Questions about hardware status, Ethernet capability or insufficient gigabytes?
You may want to head to the Computer Store, 305 Computer Center, where all these questions and more are brought up and answered. The Computer Store is MSU’s source for any and all computer inquiries.
“We go from Window questions to viruses,” said Scott Thomas, division manager in computing services.
The Computer Store is knowledgeable in and carries accessories for most brands of computers including Apple, Dell, Compaq and IBM.
It also specializes in software from Microsoft to Adobe to Macromedia.
In addition, the Computer Store stocks items such as computer locks and Ethernet cables.
When it comes down to calling for help before you throw that laptop out the window, students have the MSU Computing Service Centers. Located next to the Computer Store at 306 Computer Center, with several other offices around campus, it is the place to go for answers.
“The consulting service is a free service with a main goal to help students,” Thomas said.
“It is open every day, even on weekends.”
One major source of headaches for students is getting Ethernet set up.
“Eighty percent of questions are related to connectivity,” Thomas said.
“We deal with e-mail, Internet services, and the pilot address.”
During the first few weeks of school, the consulting service is at its busiest.
“During the back to school time we get between 400 to 600 calls a day,” Thomas said. “Which usually means a one to two minute wait for students. During the main year we usually have a one minute response time.”
If problems persist after 15 to 20 minutes on the phone with consultants, students are encouraged to seek repairs or bring the unit to Engineering Services, the Computer Store’s repair base, at 505 Computer Center.
For incoming freshmen and sophomores, the Computer Store also helps with the computer requirement.
Beginning in 2001, incoming students have been required to have a PC or laptop with Internet capabilities and a network access of at least 10 million bits per second for Ethernet connections. MS Office, anti-virus and anti-hacking software also is recommended. Norton Anti-Virus software is provided free to students.
“Students can purchase their computers at the Computer Store,” Thomas said. “These computer are then configured for use through the Computer Store.”
Students may choose either an in-stock system or a personalized model. Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, check or up to $1,300 on student accounts.
Systems can be shipped to home, dorm or picked up at the Computer Store. The Computer Store Web site,
\" target=\"_blank\">cstore.msu.edu, even allows for online ordering and tracking of orders.
“I got my laptop through the Computer Store,” said veterinarian medicine sophomore Aarika Cooper. “It was ready relatively quickly and ready to go.”
But that doesn‘t mean she didn’t take advantage of the service centers.
“I had some trouble connecting to the Ethernet,” she said.
“I tried, my roommate tried, even some kids from down the hall tried to help. In the end, I just called the computer services and they got me hooked up in no time.”
