Getting Started with Technology at ASU's West Campus

I'm a new hire, where should I begin?

Here is a suggested minimum to make the best use of your resources, office computer and network:

1. Self-subscribe for your ASURITE UserID and services.
2. Get an electronic mail account.
3. Register your e-mail address at the Electronic Post Office (EPO).
4. Faculty: Learn about Blackboard and requesting a course shell

Once you're up and running, schedule some time to learn about resources available, especially:

1. Technology training available.
2. Campus AntiVirus services.
3. File services available for faculty and staff.
4. Our site-licensed software.

You can install many of the supported software applications through IT's self-install service. If you need any help, contact the IT Help Desk to request an appointment for assistance from support personnel.

What is the IT Help Desk? What kind of help can I get?

The IT Help Desk is the first point of contact for technology service requests from West campus faculty and staff.  Help Desk technicians take requests for service by phone, via our online Help Desk service request system and over the counter.  Most requests will be dispatched to appropriate IT staff, who will set up accounts and services, perform computer repairs on ASU computer systems, schedule consultations, answer questions, schedule training, etc.  You may contact the IT Help Desk at 602-543-4357.

Where can I get computer training?

IT offers both short courses and in-office training. ASU students should register at Technopolis (543-8278); Faculty/Staff should contact the IT Training Program (543-7025). 

I'm worried about computer viruses, what should I do?

There is information and help available for protecting yourself from virus problems at our antivirus site.

I'm lost in a sea of acronyms, help!

Aren't we all? Here's an acronym list that may help clear some of the confusion.

• ASU Acronymns
• Internet Terms

I'm moving offices, is that a problem?

Generally this is not a problem. Do you need help moving heavy pieces? If so, you need to contact Facilities Management to arrange for your office furnishings to be moved. Facilities will not disconnect computer equipment. If your new location is 'network ready', you can disconnect and move the computer equipment yourself, if you wish. Otherwise, contact the IT Help Desk . Arrangements can be made for a technician to first survey your new area for the necessary connections, and then relocate your equipment for you.

I need access to Advantage, HRMS and SIS. What do I do?

Advantage, HRMS and SIS are mainframe applications administered at the University level. Procedures for obtaining access can be initiated through the IT Help Desk.

I've been told I should clean my temp files? How do I Do this?

The reasons for doing this on occasion are numerous, but the most common reason is to free up disk space. When an application loads on a Windows machine, it often creates a temporary file (or files) for faster load times. When the application is exited, it is supposed to remove these files but sometimes it doesn't. Regular cleaning of your Temp directory can reduce clutter on your drive and make your system more efficient; however, this is not required to keep your system running.

On Windows XP, cleaning your temp files is as easy as going to the Start Menu, and choosing Accessories-System Tools-Disk Cleanup

How do I clear my browser history? Do I need to do this?

Depending on your preferred browser, OS and browser vesion, there are different steps to successfully clear your browser cache.

If you are using Internet Explorer, the cache is referred to as "temporary files". Do a search on this term from your help menu and IE will walk you through the process to limit the size of your temporary files folder and to set the number of days for old pages you'll cache.

If you are using Mozilla, these temporary files are called "disk cache". Do a search on this terms to locate the preference option for setting limits on your cache size and when to empty the cache.

Just as clearing out your temporary system files is not always necessary, clearing out your browser cache is not needed to keep your system running. However, unlike the Temp directory, the browser has built in limits on how big it can get before it starts deleting files all on its own. The default settings should maintain oft-visited pages for quick reloading.

How do I locate a specific file on my hard drive or on my server space?

For Windows machines: Go to Start/Search. The program will guide you through choosing the type/name of file that you would like to find. If you are unsure of the complete name of the file, you can use the "*" to expand your search. For example, if you wanted to find a file called "Budget.xls" you could search for it by typing "bud*.xls" or "budget.*" and find that file.

For Apple machines: Go to the File menu, and select "Find." In the text box, type the name of the file that you wish to search for and press return. Just like on the Windows machines, using the "*" variable will help find a file when you are unsure of the full name.

Why should I call the Help Desk if I already know who to call in IT?

There are times when you would not be able to reach your favorite contact, or when they're not the most appropriate resource for your request. It's best to contact the IT Help Desk . They can document and direct your request to the most appropriate IT staff member available, so service can be provided in a timely manner.  

Can't you just show me what I need to know?

IT staff are extremely busy delivering technology support services for the office, classroom and infrastructure. While we are happy to provide some personal consultation by appointment, we have other alternatives to accommodate staff and faculty training needs. IT offers a variety of training classes each month and places a great deal of our resources in developing assistance via our Web site.

Why do I get referred to other service organizations?

The nature of all our jobs has become more complex. IT maintains the campus computing environment, which includes resources shared by all departments. Some services are still provided by ASU's Tempe campus, your college and outside vendors. 

My computer doesn't work!

Always start with a full reboot. If that doesn't work, please contact the IT Help Desk and an IT consultant will assist you in determining the problem.

Which is better, a Mac or a PC?

Macs! PCs! Macs! No, wait...recently, both platforms have migrated closer together and neither one is functionally much more or less capable than the other. It really comes down to your individual preference. IT supports both platforms.

Can I get the latest Windows and Mac operating systems from IT?

Yes. These are available through the IT Help Desk. IT will continue to support new versions of both the Windows and Mac operating systems, as they are released. Current versions (and cost, if any) for all recommended software are also available online.

What site license software is available?

IT has a campus site license for MS Office, as well as a number of instructional, enterprise and Webbased software services. For a full list of client software recommended and available specifically for West campus, see Recommended Software.

Everyone talks about an ASURITE UserID. What is it?

Everyone affiliated with the university has a unique ID for accessing online services. This ASURITE UserID, which you receive by self-subscribing, remains with you for as long as you're affiliated with the university. Some of the services your UserID accesses include e-mail, MyASU, and file and print services available via network access.

I have my ASURITE UserID, but my password doesn't work when I try to use it at the West campus?

Although the UserID is the same, the passwords can be different on ASURITE and ASUWEST accounts. You can synchronize your ASURITE and ASUWEST passwords online.  If you've forgotten your password, please contact the IT Help Desk for assistance.

I forgot my password, what do I do?

Which password? You can reset your ASUWEST account password from the ASURITE Password Change page at the ASURITE site. If you've forgotten your ASURITE password, faculty and staff should contact the IT Help Desk and ask for assistance. Students may ask for assistance in Technopolis. In the future, you might want to activate the identity verification option for ASURITE, available off the ASURITE service management menu.

How do I change my password?

You can change both your ASURITE and ASUWEST passwords at the ASURITE site. Other passwords, e.g. the password for Advantage or HRMS, can usually be changed within the application.

I was told never to share my password? Why?

The risks are not restricted to just the owner of the account. Internet hackers can use any compromised account to break into shared servers and services or into other computers anywhere in the world. These "hackers" may also put viruses or trojan programs on the machine.

Group accounts and shared passwords expose network systems to legal and security problems that require enormous staff resources to solve once they occur. Please consider your account your personal responsibility and take this responsibility seriously. This does not mean that shared resources aren't available. Options for faculty/staff, instructional and course management, and student collaborations are available online.

My network doesn't work!

Occasionally the network or the machine you are working on will go down for a short period of time. A software or hardware failure on your machine can masquerade as a network outage. Before calling the IT Help Desk, reboot your machine by turning it off, wait a minute, and turn it back on. If it still doesn't work, ask if other people in your location are having a problem with the network. If not, call the IT Help Desk .

What is the network, and how do I use it?

A number of servers and services are available to you which allow you to print to network printers, use shared software, store your files on servers (where they are regularly backed up), and use space on the campus Web. Information and training on any of these services are available online.

I've got a new computer; what should I do about getting it on the network?

Contact the IT Help Desk and let them know you have a new machine that you wish to use on the campus network. Be prepared to tell them the property control number and the serial number of this new machine. A service request will then be generated to get you up and running.

My computer asks for a domain. What is this?

Your computer sits on the network, allowing you access to a number of file and print services. You can reach these services from one, integrated logon. To access our campus services, faculty and staff logon to the ASUWEST domain, students logon to ASU.EDU.

How do I map a network drive?

It helps to know where on the network your desired service or folder resides.

For Windows machines, information is on the web for mapping a drive and for Apple machines, it's done through the Connect to Server option on the File menu.