Advice to New Students

What kind of PC should I bring to campus?

Select either a laptop or a desktop style computer. Your computer should meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Windows operating system (Windows 2000, or XP)
  • 933 MHz or faster processor
  • 256 MB RAM
  • 10 GB Hard Drive
  • CD-ROM drive
  • Zip or Floppy drive
  • USB Flash Drive (compact and easy-to-use device that is similar in use to your computer hard drive. USB flash drives slip into your pocket, conveniently around your neck, or on a key chain for ultimate portable storage).

Your computer should also be ready to connect to the network by having a network interface card (also called a NIC card, or 10/100 Ethernet card) or a wireless card. The choice of wired or wireless is largely dependent on which residence hall you will be living in.

Wired access is available in McCarthy and Morris Halls. With wired access your connection is made through a cable into a wall jack. Many computers are sold with an Ethernet port (NIC card) already built-in. You will also need to have the RJ-45 Category 5 (CAT-5) Network Patch Cable.

Wireless access is available in Pacelli and Regina Halls. In order to connect using wireless technology, you will need to have a wireless adapter that is compatible with the "802.11b wireless Ethernet protocol." In addition to being available at regular retail stores, this type of adapter is sold at the University Bookstore.

How do I access my E-mail?

The university e-mail system is called IMail and can be accessed using web browser software (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator) from any computer with Internet access.

Shortly after you register for your first course at Saint Xavier a letter will be sent to you via U.S. Mail to inform you of your e-mail address and password. Please watch for this letter and do not discard it!

Even if you already have another e-mail address you will need to access your Saint Xavier IMail. University administrators and faculty will use this address to contact you.

For More Information...

Please see our list of Frequently Asked Questions and the Student Computing web page.

For additional questions, please call the Help Desk at 773-298-3291 or e-mail: techhelp@sxu.edu.