Information Technology
Internet & Wi-Fi
Get online anywhere on campus, and keep your devices safe.
Getting Connected
How do you want to connect?
Bring your laptop, phone or tablet. Any device with a current version of Windows, macOS, iOS or Android works.
Wi-Fi, anywhere on campus
- Open your Wi-Fi settings.
- Pick LC-WIFI, or your building's network, which starts with lc- (like lc-Franklin2nd).
- Connect, and you're online.
Fastest: plug in
Every residence hall room has a wired port. It's the fastest, steadiest connection, great for gaming and video.
- Bring an Ethernet cable (Cat 5e or Cat 6).
- Plug it into the wall port in your room.
- Plug the other end into your computer.
Wi-Fi giving you trouble in your room? Plug in.
Every residence hall room has an Ethernet wall outlet, and a wired connection is faster and steadier than Wi-Fi. Bring an Ethernet cable (Cat 5e or Cat 6) and plug it into the wall outlet and your computer.
Bringing a Computer
Choosing a laptop
Louisburg College doesn't provide laptops to students. If you're buying one, here's what we recommend.
| Windows laptop | Mac | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5 or Core Ultra 5, or AMD Ryzen 5 (a recent model) | Apple M2 chip or newer |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB recommended (8 GB minimum) | 16 GB |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD recommended (256 GB minimum) | 256 GB or more |
| Operating system | Windows 11 (switch out of “S mode” if it comes with it) | The latest macOS |
| Screen | 13 to 15 inches | 13- or 15-inch MacBook Air |
| Battery | 8 hours or more | Lasts a full school day |
| Typical price | About $600 to $900 | About $900 to $1,100 with Apple's education discount |
Chromebooks: not for CIS courses
A Chromebook works for everyday college work, because Google, Microsoft 365 online, Canvas and the Campus Portal all run in a web browser. But it can't install programs, including the Microsoft 365 apps, and the online versions don't have every feature. Taking CIS courses? Choose a Windows 11 laptop for full Microsoft Office.
Plugging in with Ethernet
Many new laptops, including every MacBook, don't have an Ethernet port. To use the wall outlet in your room, get a USB-C to Ethernet adapter (about $15 to $25).
Student discounts
Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Microsoft all offer education pricing.
Protect it
Consider an accidental-damage warranty, and back up your work to Google Drive or OneDrive.
Check before you buy
Some classes may need specific software. Ask your instructor or department first.
Free for Students
Microsoft 365: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Every Louisburg student gets Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs) and Microsoft 365 for free. You don't need to buy Office.
Use it online
- Go to microsoft365.com.
- Sign in with your full Louisburg email address (like name@louisburg.edu) and password.
- Open Word, Excel, PowerPoint or OneDrive right in your web browser.
Install it on your computer
- Sign in at microsoft365.com.
- Select Install apps at the top right, then Microsoft 365 apps.
- Open the file that downloads and follow the steps.
- Open Word and sign in with your Louisburg email address.
Works on Windows and Mac. On a Chromebook, use the online version.
Can't sign in to Microsoft 365? Email lcit@louisburg.edu and we'll help.
Stay Safe
Protect your computer
Every computer on the campus network needs up-to-date virus protection.
Windows: it's built in and free
- Open Start → Windows Security.
- Check that Virus & threat protection shows a green check.
- Leave Windows Update on so fixes install automatically.
Already pay for Norton or McAfee? That works too. Just keep it active.
Mac: keep it updated
- Open System Settings → General → Software Update.
- Turn on Automatic Updates.
- Install apps only from the App Store or companies you trust.
Phones and tablets
- Install updates when your phone asks.
- Use a screen lock (PIN, face or fingerprint).
- Download apps only from the App Store or Google Play.
Troubleshooter
Wi-Fi not working?
Try these steps in order.
1 Turn Wi-Fi off, then on
Switch Wi-Fi off on your device, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.
2 Restart your device
A full restart clears most connection problems.
3 Forget the network and rejoin
In your Wi-Fi settings, choose Forget on LC-WIFI (or your building's lc- network), then join it again.
4 In your room? Plug in with Ethernet
Every residence hall room has an Ethernet wall outlet. Plugging in is faster and steadier than Wi-Fi, so it's the best fix when Wi-Fi keeps acting up. Plug an Ethernet cable (Cat 5e or Cat 6) into the wall outlet and your computer.
Still not working? Let IT take a look.
Send us a quick note with your building, room and device, and we'll help.
Still need a hand?
Tell us what you were doing, any error message, and the room or computer. Students in the residence halls can also ask a Residence Life staff member to contact IT.
Email: lcit@louisburg.edu
Phone: (919) 497-1273 or (919) 497-1272
Visit: IT office, Main Building, Room 107
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm