Computing Frequently Asked Questions
Need to get answers? Here's a quick list of what you need to know. Don't see it here? Call the Help Desk at 3456.
Getting Connected
Q: How do I connect my personal computer on campus?
A: At the beginning of the year, LIT student workers in the dorms will be available to get students connected to the campus network, including attaching network cables and helping students download and install the free antivirus and anti-spyware programs. LIT provides Ethernet cables and network hubs that enable up to 4 computers to share each room’s network connection Look for the SNAP (Student Network Activation Project) table in the Residence Hall lobbies or contact your RA.
What’s online
Q: How do I access my College e-mail account?
A: The address for student e-mail is http://webmail.lakeforest.edu. Call the Help Desk at x3456 if you don't have your user name and password. (Off-campus callers: call 847-234-3100 and ask to be connected to the Help Desk.) All students are required to check their College e-mail accounts on a regular basis.
Q: Portal—what’s happening with that?
A: Lake Forest College’s new MyForester (http://myforester.lakeforest.edu) has everything you need to get online with the College in one place. Take a look!
Q: Where did Pipeline go?
A: It has been replaced by MyForester and Moodle. Combined, these provide an upgrade of services and an expansion of features for students to enjoy.
Q: What is Moodle and what can I do with it?
A: Moodle (http://moodle.lakeforest.edu) is a course management system (CMS) - a free, Open Source software package designed using sound pedagogical principles, to help educators create effective online learning communities.
Using your Computer
Q: I need help using a software program on my comptuer.
A: Student assistants in the Brown Technology Resource Center (Donnelley 208) can answer questions about computer use.
Q: I need help editing video/photos.
A: The Brown Technology Resource Center has two Windows and one Macintosh workstation equipped with easy-to-use video software applications. Students, faculty, and staff can check out a digital video camcorder from Media Services, shoot footage, and quickly create short video presentations. Attached DVD and VHS decks allow use of excerpts from pre-recorded videos. Finished videos can be saved to DVD , mini DV cassette or VHS videocassette.
Labs & Storage Space
Q: What programs and equipment are available for student use on campus?
A: Donnelley computer lab workstations have Microsoft Office. The Technology Resource Center has six workstations installed with scanners, image editing software, and document conversion software, and programs for making PDFs.
Q: What are the limits for personal space on the server? On the web server? On email?
A: Students are limited to 1.5 GBytes. E-mail attachments my not be more than 5 MB per note.
Q: Where should I save documents?
A: When you are working in the library computer labs, save your files to the “My Documents” folder. This folder is backed up each day and is a very reliable place to store your documents and files. Do not leave your documents on the Desktop—they will be deleted.
Q: How do I back up documents?
A: In addition to saving in the “My Documents” on the lab PCs, save a second copy of your files to a blank CD or on a USB drive, available at the College bookstore.
Q: How do I change my password?
A: Log into Webmail and select Options in the left-hand column. Near the bottom of the list is the Change Password button. Call the Help Desk at 3456 if you have problems.
Q: How do I log into my space on the server?
A: Log on to any computer at one of the library’s computer labs and click on the “My Documents” folder located on the desktop. The “My Documents" folder is your personal network storage space.
Q: How do I access my recycle bin on the network?
A: Deleted files are permanently removed from student accounts. If you delete something, it’s gone.
Q: How do I restore deleted files?
A: Do not leave your documents on the Desktop—they will be deleted and cannot be recovered. Some documents may be restored--call the Help Desk at 3456.
Q: For how long are my files kept on the network?
A: Files remain in a student’s storage area as long as they are at the College.
Q: Why do I occasionally get disconnected from the College network?
A: Call the Help Desk at 3456 to troubleshoot your network connection.
Printing
Q: How much do I get for printing?
A: All students are allocated 150 prints per semester. Additional print credits can be purchased for 5 cents each.
Q: Where do I go to put more $ on my printing balance?
A: The Business Office can add money to student printing accounts. A minimum of $5 is required.
Residence Halls
Q: Is there wireless access on campus and where?
A: All Residence Halls and the Mohr Student Center are equipped with wireless networking. The Donnelley and Lee Library offers a 24-hour computer lab and wireless access.
Q: How do I access my network folder from my dorm computer?
A: We’ll be adding more about this as it becomes available. Check back soon.
Q: Does the college provide streaming media (audio/video) services?
A: WMXM, the College’s student-run radio station, streams programming over the Internet. Talk with your instructor or group's advisor if you need this for a special project.
Q: Can I buy software at a reduced (student) rate?
A: Library and Information Technology offers McAfee antivirus software free of charge to all students, faculty, and staff. The College Bookstore offers academic discounts on popular software packages.
Repairs
Q: Where do I go for help when my computer is broken?
A: LIT staff do not repair student hardware or troubleshoot problems with software on student-owned computers. A list of nearby computer repair companies is here.
Q: My network connection in my room is not working. Who do I call?
A: Call the Help Desk at 3456.
Where to find help
Q: What’s the number and the hours for the Helpdesk?
A: The Help Desk’s number is 3456 on campus. Off-campus, call 847-234-3100 and ask to be connected to the Help Desk. The Help Desk's hours are 8 A.M. to 5 P.m. Monday through Friday.
Q: When should I call the Help Desk?
A: Call if you’re having problems with the network or your computer. If we can’t help you, we’ll get you in contact with someone who will.
Q: What do I do if I get a computer virus?
A: Contact the Help Desk at 847-735-3456 on campus. Off-campus, call 847-234-3100 and ask to be connected to the Help Desk. If you are using our McAfee antivirus software, we will help you clean your computer. If you do not have up-to-date antivirus protection, we will refer you to a convenient commercial repair company. Infected computers will be removed from the network to prevent the machine from infecting other computers. Please also see the LIT Acceptable Use Policy (PDF Download).
Q: Where can I print out documents (maybe include a warning the Microsoft Works is not available in labs)?
A: The primary public computer lab is located next to the Cyber Cafe on the first floor of the library. This lab is open 24 hours a day. Printing to high capacity laser printers is also available 24/7 while classes are in session. Most documents can be printed in the library computer labs. Formats that are not supported in the labs, including Microsoft Works, generally can be printed in the Technology Resource Center.
Q: Where can I find a floppy drive (and include info about saving to the server, using travel drives, etc.)?
A: All of the computers in the library’s labs are equipped with floppy drives. LIT does not recommend keeping your work on floppy drives. Instead, use a USB drive, available in the College bookstore.
Q: Who can create web pages at the College and how can I get started?
A: Contact Erik Larson, Web Manager, at x6219 or larson@lakeforest.edu
Q: Who do I contact if I find an error in the College Web site?
A: Contact Erik Larson, Web Manager, at x6219 or larson@lakeforest.edu
Q: Who do I contact if I need help with Moodle?
A: Check with your instructor for help with their Moodle page.
Q: Are there web classes or training available?
A: Courses are offered periodically by LIT on computer topics. Watch MyForester for announcements.
Q: Who can I contact if I have a web-related question?
A: Call the Help Desk at 3456. They’ll put you in touch with the right person.