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Hardware

General

1. Logging Into a Campus Computer

Accessing campus computers is a straightforward process that involves inputting your school username and password. Your student H: drive is designated to store all the files you save on the computer, making them accessible from any device on campus, including loaner laptops.

It's worth noting that if you update your password and are currently using a loaner laptop, the new password won't take effect until you connect the device to the campus Wi-Fi.

2. Equipment Loan Information

CSUSM provides technology loans to current students to support the integration of technology in the classroom. The following equipment is available for checkout:

  • Dell Laptop with Integrated Webcam (semester loan)
  • Mobile Hotspot (semester loan)
  • Webcam (semester loan)
  • Logitech Headset (semester loan)
  • Headphones (1-day loan)
  • Phone Chargers (1-day loan):
    • iPhone (Lightning and Type-C)
    • Micro-USB
  • Laptop Chargers (1-day loan):
    • Dell (large barrel, small barrel, type-C)
    • MacBook (Type-C & MagSafe) 
  • DUO Key Fob (permanent loan)
  • Cameras and Lenses (1-week loan):
    • Canon Rebel T7 with 18-55mm and 70-300mm lenses
    • Canon Rebel T7i with 18-55mm lens
    • Canon 60D with 18-55mm lens
  • Video Camera (1-week loan): Canon Vixia HF S200
  • iPad (1-week loan): Apple pencil available for Faculty and Staff

To check out any of this equipment, please fill out a 'Loaner Equipment Appointment Form' on this page. Once you receive a confirmation email, you will be able to schedule an appointment.

For any inquiries, please contact us at techsupport@csusm.edu

3. How to Check for Updates on your Computer

It's essential to keep the software on your personal device updated to maintain its security and performance. Follow the steps below to check for updates on your Windows or Mac computer:

For Windows

  • Press the ⊞ Windows key
  • Type "update"

  • Click on "Check for updates"
  • The subsequent screen will enable you to verify any new system updates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


For Mac:

  • Navigate to your Apps page and click "System Settings"
  • On the left hand side, click "General"     
  • Click "Software Update"        

  • On this page the text will either read "Your Mac is up to date" or it will provide another box to select for running an update. 

Students

1. How to Find your Device's MAC Address

If you need to locate your device's MAC address, either by request of a technician or for filling out the "TV Authentication" form or the "Game Console Authentication" form, please follow the steps below:

For Computers:

  • Windows 10
    • Open the Command Prompt by right-clicking on the Start button (located in the lower-left corner of the screen) and select Command Prompt from the menu. Alternatively, press the Windows Key on your keyboard, type cmd into the Search bar, then press Enter on your keyboard.
    • Enter ipconfig /all into the Command Prompt window and press Enter on your keyboard.
    • The wireless MAC address will be listed under Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi next to Physical Address. The wired MAC address will be listed under Ethernet adapter Ethernet next to Physical Address.
  • Mac
    • Open the Apple menu.
    • Click System Preferences > Network.
    • Select your network connection and click Advanced.
    • You will find the MAC address on the hardware tab.
  • Chrome OS
    • Click the wifi network icon.
    • At the top of the box, click information.
    • You will find the MAC address displayed as the Wi-Fi address.

Streaming Devices

  • AppleTV
    • For Wireless MAC address:
      Plug in your Apple TV and follow the set up until you reach the step to connect to a network.
      Select a wireless network and attempt to connect. This will fail, which is normal.
      The wireless MAC address should now be displayed on the Apple TV’s screen.
    • For Wired MAC address:
      Connect your Apple TV to an Ethernet port.
      On the Apple TV, navigate to Settings > General > Network. Record the MAC address listed.
  • Amazon Fire TV
    • Plug in your Amazon Fire TV stick into your TV
    • If this is the first time using this Fire TV device, the wireless MAC address will appear in the list of wireless networks during setup at the far-right of the list.
    • If this Fire TV stick has been used in the past, navigate to Settings > System > About > Network and the wireless MAC address will be listed at this screen.
  • Roku
    • From the Roku home screen, select Settings > System > About > Wireless MAC Address
  • Chromecast
    • Visit Settings on your Chromecast app.
    • The MAC address will be listed at the bottom of the window.
  • Smart TV
    • Each smart tv is unique; however most MAC addresses are visible in the Settings Menu in the Network or About sections.
    • Alternatively, check with the manufacturer of your smart tv for instructions on how to obtain the MAC address for your specific model.

Gaming Devices

  • Nintendo Switch
    • From the Switch’s Home menu, go to System Settings
    • Scroll down and select Internet.
    • The MAC address will appear under System MAC Address.
  • Nintendo 3DS
    • From the 3DS’s main menu, go to System Settings > Internet Settings > Other Information.
    • Select Confirm MAC Address. The wireless MAC address will appear.
  • Xbox One
    • If you are setting up your Xbox One for the first time:
    • Complete the initial setup until you reach the network connection step.
    • Attempt to connect to Device-Northwestern. This will fail, which is normal.
    • Select Fix it.
    • Wait for the troubleshooter to fail.
    • The MAC addresses will now be listed. Use Wired MAC for Ethernet connections and Wireless MAC for Wi-Fi connections.
    • If you have previously set up your Xbox One:
    • From the Xbox One home screen, select Settings.
    • Under the Console tab, select Network.
    • Select Advanced Settings. The wired and wireless MAC addresses will be displayed
  • Xbox
    • Power on the Xbox with no disc in the tray.
    • Visit the Xbox Dashboard.
    • Choose Xbox Live.
    • Visit the Connect Status screen.
    • Select Settings.
    • From the Network Settings screen, you will see the MAC address in the bottom right corner.
  • PlayStation 4
    • On the PlayStation 4 main menu, go to Settings > System > System Information.
    • The wired address will appear next to MAC Address (LAN Cable). The wireless MAC address will appear next to MAC Address (Wi-Fi).

Other Devices

  • Amazon Echo
    • Download the Amazon Alexa app to your phone or computer and sign in with your Amazon account.
    • Connect to the wireless network transmitted by your Echo device.
    • The wireless MAC address for your Echo can be found at the bottom of the Echo Setup screen in the Alexa app.
  • Google Home
    • Plug in your Google Home.
    • Download and open the Google Home app on your phone.
    • You should see your Google Home listed. Select it then press Set Up.
    • Accept the prompt allowing your phone to connect to your Google Home.
    • Answer the set up questions listed.
    • Enter the location of your Google Home and select Continue.
    • The wireless MAC address will be listed at the bottom right corner of the screen.

Faculty & Staff

1. Computers for New Faculty & Staff

To request new technology, please complete the following Technology Order Request form.

    • Once the request is submitted, IITS will review the request and provide a confirmation that a review has been completed.
    • The request will be routed for electronic signature (Adobe Sign) to the appropriate fiscal authority, Department Chair, MPP or VP as needed."

2. Staff & Faculty Computer Configurations

General Fund departments are eligible to receive a hardware and annual support allocation from the campus for each staff member's primary computer. Departments will be responsible for any hardware cost that exceeds the campus allocation for configurations above the campus baseline (PC Desktop). For more information about computer refresh configuration options please go to this website.