Technology for YouWelcome to Kent State University. At the Division of Information Services, we provide the

tools that make it possible to connect to the Internet, check and post grades, retrieve office

voicemail or attend a virtual classroom presentation. In addition to developing and supporting

applications used by thousands of students, faculty and staff, we also provide exceptional

support and training by phone, online and in person. Let’s get started.

Technology for Everyone 3

Log On: Your FlashLine Username and Password 3

Get Connected: Wireless Internet 4

Stay Connected: Mobile Devices 5

Get Around: Wayfinding 5

Work from Off Campus: VPN and Library Resources 5

Get to Work: Google Apps 5

Teach and Learn: Blackboard 6

Go Shopping: Personal Computers and Software 6

Learn New Tools: Software and OS Workshops 8

Get Tech Help: Support and Repair Options 9

Technology for Students 11

Stay In Touch: Email 11

Residence Halls: Tech in the Room 11

No Computer? No Problem: Campus Computer Labs 12

Stay Safe: Antivirus Protection and Security 13

Technology for Faculty and Staff 15

Get Started: Get to Know Your Office Computer 15

Stay Up to Date: Faculty Computer Refresh 15

You’ve Got Email: Email and Calendars 16

Talk the Talk: Office Telephones and Voicemail 16

Grade Your Exams: Scanning Services 17

Get Help: Local Support and Training 17

Contents

addition, you can obtain your Kent State ID number, which is

often used to verify your identity, under the My Account tab.

Logging InLogging in for the first time is easy. Visit www.kent.edu,

click FlashLine Login and enter your FlashLine username and

default password. Once you log in, you’ll be asked to set a

new password, account security questions and an alternate

email address.

Your username was sent to you in your admissions or

new hire letter. Passwords are in the following format:

mmmyyxxxxx (mmm = first three letters of your birth month,

yy = last two digits of your birth year, xxxxx = last five digits of

your Kent State ID number). Find out more at

support.kent.edu/password.

If you ever forget your password, access our online password

recovery tool by visiting support.kent.edu/forgot.

Log On: Your FlashLine Username and Password

FlashLine is your key to all things Kent State

with access to student and faculty tools, grades,

graduation planning, course registration, HR

records and leave reporting. It also provides one-stop

access to your email, online courses and documents. In

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First-time Set-up of FlashZone on Windows, Mac or Linux

Click your system’s wireless icon and choose FLASHZONE-

WPA as your network.

1. Open a browser.

At the FlashZone

welcome screen, download the installer for Windows or

Mac.

2. Sign in to the installer with your FlashLine username and

password. Once setup is complete, you’ll automatically

be connected to the secure FLASHZONE-WPA network

for future sign-ons.

Linux and Chromebook users, we have instructions just for

you at support.kent.edu/flashzone.

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Mac OS XWindows 8Windows 7

Get Connected: Wireless Internet

FlashZone-WPA, our secure, high-speed wireless network,

lets you connect to the Internet almost anywhere.

Work From Off Campus: VPN and Library Resources

Some resources, including certain library databases and

shared network drives, require a VPN connection for

off-campus access. Download and install the VPN software

at support.kent.edu/vpn. For more information about the

resources available from the University Library, including

research databases, visit www.kent.edu/library.

Get to Work: Google AppsShare, collaborate and work right within your Web browser

using Google Apps. As a Google university, Kent State

provides access to Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar, and

much more using your FlashLine login. Google Apps makes

it easy to share files with your colleagues, and they integrate

with one another so you can create a knockout final project.

Access Google Apps via FlashLine by clicking the Drive icon.

Install Google Drive to your devices to work off-line while

keeping your files synced with the 30GB of free storage

provided by Google.

Stay Connected: Mobile Devices

Using a mobile phone or tablet? You can connect to the

FlashZone-WPA wireless network as well (great for saving

your cellular data plan). Follow the instructions at

support.kent.edu/flashzone-mobile.

Download the KSUmobile AppAccess your grades, class schedule, campus maps with

dozens of points of interest (POI), parking maps and bus

routes, event calendars, athletics news, schedules and

latest scores, student/staff profiles, directories, news feeds,

account balances and much more. They’re all available from

the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Just search for

KSUmobile. Find out more at www.kent.edu/mobile.

Get Around: WayfindingKent State websites feature a powerful map management

system that boasts 3D buildings, streetview imagery, and

interactive virtual tours, among many key features. As we

continue to add more features to this platform, you will be

able to view parking information, bus routes and stops,

and accessibility information. Check it out at

www.kent.edu/maps.

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Additionally, you can review our computer recommendations

at support.kent.edu/computer. The University Bookstore

has select models of both PCs and Macs.

Mobile Devices: iOS, Android or Windows Phone (other

platforms may be supported)

Printers: Printers are available for public use in the computer

labs and the University Library. If you’d like to connect a

personal printer in your residence hall room, we recommend

buying a USB cable. Faculty and staff departmental printers

are managed by your local IT support person. Their contact

information is available at support.kent.edu/localsupport.

Teach and Learn: Blackboard

Blackboard Learn is Kent State’s online learning management

system, available via FlashLine by clicking the Blackboard

icon. Learn allows students and faculty members to access

online course materials, grades, assignments and tests, as

well as communicate with each other. Training guides and

workshop dates are available at www.kent.edu/blackboard.

Go Shopping: Personal Computers and Software

Students should check requirements with

their academic department before buying a

computer (see page 8), as some majors have

specific technology requirements.

New Hardware Recommendations Desktop or Laptop: 4GB of memory (RAM) and a dual-band

wireless card (see support.kent.edu/wireless-card for

more information about wireless cards)

Warranty: Purchase an extended 3-year computer

hardware warranty.

Chromebook (limited support)

Linux (limited support)

Mac OS X Mavericks or above

Windows 8

Computer Operating System Recommendations

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Free and Discounted Software for Personal Computers

Microsoft Security Essentials (Windows) or Sophos Antivirus

for Mac Home Edition (see support.kent.edu/antivirus)

Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative

Suite, as well as statistical, research and mathematics

software (see support.kent.edu/software)

Learn New Tools: Software and Operating System Workshops

Keep your new computer running like new - attend a work-

shop on Windows or Mac OS basics, and learn how to avoid

those nasty viruses. Or learn a new program to enhance

your course assignments. Past technology workshops have

covered topics like Google Apps, Adobe software, and Black-

board Learn. To find the schedule and topics for the next

workshops series, visit training.kent.edu.

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Schools and Colleges with Specific Personal Computer RecommendationsCollege of Architecture and Environmental Design highly recommends Windows PCs. See www.kent.edu/CAED/about/computing/pc.cfm.

The College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology recommends Windows PCs.

The College of Business Administration requires a either a Windows or Apple laptop with the specs that can be found at http://www2.kent.edu/business/Undergrad/upload/newcompreq_newsletter-edited-june-18.pdf.*

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication recommends an Apple MacBook Pro. See www.kent.edu/jmc/future-students/admissions.

The School of Visual Communication Design requires an Apple MacBook Pro. See vcd.kent.edu.

Mac and PC requirements for The Fashion School are listed at www.kent.edu/artscollege/fashion/students.

The School of Art requires iPads for certain majors or classes. For more information, visit the School of Art at www.kent.edu/art/academics/foundations/ipad_faq.

If you don’t see your school or college listed above, please check with them before purchasing a new computer.

Get Tech Help: Support and Repair Options

Helpdesk technical assistance is always available. Wherever

you are, we’re here to help.

CLICK (24/7): support.kent.edu

• Get answers to your questions

• Get password, login and FlashLine assistance

• Submit online support requests

• Find software downloads

• Chat live with an agent

CALL (24/7): 330-672-HELP (4357)

VISIT: The first floor Library Technology Helpdesk or your

Regional Helpdesk. More information on both can be found

at support.kent.edu/help. Or visit the Tech Spot in the Tri-

Towers Rotunda (see next section). Faculty and staff may also

contact their local support person. Their information is listed

at support.kent.edu/localsupport.

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What to ExpectA TECHnician will diagnose your issue at the front desk at

no charge and, if necessary, check in your computer. Most

repairs are performed on-site with fast turnaround time.

During fall and spring semesters:

Sunday, noon - 8 p.m.

Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

During the summer and university breaks:

Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

See techspot.kent.edu or call 330-672-TECH (8324).

The Tech Spot on the Kent Campus provides in-person

support for your personally-owned technology. Our

TECHnicians provide professional service at an affordable

price, including:

• Virus and spyware removal

• Software troubleshooting and optimization

• Data backup and recovery (includes mobile and removable devices)

• Hardware repair, installation and part ordering

• Mobile device (includes iPhone screen replacement)

• Apple- and Dell-authorized warranty service

Get Started at The Tech SpotVisit The Tech Spot office in the Tri-Towers Rotunda on the

Kent Campus. No appointment is needed — just walk in and

they’ll assist you.

Residence Halls: Tech in the Room

Wireless EverywhereHigh-speed, secure wireless access is available in the

residence halls. Visit support.kent.edu/resnet for more

wireless information. Residents connecting in Allerton

Apartments should follow the wired connection instructions.

Tech at NightIn addition to The Tech Spot (available most days until 8 p.m.),

after-hours support is available in most residence halls. Tech

at Night helps night owls connect to FlashZone, troubleshoot

basic computer issues and answer technology questions.

Visit TechAtNight.kent.edu for more information.

Gaming and Entertainment DevicesPlay games, watch movies and stream music, right from your

room. Connect your gaming and entertainment devices by

following the instructions at support.kent.edu/gaming.

Stay In Touch: Email

You can access your Kent State email account by clicking

Email in the upper right corner of FlashLine. All official

university notices are sent to your Kent State email address,

so check your email often! For more information about your

email, visit support.kent.edu/email-student.

Stay connected 24/7: Visit support.kent.edu/gmail-mobile

to set up email on your mobile device.

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Printing to Personal and Public PrintersPublic printing is available from personal computers (see

support.kent.edu/print2lab) and from lab computers,

using your FLASHcard for payment. Students who prefer

to bring a printer to campus should bring a USB cable, or

purchase one at The Tech Spot in the Tri-Towers Rotunda.

Find out more about printing in the residence halls at

support.kent.edu/print.

No Computer? No Problem: Campus Computer Labs

Public computer labs are available in many

campus buildings and residence halls. Two

popular lab locations are on the first floor

of the library and on the second floor of the Kent Student

Center. Visit support.kent.edu/labs for a complete listing.

Updates and Security

If you’re bringing a computer to campus, be sure

to run Windows Update from the Windows Control

Panel or Software Update from the Apple () menu

on a Mac before arriving. We also recommend turning

on your built-in operating system firewall. Third-party

programs, such as Adobe Flash, Reader and Java, should also

be updated.

Digital Copyright Law

© Using peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing software

to download copyrighted materials without the

permission of the copyright holder(s) is illegal.

Most of these materials (including music, movies and games)

are protected by copyright law. Those who break the law

face penalties and university disciplinary action. For more

information, visit security.kent.edu.

Stay Safe: Antivirus Protection and Security

Antivirus Protection

Installing antivirus protection can lower the

chances of your computer getting a virus. If

you need antivirus software, we recommend

Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows and Sophos

Antivirus for Mac Home Edition. More information can be

found at support.kent.edu/antivirus.

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Protecting Your Identity and Personal PropertyHere are 10 tips that will help you protect your identity and personal property. More information is available at

SecureIT.kent.edu.

1. Never share your username, password or Kent State ID number or use the same username/password on other websites.

2. Always lock your computer and mobile phone with a password or passcode, and never share your computer with others.

3. Always lock your room whenever you’re away. Buy a computer lock or anti-theft software.

4. Never leave your computer unattended in public areas, even for a few minutes.

5. Always keep beverages away from your computer. One spill could cost you hundreds of dollars.

6. Always sign out of your email, FlashLine and any other websites, especially when using public computers.

7. Always be aware of phishing emails. Always hover and check if a link is valid before clicking.

8. Always uncheck any boxes that say “Remember Me” when using a public computer.

9. Always back up your important documents and photos. You can use your Kent State Google Drive (click Drive in FlashLine).

10. Always reboot public computers before and after using them.

Security

Most university-owned computers have Microsoft

Anti-Virus software and operating system security

updates installed by default. If you do get a virus,

don’t panic! Click the “Clean Computer” button, then open a

support ticket at support.kent.edu. More information is

available at support.kent.edu/antivirus-staff.

Stay Up to Date: Faculty Computer RefreshFaculty Computer Refresh allows full-time tenure-track and

non tenure-track faculty members on the Kent Campus to

have current computers available for their use at little or no

cost to the department. Computers are currently replaced

every three years. Visit www.kent.edu/facultyrefresh to

get all the details.

Get Started: Get to Know Your Office Computer

Setup

Your new computer hardware and software,

network printer and shared network drives

are generally set up by your area’s local

support person (visit support.kent.edu/localsupport).

Logging Into Your Office Computer for the First TimeFor new faculty and staff, make sure you’ve successfullly

logged into FlashLine and changed your default password.

Most university-owned computers are encrypted with

McAfee Endpoint Encryption. To sign on, use your FlashLine

username and password at the McAfee screen, and again if

prompted by Windows or OS X.

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COMMUNICATIONSNIFIED

You can also set up email on your mobile phone or tablet. Visit

support.kent.edu/email-staff or contact your local support

person for setup instructions.

Talk the Talk: Office Telephones and Voicemail

Typically, you’ll receive a Cisco model desk phone

and voicemail as a new employee. Here are

some of the basic phone functions (for additional

information visit support.kent.edu/communication).

Function All Cisco Phones

Setup and Retrieve Your Voicemail from Your Office Phone

Dial 2-7777. Enter your PIN followed by “#” (your default PIN is “2010”).

Retrieve Your Voicemail from an Off-Campus Phone

Dial your phone number. When you hear your voicemail greeting, press “*” Enter your 5-digit phone extension and press “#”

Dial On-Campus Phone Numbers

Dial the 5-digit extension

Dial Off-Campus Phone Numbers

Dial 8 + 1 + area code + phone number

You’ve Got Email: Email and Calendars

Email Via Microsoft Outlook, the Web or Mobile Devices

Most full-time faculty and staff use Microsoft

Office 365 email, contacts and calendars,

accessed through Microsoft Outlook, the Email

icon in FlashLine or via the Web at mail.kent.edu. Most

part-time faculty, staff and student employees use Kent

State Gmail which can be accessed through the Email icon in

FlashLine or directly at email.kent.edu.

Learn Morewww.kent.edu/ISsupport.kent.edu

Connect

facebook.com/informationservices

@ksuhelpdesk

KSUmobile www.kent.edu/mobile/

Grade Your Exams: Scanning Services

Free to all faculty members, Scanning Services

provides a computerized solution to process

surveys, evaluations and examinations. Visit

the service window on the first floor of the library or

call 330-672-3736.

Get Help: Local Support and Training

Local Support: For university-owned

technology assistance, contact your

area’s local support person. Their contact

information is available at support.kent.edu/localsupport.

Administrative Systems Training: Our IS training team can

help you get started with administrative systems, like Banner,

reporting and workflows. Visit www.kent.edu/is/training.

Blackboard Training: Need assistance using Blackboard and

Collaborate for your courses? Visit

www.kent.edu/blackboard.

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