New Students

Buying a new computer?

Please review our laptop buyer’s guide

A Student Computing Guide

Other potential savings on computer hardware and Software such as Microsoft Office.

Already have a computer?

There are three things that need to be done if you are going to live on campus.  If you don’t live on campus, then there are only two things.

First, you need to have your computer configured to connect to the campus wide wireless network (cofc-secure).  Second, you need to install an Antivirus program.  (The college has purchased the Symantec antivirus for you. Please note, if you are living in a residence hall or historic house and using a Windows XP/Vista/7 computer, then Symantec is required in order to access the Internet from your room.)  And the last item, which you only need to do if you live in one of the residence halls, is to install the Cisco Clean Access Agent.

Step 1.

To auto-magically configure you computer to connect to the campus wide wireless network, visit http://wireless.cofc.edu/. (All computers except Macs running OSX 10.7 Lion.  Those must be configured manually.)

If you have problems using the automated system above, instructions for connecting to the campus wide wireless network are available below.

Instructions for computers running Windows Vista and Windows 7

Instructions for computers running Windows XP

Instructions for Apple computers

Instructions for iPhone/iPods

Step 2.

Before you can begin installing the Anti-virus software the college purchased for you, you’ll need to uninstall any anti-virus software currently on your computer. You do this by going to the control panel and look for ‘Add or Remove Programs’ on XP computers or ‘Programs and Features’ on Vista and Windows 7. You must uninstall all old antivirus programs, even if they are expired, out of date, or were never activated. After uninstalling any old antivirus programs, please make sure that you reboot the computer twice before attempting to install Symantec Antivirus.

Your My Charleston username and password is required to download these files. This is the same password you use to log in to campus computers, check e-mail, and access the network. When prompted, use the format of cougars\<username>. (If you do not remember your My Charleston password, you can reset it from the My Charleston page. Just choose the “Forget Password?” link below the login. If you are a new student who has not set up your My Charleston account, please contact the Office of Admissions. If you are a graduate student, please contact The Graduate School.)

In order to determine which version of Windows you have, simply click on the Start button (or Windows logo, if you are on Vista or Windows 7), right-click on Computer, and choose Properties. This will display some basic information about your computer, including whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit.

32 bit Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7 (Instructions)

64 bit Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7 (Instructions)

Step 3.

If you live in a residence hall, you will need to sign up for an Apogee account. Once you are in your room, simply turn on your computer, plug the network cable in or choose resnet if you are in a wireless residence hall, and open up a web browser.  You will be redirected to a page where you can either log into the network, or sign up for an account to log into the network.  If you have problems with the network in the residence halls, you’ll need to contact Apogee directly at 1-855-290-7138.

If you have problems doing this yourself, you can bring your laptop in to have this configured Monday-Friday from 8am – 4pm by coming by the information desk located in the Addlestone Library. We will be very busy the first week of school, so please come early to make sure we have enough time.

If you are bringing your computer in to have it configured, please remember to bring the following:

  • Computer power supply
  • Username and password for MyCharleston
  • Username and password for PC login if one has been set, or security password for Mac laptop
  • Also, a student/parent must remain present at the desk until setup is completed