Welcome to the Information Technology Department of St. Christopher Iba Mar Diop College of Medicine.  Below are some things that can help you with your computing needs.

Email Assistance

Wireless Internet

Learn more about Moodle

Email Assistance

1. Open Outlook Express.
   
   
2. Click on Tools in the task bar.
   
   
3. Click on Accounts.
   
   
4. A box will open up for Internet accounts. On the right-hand side, click the Add button.
   
   
5. Choose Mail.
   
   
6. In the Display name text box, type in your full name. Example: Bob Smith. Then click Next.
   
   
7. Type in your email address. Example: Bob@stchrisimd.com . After you've completed this procedure, please click on the Next button.
   
   
8. In the Incoming mail text box, please type: mail.stchrisimd.com . For the Outgoing mail , use your ISP settings. This maybe mail.DOMAIN or smtp.DOMAIN, etc...
   
   For example, if Earthlink Network is your Internet Service Provider, it would be:
   
   DOMAIN = eathlink.net
   
   Incoming: mail.stchrisimd.com
   Outgoing: smtpauth.earthlink.net
   
   Please consult your ISPs help section for details.
   
9. Your Account name is your full email address. For example: If your email address is bob@stchrisimd.com, then your account name is bob@stchrisimd.com.
   
   
10. Initial passwords are assigned by the school. If you did not receive one by mail, please contact the webmaster as soon as possible.
    
    
11. Click on Finish. Congratulations, you have completed the setup procedure.
    
    
    
    

 

1. Click on this link: http://webmail.stchrisimd.com
   
   
2. Your username is your full email address.
   
   
   
   
   
   

What PC card do I need?

Any 802.11 wireless card is recommended.
You may buy either B or G models.


Some compatible models include:

Linkys 802.11g Model WPC54G.

Netgear 802.11b Model MA401.

Pocket PC or PDA users can use Netgear Model MAC701.

Macintosh users can use an AirPort card.


Are all PC cards equal?

Please refrain from purchasing cheap PC cards.


Do you recommend any brands to buy?

We recommend an external, wireless card made by Sitecom.

You can only purchase this brand in the U.K.  One retailer that sells this brand
is Maplin Electronics.  There's a Maplin Electronics near St. Christopher's College of Medicine but stock is limited.  Please check Sitecom's website for other vendors.

Siemens, Belkin and Dell are other good brands to buy.  Students have had success with these brands.  Linksys, Lucent, and Netgear are also fine brands but performance may vary.  The College can not guarantee if you buy these brands that you will have a superb connection.  The performance of the wireless network can vary for a number of reasons.  However, the wireless card made by Sitecom has the best reception and reliability out of any wireless card to date.

If you can find a model with an external antenna, it will increase your connection range.  That is why the Sitecom model has had the most success.

Please avoid D-link cards! 
Students have had numerous problems with these cards.


Where can I buy PC cards?

In the U.K., you can purchase them from Office World, PC World, Maplin, or
Dixons. However, it is cheaper to purchase them in the U.S.


Is there a lot things to configure?

No. The wireless network is setup as an open network.

No Web encryption protocol (WEP) needs to be configured. Your
computer should find the nearest signal and connect to it.

It is important that you read your instructions before you attempt to install a PC card. Failure to do so may cause the device to operate incorrectly.


Which rooms do I have to use in order to connect to the network?

Most of the rooms have wireless access. You can roam about freely and your computer will look for the nearest signal.


How can I ensure my connection is fast?

We ask that you refrain from downloading recreational material and use the network only for educational purposes.


Sometimes the indicator light on my card blinks. Is this because I have a bad signal?

No. You are probably between two access points and your computer is trying to find the strongest signal. It will always connect to the strongest signal on its own.


My computer is really old, can I still install a PC card too?

If you have Windows 95 or older, your chances of having a good experience are low. These PC cards are designed for newer computers. Older computers may have hardware conflicts. It is recommended you upgrade your operating system before you install any wireless device.


My computer has a lot of problems, what can I do to fix it?

If you have considerable problems with your computer, please restore your operating system with the manufacturer's CDs.


If someone else has a virus on their computer, can I get it if I join the network?

Only if you receive a file from them and open it carelessly.


Can I use my PC card anywhere else?

You can use your PC card wherever wireless access is available.


I have a Mac. Can I use the wireless network too?

You will need an AirPort card to access the network.


I have NTL broadband at home. Is this going to affect my card's settings?

Your broadband software should not interfere with your wireless settings. Your computer will look for whatever connection is available. If it finds a local area network at home, it will use that. If it finds a wireless network at the school, it will use that instead.


I have a wireless PC card. Can I have a wireless network at home too?

Yes. What you need is a wireless router. Linksys makes some nice models.
You can buy one from any local PC store.

Learn more about Moodle

Moodle is a course management system (CMS) - a free, Open Source software package designed using sound pedagogical principles, to help educators create effective online learning communities. To learn more, please visit their website at:

http://moodle.org/