INTRO:
Hi, welcome to the Penn State Information Technology Services student web site! Here you’ll find all the technology resources available to help save you time, money, and anxiety.
Browse around and check out all of these short videos! Each of them provides information about the technologies and services that are available to help you get the most out of your Penn State experience.
Keep in mind that these are only a small portion of the student services ITS has to offer. You can browse around the entire ITS student site to get more information on how we’re trying to make your college technology experience as easy as possible.
Bookmark us and come back whenever you have questions. Thanks for watching!
DOWNLOADS:
Do you know who your computer was with last night? Computer security has become a major concern for practically everyone who connects to the Internet. ITS wants to help you protect your computer and yourself. So, full versions of anti-virus and spyware detection tools that normally cost money are all available to you for free and we’ve gathered them all in one convenient place. The “downloads” web site allows you to access all the free software available to you as a student.
Not only can you get antivirus software, but we've also given you access to free web browsers, e-mail clients, and wireless clients; a must-have if you want to access the Penn State wireless network. Here you will find software applications, updates, related information and read-me files for ITS-supported and managed software. The software products listed here are available only to Penn State students, faculty, and staff. Consider this your VIP invite to staying safe on the internet.
HELP:
Technology accidents happen! And sometimes a web site just doesn’t cut it for certain support situations.
No matter where you are, if you end up with a machine that isn’t working as well as it should, you’ve got options. You can call 863-HELP, or e-mail your question or problem for prompt and courteous assistance. And you can always stop in at any Help Desk location.
The friendly ITS help desk staff is experienced in dealing with a wide variety of technology issues – e-mail problems, viruses and spyware, ANGEL, and even your Penn State Access Account, to name a few. The help desk consultants are students who have dealt with many of the same issues you have, so you know you’re talking with someone who’s gone through it before.
They’re called the HELP Desks for a reason.
While you may need some additional support every now and then, we know you’re not totally helpless! You can also try the ITS Knowledge Base —a searchable database that contains answers to many technology questions at Penn State.
You can find all of the Help Desk contact information listed on the Help Sources website at helpdesk.psu.edu.
STORE:
Hi, and welcome to Penn State’s Computer Store at the HUB. One of the great things about being a student at Penn State is that you’re eligible to buy computer stuff that’s less expensive than regular retail. Let's check it out.
At Penn State’s Computer Store, students get academic discounts on a great selection of hardware, software, and accessories like flash drives, mp3 players, headphones and more!
You even get special academic pricing on computers. The Computer Store receives academic pricing from preferred vendors and these savings are passed on to you. And you’ll definitely save; often up to 75% off on many popular software titles. These software products are the real deal, with full features, and the same functionality as the retail versions. The only difference is that the discounts are often larger than leading academic resellers.
Recycling technology items and asking you to “skip the bag” are some ways the Computer Store is helping to provide a greener more sustainable Penn State for you and for future Penn Staters. You can drop off used ink cartridges, rechargeable batteries, and old mobile phones that have been adding to the clutter in your desk drawer. The Computer Store will recycle them for you, so you never have to worry about adding to the landfill.
Penn State’s Computer Store is conveniently located on the University Park campus and fully staffed Monday-Friday, 9 to 5, with a team of knowledgeable, non-commission consultants. They can help with computing and how it best fits into your life at Penn State by providing recommendations for your technology style. And Web orders can be placed online so you can shop from virtually anywhere, at anytime.
LABS:
The computer labs will quickly become an everyday occurrence in your life at Penn State. At University Park, use the collaborative workspaces, which include couches and large screens, for group projects. And helpful lab consultants are available at almost any time of the day.
Don’t waste your valuable time—take advantage of the lab usage web page to see how busy the labs may be before running around trying to find an open workstation. The information is updated in real time, making this a great resource that shows you which labs are open, their hours, the number of computers that are located there and which of them are available for use.
You can even customize your search to find exactly what you’re looking for, down to the specific Operating System of the machine or building of your choice. You’ll never have to be stuck trudging across campus looking for an available lab again.
SAC-ITS:
We understand that you have concerns and questions about the technology services provided for you, and we want to hear it all, the good and the not-so-good. The Student Advisory Committee to ITS (SAC-ITS) is your opportunity to tell us what you think.
Twice a semester we hold open meetings to get your feedback on the services we provide. You get the opportunity to talk face-to-face with the people who are behind the technologies you use everyday... computer labs, e-mail, ANGEL, and wireless to name a few.
Your opinion is important to us! We value the chance to work one-on-one with you to best fit your technology needs, no matter what technology level you may be.
WORK:
The ITS Secure Server, commonly referred to by its URL name, “work” is a one-stop-shop location that offers a personalized view of your Penn State Access Account information.
It provides you with tools enabling you to manage your free web space, known as PASS, change your e-mail forwarding address, update your directory information, change your Penn State password, and even check your printing information – all from one web page interface tailored just for you.
ITS has included alerts that are affecting technologies you use, plus helpful links so you don’t have to remember more information than you need to.
Just remember work.psu.edu
DIGITAL COMMONS:
More and more professors are assigning video and audio projects for classes. And a growing number of students are watching and producing digital media both for course work and for social web sites like YouTube.
Creating digital media may seem intimidating, especially if you've never played around with editing software or production equipment. Luckily, The Digital Commons is fully staffed with professionals whose job it is to help you stand out in class, as well as in your social network.
Located on all Commonwealth Campus locations, each Digital Commons studio is equipped with professional audio and video equipment that's free for you to use.
Supported by Apple Certified multi-media professionals; you'll be able to conduct interviews, record performances...edit your work...and share the finished project. Record and edit a podcast...convert old VHS tapes into media for publishing on the Web...or film a video against a green screen. It's all free and it's easy!
To find out more about Digital Commons at Penn State, as well as contact information and studio hours visit their website. While you're there, check out actual student projects and get an overview of services, online tutorials, and equipment available for use.
That's digitalcommons.psu.edu
EDUCATIONAL GAMING COMMONS (EGC):
Have you ever wanted to use an Xbox 360 or PS3 to learn while you're playing? It's actually not that crazy of an idea.
The Educational Gaming Commons is actively trying to incorporate gaming into academic learning...both by designing new games in-house and using existing ones already on the market. They're exploring all sorts of environments, some even virtual!
A rundown of their current projects...as well as free educational game downloads can be found on their web site. And while you're there...be sure to check out the link to their Facebook group.
TRAINING:
If you’ve ever struggled with learning an application like Excel or Photoshop for a class, you know how frustrating it can be.
ITS is here to help with loads of technology training topics and formats to fit your busy schedule.
You can access cutting-edge online tutorials 24-hours a day at no cost! Choose from thousands of high-quality video tutorials produced by industry leaders on more than 580 topics.
All you have to do is visit the ITS Technology Training Web site to access all your training options. While you’re there, click on the Technology Training Community to join in the discussion forums or get extra tips on topics that interest you!
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