As a student, you will be using computers and other information technologies. Technology can make a positive difference for you during your college stay and as you shape your future. We have put together some common technology questions asked by students:

What technology is available at Iowa Lakes?

• Faculty and Students have access to the latest software updates:  

  • Microsoft Office 2007

  • Windows XP

  • Email-Outlook

  • High Speed Internet

• Iowa Lakes Network

• Iowa Lakes Community College Web Site

• Printers, Copy Machines, CD Burners, and Scanners are all available

How does the campus protect students from identity theft? 

• Network Logon instructions and secure passwords

• Internet Acceptable Use Policy

• Filters/Virus Software/Firewalls

Is there a campus code of behavior about using computer resources?

• Students must agree to the terms of our Iowa Lakes Acceptable Use Policy when they logon to the network.

Does the campus have policies for using technology? 

• We have an Internet Acceptable Use Policy that only allows accessing information for the purpose of, or in support of, research, education, state, local, or national government affairs.

• We do not allow downloading of software on network-connected computers or installing of software on network drives. 

• Game playing and chatting are not permitted on networked computers.     

Does the campus provide institutional e-mail accounts for all students?

• Iowa Lakes provides e-mail accounts for all students.  

• Outlook is the current software for email.

• Each student will have at least 10 megabytes of hard drive storage on our college network

• This college email account provides important class announcements. 

• Students can also use their hotmail or yahoo accounts. 

What public access for computing is available for students? 

• Iowa Lakes has public Cyber Cafes at the Estherville and Emmetsburg Campuses. 

• Students have Internet access in all dormitories.

• Computer Labs are available at all 5 Iowa Lakes Sites. 

What technology fee is charged and what does it cover?

• $8.00 per credit hour

• Iowa Lakes College Network

• Use of technology equipment and software

• Mediated classrooms –Technology supports the college television system which offers live, interactive classes to our 5 campuses.

Will you be required to purchase your own computer?

• The college does not require students to purchase a computer.

• Computers are available for use in college computer labs, classrooms, and libraries. 

• Internet hookup is provided in the dorms but the college does not provide the computer.

Is there special pricing offered for computers and software for students?

• The Iowa Lakes Community College Bookstore offers educational discounts for Microsoft Office software packages only. 

What hardware and software standards does the campus require, recommend, and/or support?

• Currently, we use Microsoft Office 2007 Software

• Students use Outlook for E-mail

• Microsoft Windows operating system is used in the labs and classrooms with the exception of Graphic Arts and Journalism & Broadcasting, which uses the Mac OS. 

What kind of services (help desk, training, troubleshooting) are provided and when are they available?

• The Technology Help Desk can be reached at 712-362-8383. 

• Troubleshooting for your own personal computer is not supplied by the college. 

Are laptops allowed on campus?

• Students can use laptops on campus but no student-owned PCs may be plugged into our network.   

Please take time to read the Iowa Lakes User Agreement Internet Acceptable Use Policy