Free Internet + Computer Access

Need Free WiFi Access?
Need Free Computer Access?

Free Public WiFi

Kirk Library hotspots are currently available for students to borrow for the quarter. To borrow library hotspots, email hyesoo.albright@centralia.edu to reserve yours today. Bring a photo ID when you come to pick it up.

We have two types of hotspots, Verizon and US Cellular. The hotspots need to be within a provider coverage area to work. Check coverage with the following links:

Check the Verizon Service Area Interactive MapLinks to an external site.
Check the US Cellular Coverage MapLinks to an external site.

There is also free Public WiFi on campus and in many locations in and around the Centralia area.

Timberland Regional Library LocationsLinks to an external site.

There is also WiFi for students on the Centralia College Main Campus and East Campus.

What If I Don't Have a Computer or Other Device?

If you don't have a computer or other device, you have several options. You may be able to borrow one from Centralia College. There is also free public computer access available in many places in and around Centralia. Please see the information below for locations:

Borrowing a Laptop

You can borrow a laptop from several places on campus.

Anyone can check out laptops from Kirk Library, they are limited and first-come-first-serve.

You may also be able to borrow a laptop if you are a part of TriO, or other organizations and groups on campus. Ask!

Computers Available for Public or Student Use

Centralia (Main Campus)

Computers are available for student use in:

Kirk Library Computer Lab
WAH 203 Computer Lab (2nd floor of Washington Hall)
Advising/Counseling Center (TAC 213)
Veteran's Center (Lib)

Timberland Regional Library

Free computer and Internet access is available through the Timberland Regional Library. Internet access is even available outside when the library is closed.

Here is a map of their locations: https://www.trl.org/locationsLinks to an external site.

Reminder!

Is Your Computer/Device Ready for Online?

Which Internet Browser Should I Use?

The latest versions of Firefox, Chrome, and Safari are all good choices for working in Canvas. Important note: If you need help downloading one of these browsers, contact eLearning!

Download FirefoxLinks to an external site.

Download Google ChromeLinks to an external site.
Download Safari (Links to an external site.)

It's a good idea to have more than one browser installed on your personal computer. Many times problems you experience online can be fixed by switching from one browser to a different browser.

I really like Microsoft Edge - Why shouldn't I use it with Canvas?

Although officially Canvas supports Edge, it does NOT work well with Canvas! You may experience problems if you use this browser. These problems include:

course content not showing correctly or at all
problems submitting assignments or quizzes

What Internet Browser am I using?

In the browser's toolbar, click on “Help" or the Settings icon. Click the menu option that begins “About” and you'll see what type and version of browser you are using.

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office 365 FREE for Centralia Students!

Centralia College is pleased to provide Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more) to all students enrolled in credit courses at no cost via the Microsoft Student Advantage program!

You must be a current student. Access is connected to your @student.centralia.edu email address.
Sign in to your Microsoft 365 Portal with your student email address and password at www.office.comLinks to an external site.

Get it on Windows or Mac

To Download Office to your device(s) for free: Visit hereLinks to an external site..

Get it on Smartphones & TabletsLinks to an external site.

Get it on a Chromebook

Follow these instructionsLinks to an external site. to download, and when prompted, log in with your Student Email:

Warning: Your Chromebook may not have space for very many documents, so you may not want to save them to your Chromebook. You may instead want to save them online to OneDrive - the Microsoft Office equivalent to Google Drive, where you can create, save, and keep all your documents online, and access them from anywhere.

Why use Microsoft Office?

Centralia College, and most of Centralia's Instructors, use Microsoft Office programs in their classes (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). To make sure your Instructors can open and grade your assignments, it's easier to use Microsoft Office programs to create and submit your assignments.

How do I access my student email?

About Microsoft 365 / Student Email Accounts
Centralia College provides email accounts to students in partnership with Microsoft Corporation via Microsoft 365. Student email accounts are automatically generated within 48 business hours of a student’s admission to Centralia College and remain active for up to two years since their last quarter in which they were registered.

Access your Student Email Account

1. Visit the login page: www.office.comLinks to an external site.

2. Enter your username and password using this format:

USERNAME FORMAT : Sample Username: first name.last name@student.centralia.edu

PASSWORD FORMAT Exclamation Point + First Initial of First Name (uppercase) + First Initial of Last Name (lowercase) + Last Six Digits of Student ID Number. Sample Password: !Jd123456

Protecting Yourself & Your Devices

The #1 BEST way to protect yourself is by installing updates whenever they're available. This goes for everything. Keep your browser updated, your computer itself updated, and any programs/software updated (including your anti-virus!). This will usually happen automatically, OR your programs will tell you when they are ready for an update. Don't put it off. Get those updates done!

The #2 best way to protect yourself is to install an anti-virus (if you need one). Anti-virus software protects your computer in real-time against viruses by scanning for malicious programs and then neutralizing or eliminating them. Read below to see if you need one for your device.

The #3 best way to protect yourself is common sense and awareness. Be careful what you do/click on. Make sure emails and people who contact you are legitimate, or who they say they are. Look for typos and errors - major companies don't make these mistakes. Don't wire money to a Nigerian prince.

Do I need an anti-virus software?

Do you use...

Windows 10 or 11? You already have Windows Security by default.

Apple Mac? You may not need an antivirus. Built-in security may be enough for you.

Chromebook? You may not need an antivirus. Built-in security may be enough for you.

Android Apps & Tablets? You may not need an anti-virus. Built-in security may be enough for you.

iPhones & iPads? These do not need an antivirus.

How to use an Anti-Virus

Anti-virus runs constantly to be on the lookout for threats in real-time. Make sure "Real-Time protection" or "24/7" is on.

You ONLY NEED ONE. More anti-viruses are not better. The only exception to this rule is if you get an anti-MALWARE, which we talk about below.