OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Mac Corner
Apple iPad Resources and Guidelines
Towson University
The information and guidelines on this page can assist you to purchase, use, and secure the Apple iPad.
IMPORTANT: iPads are NOT secured with a password when purchased. iPad owners are advised to set a password immediately to protect your device and data, see number 3 below for details.
1. About iPads
The iPad is Apple’s multimedia tablet computing device that runs a modified iPhone operating system. It operates like a Smart phone (without the phone) and uses the Multi-Touch screen technology for navigation and keyboard input. Out of the box, iPads have a Web browser and can read e-mail and digital media. iPad apps (applications) provide additional functionality to the device and are available from the Apple online store. For more information, see the iPad Apps section below. For details about the iPad, see Apple’s iPad home page at: http://www.apple.com/ipad/.
Details about iPads can be found on Apple's web site at: http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/.
Sharing iPads
iPads were designed as a personal device for a single person. If your department is sharing an iPad, you will want to follow the guidelines here.
2. Differences Between iPads and Computers
iPads are not fully functional computers. The iPad does not run a standard computer operating system and is used more as a reading device than an input device. It does not provide all the functions of laptop or desktop computers. Below are some limitations of the iPad.
A. Standard computer software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe, and Macromedia applications do not run on iPads, see the About iPad Apps section below.
B. To share files on iPads requires additional iPad Apps (applications), for details about file sharing see the Apple sites below:
iPad: About File Sharing
iWork for iPad: About File Sharing
C. iPads rely on wireless network connections with WiFi and the optional 3Com service.
3. iPad Security and Best Practices
As a portable device, the iPad is particularly susceptible to loss or theft (30% of mobile devices are lost or stolen). It is essential that you protect your iPad and yourself by following the “best practices” below.
A. QUICKLY Configure Apple iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch) for Towson University Resources
You can quickly configure your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch to connect to the tu-secure wireless network and the university e-mail server; and enable a passcode (password) on your device by going to the software downloads page below and selecting the For Faculty and Staff Only section to download and install the configuration file at: http://www.towson.edu/adminfinance/ots/downloadsforms/softwaredownloads.asp (use your NetID to log on)
B. Manually Set Passcode: to manually set a passcode (password) on your iPad to prevent unauthorized access. Without a passcode, anyone that powers on your iPad will have access to everything on it including your e-mail and calendar.
It only takes a minute to set a passcode on your iPad by following the procedures below:
- Power on the iPad and go to Settings>General>Passcode Lock
- Set your four-digit password
For more detailed instructions, see Password Protect Your iPad
Note: to protect university-owed iPads a password will be required, in accordance with the Mobile Computing Devices Policy.
C. Backup, Restore, and Update iPads: protect your iPad and apps by following Apples guidelines listed here.
D. Storing Sensitive and Important Files: do not store files with sensitive or important data on your iPad, store files on your H: or O: drives.
E.. Optimize Battery Utilization: see http://www.apple.com/batteries/ipad.html
4. Purchasing
iPads
A. University Purchase: to purchase an iPad with university funds, call the Faculty/Staff Help Center at 410-704-5151, select 2+2+2 on the menu. Staff will initiate a service request and a member of the Macintosh Support Team will contact you to assist with your purchase.
B. Personal Purchase: for personal purchases, go directly to http://store.apple.com
C. Wi-Fi + 3G model iPad option:
iPads rely on wireless network connections to connect to the Internet and will work on campus without 3G. If you travel off campus and need Internet connections you will want a 3G model. To enable the 3G service, you purchase a monthly or unlimited contract with a provider, for details see Wi-Fi +3G model.
Apps for iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch)
To add functionality to your iPad, there are numerous apps available for the Apple iPad online. University p-cards can be used to purchase apps for university academic, research, or business needs. The university also has an App Volume Purchasing Program. For details on purchasing Mac and app software see:
Macintosh Software Purchase
5. iPad Assistance
A. Primary assistance for iPads is provided by Apple on their Web sites and iPad forums. For more information see Apple’s iPad Home Page: http://www.apple.com/ipad/
B. The Office of Technology Services (OTS) provides iPad assistance to purchase iPads with university funds (see details above) and connecting the iPad to the Towson Wireless network and university e-mail (see below).
6. Connecting iPad, iPhone, and iPod to tu-secure Wireless Network
Follow instructions in the self help document:: MAC iPad, iPhone, iPod - tu-secure wireless connection
7. Setup Towson E-mail on Your iPad
To synchronize your iPad with Towson University e-mail, follow the procedures for the iPhone on this web page:
How to Configure your Personal Smartphone to Send and Receive Towson E-mail
8. iPad Apps (applications)
A. OTS has published a short categorized list of popular apps at Towson at: http://www.towson.edu/adminfinance/ots/support/ipadapps.asp
B. General information about iPad apps can be found at: http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/applications/
Purchasing apps? See section 4. above about purchasing apps.
Administration and Finance Mac Corner
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