General FAQ'S
What are the hardware requirements for my computer to be serviced by ITS?We require that your computer meet the following specifications in order to receive assistance from SCS in getting your computer working on the network:
Is there a charge for these services?Student Computer Services performs all work free of charge for Messiah students.Back to Top What problems can SCS help with?The first priority of Student Computer Services is to make sure all students can access the network. We will help students free their computers of viruses and install AVG anti-virus on computers without virus software. As time provides and at the discretion of the Director, Academic Technology Services we will also provide software and hardware installation and support.Back to Top Where do I bring my computer for service and what do I need to bring?Student Computer Services is located in Fry Apartments A3. We are open from 8-5 Monday through Friday, closed for lunch from 12-1.When bringing a DESKTOP for service only bring the tower. DO NOT bring any cords, mice, keyboards or monitors. When bringing a LAPTOP for service bring the laptop, the power cord and any special card/adapter needed to connect the laptop to the network. Back to Top Can I receive help over the phone?Student Computer Services offers FREE phone support at x.5901Click Here for a list of all help phone numbers and other ways to receive help Back to Top What does ITS do to my computer when they configure it for the network?We make sure that you can log onto the internet and connect to your student storage space on the network.We install the network card for you if not pre-installed. We place three icons on your desktop, one for your file space, one for email, and one for changing your password. We will also install AVG anti-virus software. It will update automatically. We install and run Spybot Search and Destroy. This program scans your PC for unwanted programs and removes them. It also helps prevent future programs from being downloaded without your knowledge. We will install Impulse. This software monitors your PC to insure that your PC has Windows updates turned on and your Anti-Virus program is up to date and on. We also turn off file sharing, unless files are shared by password use only. File sharing is one of the easiest ways for viruses to spread on campus. Back to Top Which jack do I plug my computer into?Each residence hall room and each campus apartment bedroom has only 1 live network jack. The majority of network jacks are marked with a big black C. If it is not marked, the live jack is normally the one opposite the phone jack.In the apartments, a network jack is available in each bedroom only. The jack in the living room is for the phone only. Back to Top What should a student bring with them to connect to the network?In each residence hall or campus apartment bedroom there is only one live jack. This means that if two or more students in the same room wish to connect to the internet they will need to have a switch (RJ45 not USB). The cost is usually split between the roommates who wish to access the network. The switch is available in Student Computer Services for a $20 fee. $15 of this fee will be returned to the student upon return of the switch to Student Computer Services. A network cable is required for each PC (10-15ft is recommended) plus one to connect the hub to the live jack in the wall. NOTICE: DO NOT bring a ROUTER (wireless or wired) to campus and expect to use it. A switch/hub will split your wired connection for you and Messiah now has wireless internet in all the residence halls. Routers interfere with our network, and you will be prevented from connecting through one.Back to Top Will I need a network switch?If more than one computer needs access to the network, then you will need a switch if you are using a wired card. If you are using a wireless card, wireless is now available in the dorms.Back to Top Do we offer support for Macintosh systems?Student Computer Services does offer support for Macintosh computers running Mac OS X. Older Mac OS versions may receive support at the discretion of Director, Academic Technology Services, Berte Thompson.Back to Top Why can't I log into Blackboard?To access the Blackboard learning environment the very first time follow these steps:1.) Open your Internet browser. 2.) Navigate to http://blackboard.messiah.edu or click on the Blackboard link located on the Messiah College homepage. 3.) Click on the Login button located beneath the Messiah College logo. 4.) Click on Forgot your password?. 5.) Enter your First Name, Last Name and User Name. (Please note that your user name is the same as your network user ID.) 6.) Click on Submit in the lower right-hand corner of your screen. 7.) In a few short minutes you will receive an e-mail message with instructions you will need to follow to set your password. Once you have created a password you will be able to login to the system by following steps 1- 3, enter your user name and newly created password and click login. Upon logging into the system you will see a module titled My Courses on the right-hand side of your screen that displays all the courses you are registered for. If you navigate to a course and receive a message stating access denied do not be alarmed, this simply means that your instructor may not be using the Blackboard system for the specified course. Navigation in Blackboard is very similar to navigation on the Internet. Underlined items are links and buttons will connect you to the specified area. If you feel you need assistance using this application you may access the online manual by following the steps listed below. 1.) Enter a course by clicking on a course title under My Courses 2.) Click on the tools button. 3.) Click on manual. Back to Top How do I automatically delete certain messages in GroupWise?These instructions are for mymail only and do not apply to the Client.
Does Messiah offer wireless internet around campus?As of Fall 2006, wireless is now offered in the residence halls & apartments, Larson Student Union, the Library and Academic Buildings. Click here for more information about the wireless campus project.Back to Top Will Windows Vista work on Messiah's network:Vista integrates well with Messiah's network, functioning similarly to XP for the most part. Access to student filespace using the applet is functional, but requires a registry patch. Please contact Student Computer Services at x.2222 for help installing this registry patch.Back to Top How do I configure my laptop for Messiah's wireless network?Click here to read the tutorial.Back to Top |
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