New to ECU?
Here are our top questions and answers
What type of computer do I need?
Visit the ACE Student Computer Support Center to check any computer requirements specific to your degree program. Purchasing a computer is optional; ECU provides a number of computer labs on campus for coursework.
Does ECU offer low prices for computers?
ACE Student Computer Support Center and ECU Dowdy Student Stores collaborate to offer Lenovo and Apple computers at educational prices. If you purchase a computer through the ACE Initiative program, you receive on-campus warranty support through ACE Student Computer Support Center.
What if I don’t have a computer?
If you don’t have a computer, don't stress! ECU has nearly 100 computer labs across campus and in residence halls. Visit the interactive Student Computer Labs map to locate a lab or check seat availability.
Can I connect to the ECU network from my residence hall?
Yes, but you must first follow the Connect2ECU instructions and install Cisco Clean Access and Symantec Endpoint Antivirus. Windows systems must also run the Windows update feature. Note that Xbox, Wii and other gaming systems are not allowed on the ECU network.
Is the ECU campus wireless?
ECU’s wireless network is available from most areas of campus; however, most residence halls only have wireless access in the lobby.Note that you are NOT allowed to set up a wireless router in your residence hall room.
How do I check email?
Check your student email through http://mymail.ecu.edu. To learn more about your ECU student email, visit the Outlook Live website.
How do I access email on my mobile device?
When on campus, connect to the Pirates wireless network to access the Internet. Through your phone’s browser, you can log in to the Outlook Live student e-mail system and log in using your PirateID and passphrase.
What should I do if I think my computer has a virus?
First, shut down your computer and then...
- Call the ECU IT Help Desk at 252.328.9866/800.340.7081.
- Visit or call the ACE Student Computing Support Center. 252.328.5407 - 108 Rawl (Main Campus)
252.744.5390 - 3330 Allied Health Building (Health Sciences Campus). Walk-ins welcome.
I need a specific kind of software for my class. Is it available through ECU?
First, visit the ITCS software guide to see if the software is offered through the ECU Download Center. If not, you can check with the Dowdy Student Stores for purchasing options; many titles come with an educational discount.Students can also visit the Austin 104 computer lab or your professor may recommend a specific department lab which has the software installed. See this Software Listing for the Austin 104 lab.
Many required software programs are also available through the Virtual Computing Lab which allows you to log in to a remote computer and use the software to complete a class assignment. This service is free to enrolled students.
Students are eligible to download Microsoft software products (Windows 7, Office 2010, Office 2011) through the Microsoft4Students program.
My professor is using Blackboard. What does this mean?
Your professor has posted some or all of your course material online at http://blackboard.ecu.edu. Log in with your PirateID and passphrase. Blackboard offers many great features like a discussion board and digital dropbox to which you upload class assignments.
Learn about the features of Blackboard through the Bb blog.
I need to learn how to use Microsoft Excel. Is there training for different kinds of software?
Free online training for Microsoft products is available through Microsoft e-learning (request through the ECU Download Center). The Microsoft website also has helpful tutorials and how-to videos for the Office products: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help.
Where can I store files so that I always have access to them?
Store electronic files in your Piratedrive, a folder set up on the university network. Piratedrive folders can be accessed through OneStop (on or off campus) or “My Computer” from a Windows computer logged in to the INTRA domain on campus (look for your "U" drive) and a Virtual Private Network connection from off campus. Students have 40 gigabytes of space. Your folder name is the same as your PirateID.
Where can I check my grades?
To check your grades online, log in to OneStop with your PirateID and passphrase at http://onestop.ecu.edu. In the Banner section, click Banner Self Service, then Student.
I have to design a website for a class project. Do I get web space at ECU?
Yes. Go to http://myweb.ecu.edu, log in with your ECU PirateID and passphrase, and click the Create Web Space link to get started. You can manage your own permissions, transfer files to and from your website right through the browser…even create a blog!
