PC Software Support
Q: I don't know where to go to ask a question. 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? Is Novell or UNIX down?
A: For basically any question, contact The Help Desk (helpdesk@wpi), call extension 5888 or stop by room B21. The hours are: M-F, 9:00 AM - 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 or persons who can and have them contact you or relay the information to you directly. They will register you for any of the computer training classes or 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: How do I register for a computer training class offered at WPI?
A: Go to the Training Home Page at http://www.wpi.edu/~training to read all the information about the sessions offered, the schedule and how to register for a session. If you cannot access the web or don't know how, call the Help Desk at x5888 and they will register you.
Q: Why does some of the software on the network not work on my computer? Why is my document not printing? Why is 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? I am running Windows 95 and need the configuration to be set correctly.
A: For any hardware support, contact The PC Repair Shop in room A16, e-mail: pc-questions@wpi or call extension 5015.
The staff in the Shop take care of hardware support for approved PCs, Laser Printers and Terminals and error messages with Novell. They answer questions about technical difficulties with equipment whether its hardware including hard drives, disk drives, monitors, keyboards, printers, etc.; or software on Novell (for example, why a program is not running). They have information available for configuring computers running Windows 95. The computer shop will configure Windows 95 for you. Please do not set the network configuration with randomly entered IP addresses!
Q: Where would I go on my computer to install Novell Network Software?
A: To install Novell Network software on your PC run:
For the Automatic installation of network fixes and AUTONAI:
S:\WINSTALL\WINSTALL CCC-SHOP.LST
For Windows 3.1x software:
S:\WINSTALL\WINSTALL WIN31APP.LST
For Windows 95 software:
S:\WINSTALL\WINSTALL WIN95APP.LST
Q: I forgot my UNIX password or Novell password, what do I do? I need an account, where do I get one?
A: Go to the 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 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 specific questions?
A: For Macintosh Support you can contact Troy Thompson (tbt@wpi) at extension 5223, room 220.
Network Support
Q: How do I get connected to the Network? Whom do I call regarding my port? I am moving my computer, where can I get cables?
A: For any Network Support you can call extension 2220, or visit room B26 or send e-mail to resnet-questions@wpi.
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. 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?
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.
Q: How do I change my whitepage's entry?
A: The Registrar's office inputs all the information about students, staff and faculty into a database. The whitepages command pulls information from this database. You need to contact the Registar's office to change any of the information.
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. There is also a web page with instructions on how to set up a home page at WPI located at:
http://www.wpi.edu/Campus/adding.html
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.
UPDATES: Microsoft Office for Windows 95 and the newest version of Netscape, version 3.0, will be available through Novell within the next week. You will be able to find this software in the Winstall list. The College Computer Center looks forward to this new academic year, and will keep you updated on any new information regarding our computer services.