Technology Frequently Asked Questions
Students, parents and teachers have many questions about computers, printers, software, etc... Below you will find a sampling of frequently asked questions pertaining to the equipment and software recommended by Tabor Academy's technology department. If your questions are not answered by the responses listed below, please feel free to call Mr. Tom Angelo, Technology Director at 508-748-2000 ext. 2399 or email tangelo@taboracademy.org. Thank you!
Is it mandatory for students to have computers at Tabor Academy? Are there computers and printers available for student use?
While students are not required to have their own personal computer, over 90% of our students do. Notebooks (laptops) are the most common. Tabor Academy has approximately 50 computers, with Internet access and printing privileges for student use.
If I have a portable (laptop/notebook) computer, may I bring it to class and connect to the Internet?
Whether a laptop is allowed in class is strictly at the discretion of the instructor. There are high speed data ports available for wired laptop use in the study area and in the north wing of the library. Furthermore, there is wireless connectivity for laptops with wireless capability available in the Hayden Library, Academic Center, MAN's Canter and Hoyt.
Are boarding students allowed to access the Internet from their dorm room?
Yes. High Speed Internet access is available in every dormitory. A Connectivity Fee of $250 will be assessed for this service. There will also be a $25 fee added for a licensed copy of our Anti-Virus and Spy-Ware Protection for PC computers. Students who bring Apple computers will not be assessed the additional $25 for anti virus and spy-ware removal software because Mac's are minimally affected by viruses. Because many students who have antivirus software are not diligent about updating their virus definitions, we can no longer run the risk of having their machines infect our entire network.
Each student who opts for Internet access in their dorm room will have their computer configured for our network. Once established on the network, updated virus definitions will be pushed to his/her computer automatically when they log on. The Technology Department will be responsible for the initial setup and configuration of each computer. Computers MUST have an Ethernet card and a network cable in order to connect. It is not the responsibility of the school - nor the technology department - to troubleshoot hardware/software problems on individual computers. Installation and repair of hardware is the responsibility of the owner of that computer. Tabor Academy is only responsible for initial configuration, the internal wiring, data port and establishing connectivity.
Does Tabor Academy block any web sites of filter content?
No. Internet access is wide open in all academic buildings and dormitories. Many parents are concerned about their child spending too much time accessing social networking sites, gaming sites or sites that may contain inapproprite content. If this is the case, there are many software programs available that parents may install on thier child's personal computer. Some commonly used at Tabor are "Intego Content Barrier", E-Buster, See No Evil and PC Tattletale. Mac's Leopard and Microsoft's Vista Operating Systems also have their own built in parental controls.
Laptops or desktops?
For students who plan to sign up for Internet access in their dormitory room, we highly recommend laptops. Incoming students should bring only laptops. Since 2006-2007, we are recommending Apple/Mac notebooks. Please visit the "2006-2007 Laptop Standardization" link on this web site. Because of their portability, students may bring them to the library, study area or to their classrooms. If a problem arises where the laptop needs reconfiguration, it is much easier and time effective for a laptop to be brought to the technology office, rather than having a technician travel to the dorm room. In the beginning of the year, all computers will have to be brought to one centralized location for setup and configuration. Students are responsible to drop off and pick up their own computer. Student with laptops will have a much easier time. It is also easier for students to transport their laptops to and from school during open weekends, holidays and breaks.
How do students secure their laptops?
Boarding students who possess computers are advised to lock them - particularly laptops - when it is not in their presence. In this day and age of smaller computers, ipods, MP3 players, cell phones and other gadgets, we ask our students to take additional steps in securing their possessions. We strongly recommend that those students with laptops bring a security cable with them to school. Combination security locks work better in this environment than keyed locks. Security cables may be purchased at any office supply store or the Tabor Shop.
I already have antivirus and spy sweeping software loaded on my child’s computer. Why do I have to pay another $25 to have you install an antivirus program on my child’s computer?
The difference between your version and our version is that our version eliminates the need for your child to go out to the internet and update their definitions. Many of our students arrive with antivirus software installed on their computer, but rarely take the time to update and scan. By using a corporate version, the latest updates are automatically pushed to their computer from our server, which in turn, keeps their computer free of viruses and prohibits their computer from infecting the other 600 computers on our network. This also allows us to monitor and alert the student should an outbreak occur on their machine. There are also many different versions of spyware software on the market. We have researched many products and have found that Webroot SpySweeper is one of the best products for helping to eliminate this problem. While no system is 100% accurate in detecting & removing, we feel this is the best solution at the present time. Many times competitive products do not work well with each other if they are installed on the same computer so we will remove any existing software.
Are students allowed to have DVD players on their dormitory computers?
Many dormitory parents will agree that DVD players are a nuisance and detract from the social aspects of campus life. Furthermore, they feel that DVD players, if used inappropriately, can negatively impact course preparation and sleep. If you feel confident your child will be able to abide by the AUP regarding proper times to use the DVD component of his/her computer, then you may want to allow him/her to bring it to school.
Do students have E-mail accounts?
All students are given instructions during registration on how to initially log on to the TANET and set up their personal Web Based email account. The advantage of the web-based email is accessibility from anywhere in the world through an Internet connection. Students are expected to check their email regularly, as all communication from the mailroom, as well as messages from teachers and advisors, is sent via email. As Tabor progresses electronically, more and more notices and various forms of communication will be delivered through email. The current Network/Email system allows a student 30 MB of space on the email server. It also allows you the ability to access your saved data from any computer with an Internet connection. This comes in handy for day students and boarding students when at home during a holiday. Every student and employee of Tabor Academy has the following email format: (first name).(last name)@taboracademy.org
For example, Joseph Smith's email address would be joseph.smith@taboracademy.org. If there are more than 1 Joseph Smith's on campus, then middle initials will be used. For example: Joseph.T.Smith@taboracademy.org
PC or Mac?
Although we operate on a Windows network, Macintosh computers work as well – if not better – as PC’s do on our network. Macs are easier to set up for internet access and do not require antivirus and spyware removal software.
I heard many teachers at Tabor use the BlackBoard program. What actually is it?
Blackboard is an e-learning system designed for effective communication in educational environments. Blackboard is currently used in most colleges and universities. We feel that exposing our students to Blackboard at this level can only better prepare them for college once they graduate.
Blackboard Inc. was founded in 1997 with the mission of helping schools, districts, and education service agencies transform the Internet into a powerful environment for the education experience. With roots in academia, Blackboard is committed to enhancing teaching and learning in K-12 institutions and to helping schools deliver exceptional student outcomes. To learn more about the BlackBoard program used at Tabor Academy, please visit the Blackboard page on our web site.
Why should my child have Internet access in their dormitory room?
Because email is the preferred form of communication on campus, having access to email from the dormitory room is extremely convenient. Furthermore, BlackBoard assignments and Internet research can be done on their own computer during study time, rather than going to the library lab. Many students use the Instant Messenger program to communicate nightly with family and friends. This saves a tremendous amount of money on long distance telephone charges. Students will also say that it is much easier for them to stay in their room during study time, than trek across the campus at night to use the computers in the Hayden Library.
Do students have storage space on the network?
All students are given 200 MB of space on the TANET. When using their roaming profile on campus, students immediately have access to their network storage folder. Students will also be able to access their storage folders via the Internet from off campus.
What software is commonly used at Tabor?
The most commonly used applications at Tabor Academy are Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. All administrative and student workstations utilize the Microsoft Office 2000 Professional program. If your child has a Mac, we highly recommend MAC Office.
How many computer labs are at Tabor and when can they be used?
Tabor Academy currently has 4 Computer rooms/areas for student use: There are 2 computer labs in the library, Graboys Lyndon North Technology classroom and the Study Area of the Academic Center. The Library computers are available during usual Library hours. The Graboys room is used for teacher lead instruction only. Students are allowed in Graboys only when accompanied by their instructor. The Study Area computers are available whenever the Academic Center is open. All rooms close at the end of the evening study hall. Students may also check out a laptop to use in the library from the circulation desk.
Are there printers available for student use?
There are four networked printers available for student use. These printers are located in the study are of the academic center and the Hayden Library. Students may print directly from the student-designated computers, or they may map a path on their personal notebook computer directly to any shared printer on the network - if they are connected to the network. Students may also print wirelessly to designated printers on our network. Most boarding students have their own ink jet printer in their dormitory room.
