From TechHelp - MCLA's Technology Help Center

Contents 1 Steps to do before coming to campus. 1.1 Step 1 - Laptop Minimum Requirements 1.2 Step 2 - Activate your MCLANET ID 1.3 Step 3 - Read MCLA Policies 1.4 Step 4 - Login To FirstClass 1.5 Step 5 - Placement Testing 1.6 Step 6 - Login to Student Tools 2 Steps to do after coming to campus. 2.1 Step 7 - Dorm Network Registration Process 2.2 Step 8 - Verify you have wireless access

Steps to do before coming to campus.

Step 1 - Laptop Minimum Requirements

MCLA requires all incoming students to have a laptop as part of MCLA's Laptop Initiative program. Most laptop computers purchased within the last few years will connect to our network without any problems. However, if you are looking to purchase a laptop or bring one from home, you should check out our Laptop Minimum Hardware Requirements. Many students take advantage of our laptop program for the discounted price and 4 year on-site Complete Care accidental warranty. To check out the current ‘everything you need’ laptop bundle package visit:
http://www.mcla.edu/laptop.
Those students who already have a laptop or prefer not to purchase the program laptop are still eligible to receive Microsoft software through E-Academy at a considerable discount. Microsoft Office is the standard productivity suite at MCLA. To learn more about MCLA recommended hardware and software visit the Computing Hardware and Software section.

Step 2 - Activate your MCLANET ID

When you become an accepted student and your information has been entered into the student information system, you can then activate your account. The online activation process requires you to have your Student ID number (AKA 'A' number). To go through the activation process, please visit:
http://techhelp.mcla.edu/register
Then click on 'Activate your MCLANET account'
You do not have to be on campus to activate your account.

The MCLANET ID and password is used for authentication purposes for services such as campus computer access, wireless network access and FirstClass email.

Step 3 - Read MCLA Policies

Get familiar with the user policies that you agreed upon during this MCLANET account activation.

• Virus Policy
• Computer Support Procedures
• Network User Agreement
• Dorm Connection Policy
• Software Policy
• Computer Helpdesk Services for Students
• Peer 2 Peer Sharing (P2P)
• Netiquette
• MCLA Electronics Communications Policy

Step 4 - Login To FirstClass

MCLA uses FirstClass to manage email and your professor may use FirstClass to facilitate online learning. Every student should be checking FirstClass. Please activate and download FirstClass as soon as you can. The FirstClass activation and download appears as one of the last steps of your MCLANET User account registration.

Step 5 - Placement Testing

Starting May 26th, 2008
For Incoming Freshmen: Some placement tests can now be done prior to your arrival on-campus. To login and a take these select placement tests, go to:
http://techhelp.mcla.edu/placement
Note: To login to the testing site, you are required to have a valid MCLANET account (Step 2).

End Date - June 8th, 2008

Step 6 - Login to Student Tools

Log on to Student Tools to review your schedule, financial aid and transcript information. There is now an option to review the books you need and order them through the bookstore’s website.
Note: To login to student tools, you are required to have a valid MCLANET account (Step 2).

Steps to do after coming to campus.

Step 7 - Dorm Network Registration Process

New and returning students attaching their computers to the Dorm Network will be able to register their computers day or night and within minutes have access to the local MCLA Network and to the Internet.
Note: To register your computer on the Dorm Network you are required to have a vaild MCLANET account (Step 2).

Step 8 - Verify you have wireless access

The MCLANET Wireless Network cover all classrooms, offices, public areas and some open spaces on the main campus. However, it does not cover resident dorms where an ethernet connection can be used. MCLANET User accounts (Step 2) are required for access to all resources.