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 XP & 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 XP and 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, which uses the Mac OS. 

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

• Our computer labs staff a part-time help desk. 

• 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