Macintosh machines)
• Surge Suppressor

• Macintosh G5 or Intel Based Processor with OSX 10.3.8 or higher
• 1GB RAM
• 60 GB or more of hard drive space
• CDRW or DVDR drive, speakers, and sound card
• 128MB or larger USB memory stick
• Ethernet network interface card
• Laptops should have a wireless network card (G wireless is our standard on campus)
• Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 Suite for Mac

If you want to print from the residence hall room, you will need to have your own printer. An inkjet printer or personal laser printer (HP, Canon, Lexmark) will meet most printing needs.

Q: What do I need to know about computers and technology at IWU?
A: We have prepared a document that covers things you might want to know about computers and technology at IWU. Click the following link to view the document: 2009-2010 IWU Technology Recommendations  

Students on Campus

Q: What do I do about a virus on my computer?
A: If you think your computer is infected with a virus, call the Call Center at ext. 2209 right away. The Call Center staff can help you check your computer for viruses or arrange for a trained technician to examine the machine.

To get the latest information about viruses, how to protect your computer from these viruses and what to do if you already have one of these viruses on your computer, click on the following link: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/

At times you may have received email messages from others with warnings about a new virus that has just been discovered. Such warnings are often hoaxes, so please do NOT forward these messages to anyone without first checking with the Call Center . To find out more about virus hoaxes, click on the following link: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html

Q: I can't remember my password. Can it be reset?
A: If you cannot remember your password you can contact the IWU Call Center to have your password reset. Send an email message to help@indwes.edu with the following information:

• Your first and last name
• Your date of birth
• The last six digits of your social security number

An IWU technician will reset your password and respond to your message.

Note: If you have a question or concern about logging into the portal, you can speak with a technician by telephone at 765-677-2209 or 800-621-8667 x2209. However, they will not be able to reset your password without receiving an email with the information listed above.

Q: How do I connect my computer to the campus network?
A: Detailed instructions for connecting your computer to the campus network can be found here . For additional support, please contact the Call Center.

Q: When I tried to go to a certain website it was blocked.
A: We utilize an enhanced Internet filtering system to protect all IWU students, faculty and staff from accidentally viewing inappropriate material. Although not foolproof, it does provide a basic level of safety. The two primary categories the filter blocks access to include pornography and online gambling. To support research, there are workstations in the library that are unfiltered if the area of study requires access to a normally filtered site.

Q: How do I login to the student web portal or my email?
A: Follow these instructions:

1. Go to http://myiwu.indwes.edu
2. Login with your username and PIN/password. For most people the username/PIN will be:
   username: firstname.lastname
   PIN: (last six digits of social security number)

Guests & Conference Attendees

Q: Where can I use the wireless network on campus?
A: Please refer to our wireless network map for coverage details.