Welcome to
Computing in Geoscience!
A Brief Introduction to Computing at the
University of Leicester.
Andrew Myers.
http://www.le.ac.uk/geology/gps
Please sign-in on the sheet!
Computing in Geoscience.
The use of IT and Computers for:
 Communication (e-mail, WWW, Word, PowerPoint,
BlackBoard).
 Storing information (Windows Explorer, backups, file
transfer).
 Processing Data
Word-processing (Word 2007).
Numerical analysis (Excel 2007) (and much more).
 Preparing reports - combining many of the above.
 Presentations/Seminars : PowerPoint 2007.
Agenda.
Computing survey returns (previous years):
All have some familiarity with PCs.
All use internet.
Almost all e-mail.
A few have used programming languages.
This session aims to show you where you
can learn more:
How does the Leicester PC Network
operate?
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Access and Security.
Common Applications.
Hints on “effective” use of the system.
By the end of this week
you will have.
Chosen a password and logged in.
Sent and received e-mail.
Defined e-mail folders.
Updated your Windows setup.
Saved files to your network file space.
Printed some output.
PC Operating Systems (OS).
Disk Operating System (DOS).
Windows 3.1, 95, 98, Me, 2000.
Novell, Windows NT 3.x, NT 4.
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University of Leicester is based on
Windows XP Professional clients.
Windows 7 next???
The Leicester Campus Network.
Multiple identical machines, accessible by
multiple users.
Rooms : G73 (19 PCs) & LG5 (12 PCs).
Usernames and Passwords.
Login : Password security!
Central File Server.
http://www.le.ac.uk/its/cfsxp/
Windows Explorer.
Drive names (letters):
 Z: Drive - your own files. Quota 100 to 150* Mb.
 C: Drive - hard disk drive (on local machine).
Creating files and folders, not on C: !!!
Filenames.
File Extensions (.txt .doc .exe .xls)
Copying Files.
USB Memory stick.
Profile Quota (12 Mb).
Microsoft Applications.
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Internet Explorer IE7 (Web Browser).
http://www.le.ac.uk/geology
Word 2007 (Word processor).
Excel 2007 (Spreadsheet).
PowerPoint 2007 (Presentations).
Access 2007 (Database).
Outlook 2007 (e-mail client + more).
e-mail : Outlook 2007.
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Sending mail: Choose a sensible
title!
• Usernames and the @le.ac.uk
• e.g.
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gps@le.ac.uk
Receiving mail. Barred files.
Mail folders.
Separate Mail Quota (100 Mb).
SPAM!
Webmail :
http://webmail.le.ac.uk
Printing.
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Printers and print queues:
• Laser printers : mostly mono and some colour.
• Hewlett Packard (HP) printers most common.
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Print & Transfer Stations.
• Control printing. User gets printout if/when
•
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they want it (and pays for it!).
Printing from the station debits your balance.
Print Queues : Jobs stay 2 hours only.
A4 Duplex 7p per sheet, simplex 5p per sheet!
Colour A4 20p/38p per sheet
Colour A3 40p/76p per sheet.
Where to get more information…
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Help for each application.
• Always present in windows applications.
• Always a good time investment.
• Flexible, Learn as you go.
 The CWIS :
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http://www.le.ac.uk/its/info/
Library IT Service Desk ithelp@le.ac.uk
Your tutor.
Fellow students.
You can e-mail most of these!
Blackboard.
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Blackboard : Link on UoL Home Page.
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Supports online learning and teaching.
Accessed via a web browser.
Login with CFS username and password.
Intro : Personal Development Planning
(PDP) with Dr. Sarah Davies.
Some Hints!!!
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Invest in a USB memory stick(s).
Do be prepared to invest time in
learning the systems.
Do ask questions (module teachers,
demonstrators, tutors, computer
helpdesk).
Don’t rely on printing all your work at
the last minute; you’ll be in a big
queue.
“I lost my file…” is never an acceptable
excuse for late work.
Viruses and Hacking.
You, and your work, are dependent on the
availability and security of the system.
IT Services, with full support from
departments, will disable the accounts
of students who abuse the system!
• CFS is protected by anti-virus software, but no
software is 100% effective.
• Sophos anti-virus is available for student use.
http://www.le.ac.uk/its/help/sophos.html
Wireless Network.
Look for the sign!
http://www.le.ac.uk/its/wireless/
• Wireless hot spots located around the
campus. Requires CFS account.
• Wireless printing service, based on WARP.
• http://www.le.ac.uk/its/warp/
I.T. skills are not an option!
They are vital key skills for the rest of
your life, at University and beyond.
Explore the Leicester CFS system.
Learn and enjoy!
Following weeks!
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By next week we will assume you can:
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Send and receive e-mail.
Print output.
Start to use Microsoft Office.
Do Practice!
You will be given an exercise involving Word and
Excel in Week 3:
The objective is to develop everybody’s skills to the level
for future work. If you find it easy, it is important that you
do it so we know you can. If you find it hard, do as much
as you can, then we will assess how to assist you in
developing your skills further.