Who ya gonna call?


by Debra L. Dexter - CCC Academic Systems Trainer

The CCC receives a large number of phone calls and e-mail daily. In order to better serve the students, staff and faculty, we have created a listing of common questions and who would best solve them. You can find any one of the groups mentioned in Fuller Laboratories.


PC Software Support

Q: How do I use Microsoft Word, Excel or a specific application? How do I obtain software from the o:\sharewar directory? How do I transfer files (FTP) in DOS, in Windows? How do I check for a virus on my computer? If I know there is a virus on my computer, how do I clean it? Are Novell or UNIX down?

A: For basically any questions, contact The Help Desk (helpdesk@wpi), call extension 5888 or stop by room B21. The hours are: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM when A, B, C, D terms are in session. When in doubt about whom to contact, call the Help Desk. If you are not sure what the problem is, the staff at the Help Desk will help you determine what could be wrong. If the Help Desk staff cannot immediately answer your question, they will find the person who can and have them contact you or relay the information to you directly. The Help Desk will take the time to walk you through using applications like Powerpoint to build presentations, Excel to create spreadsheets, electronic mail, or even how to dial in from off campus. The only thing they will not do is help you with your homework.

Q: Why does some of the software on the Network not work on my computer? Why is my document not printing? There is an error message regarding memory when I try to run a specific program? I am thinking of buying a computer, what system configuration would I need to use the WPI network?

A: For any hardware support, contact The PC Repair Shop in room A16, e-mail topc-questions@wpi or call extension 5015. The staff in the Shop takes care of hardware support for approved PC's, Laser Printers and Terminals and error messages with Novell. They answer questions about technical difficulties with equipment whether it's hardware including hard drives, disk drives, monitors, keyboards, printers, etc.; or software on Novell (for example, why a program is not running).

Q: I forgot my password. How do I get this problem fixed? I need an account, where do I get one?

A: CCC Main Lab in room 222. This lab distributes all accounts including WPI and Novell. As a freshman or transfer student, you probably received an account during registration. If not, you can bring your WPI ID to the desk and ask for one. If you are a new faculty or staff member, the same conditions apply. If you forget your password, visit the lab and they will get the problem fixed. This lab is open Sunday through Thursday, 24 hours per day. On Friday they close at 11:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and open Sunday at 11:00 AM.

Q: I use a Macintosh, whom can I contact with questions?

A: For Macintosh Support you can contact Troy Thompson (tbt@wpi) at extension 5223, room 220.


Network Support

Q: How do I become connected to the Network? Whom do I call regarding my port?

A: For any Network Support you can call extension 2220, or visit room B26.

If you are a student living in a WPI residence hall and wish to become connected to the Network, visit the CCC Department Secretary, Marie Dube in room 211. She will give you the sign-up form and instructions on how to proceed from there. If you need to get a computer connected in a non-residence hall building, call extension 2220. This is also the number to call to deal with problems with current connections to the network, ethernet cards, ports, etc.


Academic Systems Support


Q: I cannot log in to a UNIX station. With whom do I speak for help? How do I make my files readable to other people? How do I post an event or news? How do I set up a mail alias? How do I change my whitepage's entry?

A: For Any UNIX or e-mail problems you should send e-mail to questions@wpi or call the help desk, if you cannot e-mail. The UNIX staff configures 130 plus workstations, central mail servers, news and web servers. They answer hardware problems on UNIX workstations, help in compiling programs, disk quotas, and generic e-mail problems with sending or receiving messages.


The Web


Q: How do I set up a home page on the World Wide Web (WWW)? What CGI (Common Gateway Interface) scripts are available?

A: For All WWW (World Wide Web) questions send e-mail to webmaster@wpi. There is also a training session on "An Introduction to the World Wide Web" offered periodically through the library.

When you do contact any of the above groups, keep in mind we answer a lot of questions throughout the day. We will respond to your needs as soon as possible. You need to relay as many specifics about your problem as possible like the exact error message and what you have tried on your own to solve it. Also, include information on where you experienced the problem. Specify which computer in what lab, or in your dorm room, how long you have been experiencing it or if you have already talked to someone about it.


VIRUS UPDATE:

The CCC published an article in last week's Newspeak on "The Recent Outbreak of Viruses on Campus." The article talked mostly about one of the Little Red viruses that spread to the server. Good news! There is a new scan program that detects the virus and cleans it, without erasing files. You can copy the program (replacing all files in your current scan directory) from the o:\sharewar\scan directory on any of the WPI Novell Servers. If you have questions on how to do this, contact the Help Desk.



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