A: E-Mail systems and the remote access capabilities that they support vary greatly.  If you can check your E-Mail with a web browser using any Internet connected computer, then you will have no trouble doing so from Keystone College.  We will have a number of public access computers and terminals available for your use, so we encourage anyone who does not currently use web mail to find out if your system supports this and get some training from your technical support personnel. 

If you normally have to run a network connection program on your laptop before you can access E-Mail remotely, you will not be able to connect through the Keystone College network without some coordination between your network administrators and the Keystone College IT Department.  Dialup connections through our phone system are not recommended or supported by College IT personnel; your machine must have either 802.11b wireless or 10/100 hardwired Ethernet capability with DHCP turned on and WEP disabled (your tech support people will know what this means). 

Additionally, if you use VPN software to establish a connection back to your network, it must be able to connect through a NAT gateway, and the Keystone College network administrators will need to know what TCP/IP ports must be open on our firewall in order for your connection to work.  Your network administrators should know this or be able to find out for you.  This information needs to be communicated well in advance of the Institute so we can coordinate any needed changes before your arrival.  As we will have no way to test the connection until you get here, we strongly suggest that you also find out if your E-Mail system has a web interface.  It may not be as nice as your usual E-Mail client software, but it’s always good to have a Plan B.

Q: How do I check my email?

A:  This will vary, based on the unique characteristics of your E-Mail system.  See the section above, and talk to your network administrator well in advance of your trip to Keystone College.

Q: Where can I check my email if I do not bring a laptop?

A:  The best places to check email on campus computers are the Giants’ Grill (lowest level of Hibbard Campus Center), the Library Vo Ed Computer Lab and Reference Area, and the Curriculum Lab in Ward Hall, 2^nd Floor.

Q: Will I be able to make a phone call from my room?

A:  Yes

Q: How do I make a phone call from my room?

A:  Room-to-room calling, just dial the extension.  Local outside calls, dial a 9, followed by the number.  Long distance calling- Calling cards will work from the rooms.  Dial 9 and then follow the instructions on the card.

Q: Will I need a calling card?

A:  See above... There are also payphones on most every floor of the dorms.

Q: Will my cell phone work?

A:  Yes, if you have Nextel or Verizon service.  We do not know of any others that work on campus.  Reception may be weak in some areas.