Tech tips for the winter term

Posted on: January 7, 2015 | By: Ryan Gay | Filed under: Tech Tips, Service Desk

With students arriving on campus for winter term, there are a variety of questions the Technology Service Desk receives in regards to accounts, wireless networking, and other technology needs. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Change your password

The start of a new semester is the perfect time to change the passwords to your online accounts. Since you’re already getting accustomed to a new schedule, why not get accustomed to a few new passwords.

  • Email – Elon’s self-service site will allow you to change the password for your email account, Moodle account, and wireless access. If you haven’t visited here before, make sure you click the ‘Sign Up’ button.
  • OnTrack – Your OnTrack password is managed individually from other Elon University accounts. Click the ‘What’s My Password?’ link at the bottom right of the page.
  • But what if I don’t have a good password idea? Visit this website to generate a strong, healthy password that you never even considered.

Always confirm technical requirements

It’s always stressful when you attempt to access course materials online and your computer can’t view or display the webpages you need for class. It’s important for students to make sure they know what the technical requirements are beforehand. This includes making sure that a variety of computer software is up-to-date before the class begins. The most common items you want to make sure are up-to-date are Java, Flash, and your web browser. Try accessing course materials early so that you can and know how to navigate them. This will prevent you from wasting valuable course time trying to figure out the technology.

Print Stations

Students have the ability to send documents to printers across campus using only one print driver. When printing a document, you will be prompted to enter your Elon University username (without @elon.edu) in order to successfully send the document to print. The printers are now more secure because you are required to swipe your Phoenix Card at the desired printing location to view your printable files. If you have forgotten your Phoenix Card and attempt to use a friend or colleague’s, you will only see their available print jobs, not your own.

Please note that OSX Yosemite is not currently compatible with the print stations. A compatible driver is currently pending by the vendor.

Computer repair services

Many students approach the Technology Service Desk in search of repair services. Unfortunately, we are unable to work on personal devices. However, we recommend students take advantage of the following local businesses for computer repair:

  • Best Buy – 1465 University Drive / 336-584-0297
  • The Computer Dept. – 1409 University Drive #2 / 336-756-7654
  • Sites Computer Resources – 336-585-2032 / 1712 Westbrook Avenue
  • AirTrack Devices in Burlington – 336-586-9001 / 3400-A South Church Street

If you have any questions involving technology, please contact the Technology Service Desk at 278-5200, or at helpdesk@elon.edu.

 Image by Flickr user Elon University

Ryan Gay

Ryan is the Manager of Service Management & IT Project Lead for Instructional & Campus Technologies. He has received both undergraduate and graduate degrees in English from UNC-Greensboro.

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