Users Guide
Information Systems and Technology Department
Users guide
BLUEFIELD COLLEGE ACCOUNT INFORMATION:
Every student is assigned a computer "username" and password. The username is comprised of the first letter of your first name, your middle initial and your last name. Your password is comprised of the first 3 letters of your last name + your 2 digit birth month + your 2 digit birthday + the last 4 numbers of your social security number. (For example: Jane A. Doe, born August 2nd, social security number of 123-45-6789. Login account would be jadoe with a password of doe08026789. The email address would be with the same password). It is critical that you do not share your password with anyone!
All BC students will receive a BC email account. Please note that the primary channel of communication between BC and you will be your BC email address. It should be noted that some 3rd party products, such as the AOL and CompuServe browsers, and the dial-up accelerators for EarthLink and PeoplePC do not interface with our email system and therefore cause inconsistent results when try to check your email via the web. Please use Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator to access our email system. Your email account can be access from our webpage at www.bluefield.edu . The link to email access is located on the right hand side of the BC home page.
In order to access campus computer labs and other publicly accessible computers, you must login with your username and password. Your unique username and password helps identify you on the campus network and therefore grants you access/privileges to specific content areas. Due to this fact, it is critical that you do not share your username and password with anyone and that when you are finished using a computer that you logoff.
SPYWARE/ADWARE INFORMATION
What is Spyware?
According to http://www.whatis.com, Spyware is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge. On the Internet (where it is sometimes called a spybot or tracking software), spyware is programming that is put in someone's computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties.
Why is it called Spyware?
The name Spyware is derived essentially from the function of the software. This software is used to "spy" on your computer in order to obtain information that can be used for advertising purposes.
Is Spyware Illegal?
No, although many feel that Spyware is an invasion of privacy, there are no laws in place at this time that makes the distribution of such software illegal.
Can I stop the Spyware from being installed on my computer?
No, Spyware is installed without any user intervention.
How do I remove Spyware?
Spyware can be removed by running a Spyware Removal Tool which operates similar to an Anti-Virus program. You can download free Spyware Removal Tools for personal use from the following websites:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
http://www.safer-networking.org/
NORTON ANTI-VIRUS DOWNLOAD
As a BC student you will be given a copy of Symantec’s Anti-Virus program. This software is at no additional cost and is fully licensed to the student.
-
Residential students will download and install Norton following the instructions passed out at Registration.
-
Commuter students will go to http://bcweb.bluefield.edu/avreg to download and install Norton on their computers at home. It is very important that you uninstall any previously installed anti-virus program before you start the download. Commuter students are to disregard the Network Registration side of the web page. This is for Residential students only.
-
Please follow all instructions carefully. If you have any problems, contact the Department of Information Systems and Technology as outlined in this handout, page 11.
DORM INTERNET ACCESS AND THE WIRELESS NETWORK
-
If you are a resident student and wish to have high speed internet access in your dorm room for your personal computer, you will need to make sure your computer will pass our network compliance scan. Make sure your computer is up to date on operating system patches and has an up-to-date anti-virus program installed. Please follow the instructions for Network connection that will be given to you when you move into your dorm room.
-
The BC campus contains 4 areas with wireless internet access; the library, the student activities center, the open area between the cafeteria and library, and the picnic area between Lansdell Hall and the Science building. In order to gain access to this wireless network you will need to register your computer with the IST Dept. The IST Dept. will provide the necessary forms and instructions at their table during the fall registration process. Wireless internet access has no additional fees associated with it.
SMART CLASSROOMS AND THE BLUEFIELD COLLEGE VIDEO CONFERENCING FACILITY
-
BC is equipped with 13 SMART classrooms. The SMART classrooms are Science Building rooms 109, 121, 122, 222, 227; the Education lab, located in the bottom of Easley Library; the Dome in room 105; the Chapel in room 105; and Lansdell Hall rooms 101, 107, 111, 301 and 310. In order to use these rooms you must request access through your professor. These rooms also contain a special white board "tactile" interface for displaying computer graphics. They are not to be written on using dry erase markers.
-
BC is also equipped with a state of the art Video conferencing classroom located in the Science building room 122. This classroom enables two-way interactive voice-video communications via the internet. For questions concerning this room please contact a faculty member or the IST Department.
COMPUTER LABS
Computers are available for student use throughout the BC campus. In all of the labs you will log onto the computers using your Bluefield College account. Locations of all the computer labs are:
The Science labs computers are equipped with CD-RW capabilities.
DELL UNIVERSITY PURCHASING PROGRAM
-
BC participates in the "Dell University" program by which BC students receive discounts when purchasing Dell computers and accessories. Please see our web site for more information about "Dell University". The links are currently located on the IST Department main page and also the Undergraduate Program main page.
-
This site also contains information on computer systems which are specifically designed to work with the networking environment here at BC.
HOW AND WHEN TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
Methods for Contacting the IST Department
Office Hours: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Monday thru Friday
Office Location: Science Hall 126
1 – Email us at: (PREFERRED CONTACT METHOD)
Please include your name and a detailed description of the problem that you are experiencing
2 – Campus mail: Box 71
Please note your name, dorm building, room number, phone extension, and a detailed description of the problem that you are experiencing.
3 – Steve Kessinger, Director of Information Services & Technology, via phone at extension 286 or off campus 326.4286.
Please be aware that the IST staff is constantly in and out of the office. It may be very difficult to catch us in the office. However, you may leave
a voicemail including your name and a detailed description of the problem that you are experiencing. A member of the IST department will return
your call as soon as possible.
When to contact the IST department:
1 – Your Bluefield College account is not working for email, computers in the labs or Blackboard. You have used the proper format for user and password and still cannot log in.
2 – Your dorm internet account is not working at all. This includes no chat or web pages.
3 – There is something wrong with the phone in your dorm room.
The Bluefield College IST Department is unable to support hardware and software-related issues on a student’s personal computer. The IST Department can only support issues related to network connection. If you are experiencing problems that are not related to your network connection, please contact the vendor from whom you purchased your computer.
The Bluefield College IST Department does not handle problems relating to Library database access. Please contact the Library at extension 238 or 326.4238 off campus if you are having problems.
3000 College Drive · Bluefield, VA 24605
800.872.0176 ·
