Student Technology

Notice: ITS Help Desk Requests for assistance should be directed to Helpdesk-Request@holycross.edu

The Help Desk is open for in person support Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in O'Kane 072.

Information for Students - Spring 2023

 

Off Campus Access

  • VPN access for Students - How to install and configure the GlobalProtect software to access on campus systems such as Remotedesk01
  • Remote Desktop Instructions - Install and configure access to RemoteDesk01. Provides access to special software such as, Spss, Stata, Mathlab, Mathematica, etc. 

Contacting ITS Help Desk

Alumni Records Center

Graduated student must sign up for an account at https://apps.holycross.edu/alumni_center/users/sign_in and click "Sign Up" at the bottom. 
Alumni who have graduated, 2006 to current, will have access to the following information:

  • Unofficial transcript PDF, and a link to request an official transcript
  • Financial Aid information
  • Billing information
  • The 1098T form

First Year Student Information

 

Information for Graduating Seniors

Getting Connected 

Loaner Laptops

The ITS Help Desk has a limited number of laptops and chromebooks available. If you need to borrow a laptop, please contact the Help Desk as helpdesk-request@holycross.edu

Microsoft Office for Students

Microsoft office 2016 software is available for download through the Office365 portal. To start the process, visit the link https://products.office.com/en-US/student and enter your Holy Cross email address.  Login to access the "Install Office 2016" download link.  Please note, your Holy Cross subscription is free while enrolled at the College. Unlike Google Docs for Education, Office 2016 and any files in Office 365 will be disabled upon graduation. 

First year students login using their HC email address and their Network passphrase (STAR). 

Open Labs and Kiosk Information

Printing

Recommendations for Home WiFi & Internet

High demand on home internet is, unfortunately, something that so many of us are confronting. Some options to consider are:

  • Explore the positioning of the wireless router in your home, sometimes moving it a few feet or elevating it can increase the signal strength in different areas.
  • Try connecting your computer directly into your router via an ethernet cable. Newer laptops might require an ethernet adapter.
  • Limit non-essential activities such as Netfix or gaming by family members on your home network. Also, don't start other bandwidth-intensive activities just before or during a Zoom meeting. Check for cloud backups and cloud file synchronization such as Google File Stream.
  • Close other unneeded applications on your computer. Zoom meetings can demand significant memory and processing power from your computer. Closing other applications that are not needed during the session will help Zoom run better.
  • Look into whether the issues are due to the internet connection of your computer. In such situations, the internet connection itself might be OK, but the computer software might be the issue.
    • Check to make sure your operating system is up to to date, apply all patches and driver updates when possible.
    • Ensure your web browser is up to date and patched. Use the Help | About to check for an update.
    • Remove browser extensions that are no longer needed.
    • Run Malwarebytes to remove any unwanted malware from your computer. 
  • Similar to having to reboot your computer periodically, it is also a good idea to reboot your router. This can be done by unplugging the power cable for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. It generally takes about 10 mins for the router to complete the reboot so you can connect. 
  • Contact your internet service provider about upgrade options. This might involve a change in the service plan or the purchase/rental of a new modem/router.
  • If your home wifi router is older, consider upgrading it to a mesh wifi network. Mesh networks place small devices throughout your home to get you better coverage. Examples include Google Nest Wifi and Netgear Orbi.

Specifics to Zoom Settings

Zoom can be a read data log, the following tips can help when WiFi resources are tight.  Source: https://www.reviews.org/internet-service/how-to-reduce-zoom-data-use/

  • Turn off video if not needed. Zoom video uses a lot of bandwidth, as much as 30% less data when disabling your video. 
  • Turn off HD if not needed. Reducing your streaming quality can reduce the Zoom data you use by more than 60%.
  • Mute your microphone when you do not need it. When on, Zoom dedicates a part of your internet connection to an audio stream. 

Solarwinds Service Desk Ticket System

STAR

Staying Safe Online