Faculty and staff frequently asked questions

Have a question? Look here to see if we have an answer. If you still need help, come and see us inside the Center for Commerce and Technology Building, Room 124, call us at 706-507-8199, or e-mail us at helpdesk@colstate.edu.

1. How do I submit a request through eQuest?
2. Why does the technician need the PO and packing slip when installing new equipment or software?
3. What is a network connection and why do I need it?
4. What are data files and where are they saved?
5. What’s the difference between a network and local printer?
6. How can see what my default printer is?
7. What is special software?
8. What is standard software?
9. Why can’t I download software?
10. What is a refurbished computer?
11. What is a peripheral?
12. How do I clean my computer?
13. How do I clean my mouse?
14. Why should I be concerned with physical security?
15. What kinds of things could an intruder do if they had physical access to my computer?
16. What can I do to prevent an intruder from having physical access to my computer?
17. Why do I need to shut down my computer?
18. Why should I change my password?
19. I still have a question that was not answered here.

1. How do I submit a request in eQuest?

Login to CougarNet and click on eQuest.

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2. Why does the technician need the PO and packaging slip when installing new equipment or software?

Checking the paperwork will determine if you received the equipment you ordered. For example, did you order extra memory, a larger hard drive, a CDRW, or a special video card? The technician will check the contents and contact the vendor if there is a mistake.

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3. What is a network connection and why do I need one?

A network connection provides access to shared files, resources, software programs and the internet. Network connections are required for access to the CSU network.

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4. What are data files and where are they saved?

A data file is a document you create using software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Publisher, etc.

By default, your data files will be saved on your hard drive in folders such as C:\My Documents or C:\My Files. Click on the “My Computer” icon on your desktop to see the documents or folders you have created on your hard drive.

Saving files to your "H: Drive" will ensure access to those files from any computer on campus. The H: Drive is your personal storage space on a network server, and cannot be accessed by anyone but you.

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5. What's the difference between a network and local printer?

A network printer is connected to the network and can be shared by multiple users. A local printer is connected to a computer and is used by one user.

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6. How can I see what my default printer is?

1. Click the ”Start” button in the bottom left corner of you screen.
2. Click “Settings
3. Click the “Printers” folder.
   The default printer will have a checkmark in a circle above the printer name.

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7. What is special software?

Software programs not listed as standard software. Proof of purchase and licensing is required before software will be installed. Examples of special software include:

• AutoCad
• Crystal Reports
• Quark
• AdAstra
• EDU Express
• SPSS
• BlackBaud
• PeopleSoft
• Unique Academic Programs

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8. What is standard software?

• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher and FrontPage)
• Banner/Main Menu
• Internet Explorer
• Mozilla FireFox
• Quick Time
• Real Player
• Windows Media Player

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9. Why can't I download software?

Software such as screen savers, search programs, Weatherbug, Precision Time, and Webshots, can cause computer crashes, software conflicts, degraded network performance, annoying pop-ups, viruses and other security vulnerabilities.

A low priority will be assigned to service requests submitted to correct problems created by users who install or download programs such as those listed above.

Installation of job-related software will be done by a CINS technician provided proof of CSU purchase and licensing is available.
For more information, see our Computer Software Policy.

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10. What is a refurbished computer?

Bad parts are swapped out, the hard drive reformatted, and the standard campus software programs installed. The computer is tested thoroughly by CINS technicians before it is reassigned.

All computers should be refurbished before giving them to other users. This eliminates cluttered hard drives and bad or malfunctioning parts.

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11. What is a peripheral?

A peripheral is a device that is connected to a computer such as a printer, modem, mouse or keyboard. A peripheral is usually a device that is connected to a computer but is not included within the computer case. Other examples of computer peripherals are zip drives, external hard drives, graphics, tablets, scanners, monitors and speakers.

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12. How do I clean my computer?

It is recommended that you clean your input and output devices from time to time. Why?

• Dirt on a scanner's scanning area can affect the scanned images' quality.
• Toner, liquid, or dust can affect the quality of printed images.
• Dirt can affect or destroy a keyboard.
• Dirt can propagate on a monitor, making it hard to see your work.
• Dirt can cause a mouse to behave erratically.

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13. How do I clean my mouse?

To properly clean the mouse, you will need to:

1. Remove the tracking-ball access plate according to the arrows.
2. Remove the ball and examine for any distortion. If there are any deformities, replace the mouse tracking ball or the entire unit.
3. Look in the mouse cavity that houses the tracking ball and remove any lint or dust
4. Look at the rollers that would normally border the tracking ball. These rollers usually get a greasy build-up. Take a tiny pan-head screwdriver and scrape off the buildup.
5. Use a lint-free damp cloth to wipe off any grease or dust on the tracking ball. DO NOT USE ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL on the lint-free cloth; USE WATER, and make sure the mouse is completely dry before re-inserting it back into the tracking ball cavity. Do not use alcohols for cleaning as alcohols will shrink the mouse ball.
6. Use canned compressed air to give a final dusting. (Air can be purchased at most office supply stores.)
7. Replace the tracking ball cover and test.

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14. Why should I be concerned with physical security?

Because you may have sensitive and/or vital documents stored on your computer and because it is connected to the CSU network and the rest of the world through the internet.

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15. What kinds of things could an intruder do if they had physical access to my computer?

• If you are logged in to the network, an intruder can access, and make changes to any of the information that you can access and make changes to.
• They may be able to bypass the login screen and access all of the files stored on your computer. An intruder could copy your files to diskettes, print, or delete your important files.
• An intruder could use your computer and their own hacker tools to attack and compromise another computer, on or off campus. A good hacker would not even have to sit down at your computer to do this. Remember, your computer is connected to the internet!

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16. What can I do to prevent an intruder from having physical access to my computer?

• Log off your computer if you are going to be away from it for more than a few minutes. Don't give anyone easy access.
• Lock your office door anytime that you are out of the office. Again, don't give anyone easy access.
• Shut down and turn off your computer each night and anytime you will be away from it for more than a few minutes.

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17. Why do I need to shut down my computer?

Simply turning off a computer by pressing the power button can cause hard drive damage? Always follow the proper shut down procedures by pressing Start and Shut Down to avoid hard drive failures.

Remember to close all programs on your task bar before shutting down your computer.

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18. Why should I change my password?

CSU faculty, staff and students are required to change their network passwords periodically. Here are just a few reasons why this is a good idea:

Would you want someone to

• Read you e-mail?
• Send e-mail from your account?
• Alter or delete your documents stored on the network?

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19. I have a question that was not answered here.

Still need help? Please visit our Knowledgebase.

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