INTRODUCTION

Were bringing you yet another exciting issue of Campus Computing Report, featuring articles about technology and technology issues on campus. Each issue is full of the latest tips and technology breakthroughs. In this weeks issue youll learn about resources available on campus, be introduced to the Computing Education Program, get tips for online etiquette, learn how to use IT Help Online and more.

CLASSES FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF

Offering a Helping Hand
Do you need help learning how to use Word? Are you wondering what a database is and how to use one? Are you trying, without success, to make your first web page? The Computing Education Program may be able to help. The Computing Education Program combines the expertise, experience, and excellence of local instructors. The Computing Education Program offers classes for enrolled students as well as faculty and staff. They are fast, fun, and teach more than just the fundamentals. Classes offer beginning, intermediate, and advanced instruction in word processing, electronic mail, spreadsheets, databases, graphics, presentations, desktop publishing, statistics, and browsing and publishing on the Web. Most classes are handson and last from one and a half to three hours (Figure 1). Student classes are offered on weekday evenings and weekends. Because students have paid the Student Technology Fee there is no charge. These classes are first come, first served, and your valid student ID is your admission ticket, some come early, as popular classes fill up fast. Faculty and staff classes are taught during normal business hours, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Figure 1 Lab Class at FNU Offered for a nominal fee, these classes can be taken by university staff, faculty, and students from any campus. In addition, these classes are also open to the general public so that members of the university community can take advantage of this important educational opportunity. Check out our web site at: www.fnu.ac.fj.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Definitions and Access
Q: What is the IT Help Online? A: IT Help Online is a database containing more than 5300 answers to Computing questions. And because its online, its available 24 hours a day. Q: How do I get access to IT Help Online? A: IT Help Online is on the web at ithelponline.mu.edu. You can access IT Help Online using your favorite web browser, just type in the address. If youre on campus, its even easier. Instead of typing in the address, just type IT Help and press enter. Q: Once I get there, how do I use it? A: There are a number of ways to search IT Help Online. One of the easiest ways is to enter search terms in the box on the opening screen. You dont need to write a complete sentence for the computer search, but make sure that you include the important words. If, for example, you want to know how to update the table of contents in a Word document, you dont need to type in the whole question. Instead, you could type update table of contents Word.

IT HELP ONLINE
On call 24 Hours a Day
Murphys Law (as applied to computers) says that a Computing question will always come to mind 10 min after the support center closes, and that this most often happens the night before that big term paper is So when due (Figure 2). the line is busy, or youre up wracking your brain when everyone else is sound Figure 2 Murphys Law of Computing asleep, you need to know where to go for help. The answer, of course, is IT Help Online. You can access IT Help Online at any time, 365 days a year. Its as close as your nearest computer! Once you arrive at IT Help Online on your computer, you can ask your own questions, or view categories which have already been created.

HAPPY COMPUTING
Account Housekeeping and Netiquette

Having access to university Computing resources is a privilege that is accompanied by certain responsibilities. Anybody using university computers or computer accounts must cooperate to keep the system functioning efficiently. One of the biggest issues is system security. As an account holder, you should have a username and password that you use to log onto your account important that you keep your (Figure 4). It is password a secret. Every faculty member, staff member, and student on campus can request a computer account; there is no reason that they should need yours. In Figure 3 Netiquette addition to not sharing your password intentionally, you need to make sure that you dont accidentally give someone unauthorized access to your account. You can minimize the chance of someone learning your password by changing your password regularly, being alert to others who may be watching you log on, and never writing your username and password down together. It is also imperative that you log out of your accounts and workstations before leaving them unattended. If someone finds your account open or learns your password, they can access your account and do any number of mischievous or illegal things in your name. It is also extremely important that each account holder takes responsibility for maintaining his or her account. Old mail messages and unneeded files stored in university accounts waste disk space. If your account becomes too full, your right to send and receive e-mail may be revoked. Having too much in your account is a hassle anyway, even to you. More files in your account means more files to search through when youre looking Figure 4 FNU login window for that one important item. Its good idea to get in the habit of regularly cleaning your account and removing unnecessary files. Finally, using good netiquette can make using share technology resources more pleasant for everyone (Figure 3). Using good netiquette means thinking about the implications of your actions. Some tips for being a polite computer user include: Dont send or respond to chain mail. It bogs down the system and is not permitted on university accounts. Always sign your e-mail. Be sure you know your correspondents address. Avoid typing in all caps. IT LOOKS LIKE YOURE SHOUTING! Use humor carefully. Make sure the receiver knows its a joke; attaching a smiley face can be helpful. Dont overuse connect time. When you are connected via the universitys modem pool, someone else cannot be. Be considerate when using the computers on campus. Dont play computer games or surf the web when others are waiting to use the computers to complete assignments and research projects.

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

As always, the staff of Campus Computing News enjoys providing you with the latest in computers and computer technology. Join us next month to learn how to protect your computer from viruses, preview some freebies from the web, and tour campus to see where you can access computers.