The Office of Technology Services and Support (TSS) provides support and detailed information about recommended hardware and software. Students are encouraged to explore what is available and how via the TSS website, and to look at the software available through the University Bookstore (some of it discounted heavily for students).  For example, Internet security software is available on the TSS website at no cost to students and all students are encouraged to take advantage of this benefit to protect themselves and the university community from viruses, etc.  For more information about Technology Services and Support, click on the individual topics in the left menu or the links below:

• AppalNET: AppalNET is Appalachian's "one-stop-shop" for access to your individual, password-protected student information, resources, and services. It is the portal to Student Self-Service information and provides access to register, check grades/GPA and much, much more. It is an important resource that you will want to locate, bookmark, and become familiar with. Click here for detailed AppalNET information and directions.
• Assistance and Answers: Appalachian State University’s Technology Support Services (TSS) provides information about and assistance with technology related issues. Brief descriptions and links to various TSS services (designated TSS) are provided below, along with brief Information about technology availability and support at the ASU-Centers in Burke, Caldwell, and Hickory:
  • TSS General Tech Information for Students: For information on upgrades, current network/software issues and maintenance, as well as general information about technology at Appalachian State University, please visit the Technology and Support Services website.  [Message from Tom Van Gilder, Director of TSS:  "We want to let you know that tech support for faculty, staff, and students is available Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. To 9:00 p.m., Fridays 8:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. And Sundays from 1:00 p.m. To 9:00 p.m.  The phone support rolls over to our Computer Support Center at 5:00.  Please call us at 828-262-6266 and let us know how we can help!  Tom Van Gilder, Director of Technology Support Services."
  • How do I...? Answers to many of the typical "how do I..." technology questions are answered on the "how do I" website.
  • TSS Technology FAQ: For answers to the most commonly asked questions, please visit the TSS FAQ website.
  • TSS Computer Support Assistance: Students can request support in a variety of ways. Please visit the Contact Support web page for the most up-to-date information on the types of support provided and how to contact TSS support.
  • Tech Support Hours: The hours of “live” assistance can be found on the TSS website.
  • Computing Services at ASU Centers: Students also have access to computing services at the ASU Centers in Burke, Caldwell, and Hickory and at the North Carolina Center for Engineering Technologies in Hickory. Center staff at each location will assist you upon presentation of your official student ID card along with an official government issued photo id.
• Recommended Tech Specifications: Technology Support Services and Academic Computing Services provide information on the minimum hardware/software specifications necessary to support a positive student computing/Internet access experience. Please visit the Computer Specifications webpage for the latest information and recommendations that will insure a more positive computing/online experience for students enrolled in Appalachian State University distance education courses.
• Your Access: Provides information about email accounts, Banner Student ID numbers, getting the Appalnet username/log in and PW.
• ASULearn is the university's learning management system. Online coursework will most likely be delivered entirely through an ASULearn link. Some site-based courses will also use ASULearn to deliver a portion of the instruction. The syllabus will inform students about this. Students are strongly encouraged to review the information and tutorials available on on the ASULearn Student Support web page. Click here to access the ASULearn Log in page.
• AET Zone: The Reich College of Education (RCOE) makes use of a virtual teaching and learning environment called The AET Zone (AETZ). AETZ is a multi-user virtual environment created by the faculty in the Instructional Technology program at Appalachian State University. AET Zone is the RCOE's "campus" for online learning, constructed to support the social constructivist learning experiences RCOE provides its students in the college's courses and programs. Below, please click here "AETZ Description" to find some screenshots and descriptions of various elements of AETZ.