Classroom and Lab Computing

Using the Student Computing Labs

Document is being revised

This guide is currently being prepared for students with all levels of computer skills: beginning, intermediate, advanced.  Windows and Mac users new to PSU will find directions to use Windows or Mac workstations, as well as general information about computing in the Labs.If you already familiar with the labs, there is also information of use to you. For example, this guide contains links to information on lab upgrades, new labs, and new hardware including scanners, digital cameras, and CDRWs. If you have further questions about using the labs, check with a consultant or contact the Help Desk.  To find the information you need, skim the Table of Contents below, then click on the link of your choice. To read the guide in its entirety, just scroll down the page.  

Table of Contents:

Getting Started What you need to use the labs         
Lab Locations Where to find Windows, Mac, or Unix workstations
Saving work in the labs How to save your work to disk or the lab server
Finding software to use Instructions to finding software that does not appear on the desktop
Printing How to print; printing Charges     
Accessing the Internet Accessing the Internet 
Rules PSU's rules for using the University's hardware and software  
Learning to use lab software  Classes and tutorials on software packages      
Web Services 

Where to go for your personal Web-space
Help Services Where to go for help via email, phone, or in person  
Logging Off How to log off of your workstation

Getting Started

To use any of the Student Computing labs on campus, users must login (identify themselves) by entering their Access Account user ID and password when prompted.  You can obtain an Access Account by using your Penn State photo ID card at an automatic signature station. Click below for locations and hours of signature stations.

Lab Locations

We have hardware and software to support Mac, Windows, and Unix users.  There are over 50 labs on campus, so you can click below to see where the kind of lab you want is located and what software is available to you.  During Summer 2001, over 700 new machines were added to existing labs and 2 new labs were created.  Scanners, digital cameras, CDRWS, and Mini-DVD cameras were also added. To find out about these exciting changes, click on the fifth link below.

Saving work in the labs

You cannot save to the hard-drive of a lab computer, so you need to bring your own disk and/or CD with you.  Be sure to back up your work often, so that you do not lose it.  Previously, Windows users had access to storage space on ConMan, also known as the U-Drive. Until further notice, new applications for space on the U-Drive cannot be fulfilled.  Users who already have space allocations may continue to use them unless otherwise notified. 

Finding software to use 

Some frequently used applications, including Microsoft Office and Eudora, are on the desktop in the labs.  For other software applications, follow these directions for your kind of workstation.

Windows users:          

Mac Users:              

Printing 

All labs are equipped with printers.  Some labs have more than one printer; you must choose the printer you will use if this is the case.

                    Windows Users:

  • Click on the Start Menu.

  • Click on Settings.

  • Click on Printers.

  • You will see a box with a choice of printers; click on the printer of your choice and close the dialogue box.

  • Open the software you will be using, and when you are ready to print, click on the printer icon. 

                    Mac Users:

  • Click on the How to Print icon.

  • Follow the directions for choosing a printer.

Students may print up to 110 pages free of charge each semester.  After that, each additional page costs 7 cents.  Your pages will be counted by the Computer Server. If you have any problems printing, you can ask a consultant for assistance or call the Help Desk.  You can view your charges by going to the first site below. The second site lists the email and telephone of the Computer Accounts office, which administers printing charges.

Accessing the Internet

Windows Users:    

Mac Users

Rules

There are some rules for using the labs. You ought to familiarize your self with them, because violation of them could mean losing your computing privileges. To read about these rules, go to the site below.

Learning to Use Lab Software

Currently, over 300 software packages are available in the labs.  If you are not familiar with a certain software package, you can take free seminars or use Web-Based Training to teach yourself how to use the software.  

Web Services

Every student is allotted web space for personal use.  Of course, certain rules apply to using PSU's web-space and you have to do a bit of email work before you can get started.  To apply for your web account go to the page below.

Help Services

If you have any hardware problems while using the labs, you can ask a consultant for help or contact the Help Desk  There are two Help Desks. One is in 2 Willard Building (863-1035). The other is in 215 Computer Building (863-2494). To view Help Desk hours, click below.  You can also email the Help Desk staff with specific questions: helpdesk@psu.edu.

Logging Off 

To log off of the workstation, follow the directions below.

Windows Users

Mac Users

 

 

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This page was last modified: 5/2/2008 2:55:53 PM .