Computer FAQ for Faculty and Staff
How do I login to a Calvin computer?
The login procedures differ depending on whether you are using a Mac or a PC
(Windows).
If you use a PC, your computer will display a
Novell Client login prompt when it boots up.
All PCs maintained by Calvin have the Novell
Client installed. You may login by simply
entering your Calvin username (ex. abc23)
and your Calvin passphrase. Please refer to
the “Security…” sheet.
If you are using a PC laptop, it must be
connected to Calvin’s network the first time
you login in order to create your user profile.
Once you have successfully logged in at least
one time, you may login off campus by
clicking the “Computer Only Logon” option
at the Novell Login prompt and logging into
the computer without connecting to Calvin’s network. If you need to connect
to your Calvin drives from off-campus please refer to the following web site for
detailed instructions: http://www.calvin.edu/it/core/network/vpn/
If you are using a Mac, you will login to a local account on the computer. If
you are not sure what account to use or you need a local account created,
please contact the HelpDesk. If it is a classroom computer, it should login
automatically when you turn it on. Once logged in, you can connect to your
Calvin network drives by clicking on the Go menu at the top, selecting Connect
to Server, typing in the appropriate server name (ex. “acadia” for your home
drive), and clicking the Connect button. When the login prompt appears, enter
your Calvin username (ex. abc23) and your passphrase. You should see an icon
for the appropriate drive mounted on your desktop. To dismount/logout, drag
the icon to the Trash in the dock.
If you are using a laptop and need to connect to your Calvin drives from offcampus please refer to the following web site for detailed instructions:
http://www.calvin.edu/it/core/network/vpn/
What is my Novell account and what do I use it for?
A Novell account is provided to you for storing your work-related and
instructional files on Calvin's network drives and logging into the network on
any Calvin computer. Please refer to the “File Storage for Faculty & Staff” sheet
for more information on where to save your files.
Can I access Novell drives from off campus?
Yes. If you are using a Calvin-owned PC or Mac laptop, please refer to the
following web site for detailed instructions:
http://www.calvin.edu/it/core/network/vpn/
You can also access your Novell drives from any computer with an Internet
connection via NetStorage. Simply load an Internet browser and go to the URL
http://netstorage.calvin.edu. Login with your Calvin username and
passphrase. Please refer to the following web site for more information on
using NetStorage: http://www.calvin.edu/it/core/network/netstorage.html
What email package do I use?
CIT supports Novell GroupWise as your email, calendaring,
task management, and contact management system. For
GroupWise FAQs, please visit
www.calvin.edu/it/core/email/faculty&staff/
To access GroupWise:
1. Login to the computer.
2. Double-click the GroupWise icon on your desktop or dock.
Can I access GroupWise from off-campus?
Yes, you can access GroupWise from off campus from any web browser
connected to the internet by going to http://webaccess.calvin.edu. You
can also install GroupWise on your personal computer. Please refer to the
following web site for instructions:
www.calvin.edu/it/core/email/faculty&staff/gwathome.html
Can I change my email address?
Your Calvin e-mail address corresponds with your unique Calvin username.
Your username cannot be changed unless you have gone through a legal
name change. You also have a default e-mail alias first.last@calvin.edu
(ex. john.calvin@calvin.edu). You can select a third email alias by going to
www.calvin.edu/it and clicking the Set/Change your GroupWise alias link
in the Your CIT Accounts menu on the right (direct URL
http://www.calvin.edu/cgi-bin/alias.pl).
What desktop software does Calvin use?
Calvin provides you with the Microsoft Office Professional suite. Office 2010 is
used on Windows PC computers and Office 2011 on the Macintosh. The
HelpDesk is available to answer your questions about using Microsoft Office
software. Your Calvin computer will also come with Novell GroupWise (e-mail)
and other programs necessary for printing, viewing PDF files, burning discs, and
viewing or listening to media. CIT provides and supports FireFox or Internet
Explorer web browsers on PCs, and FireFox or Safari on Macs. CIT also has
additional Adobe Creative Suite software available (Photoshop, Dreamweaver,
FireWorks, etc). You may use the software request form for additional
software requests:
www.calvin.edu/it/core/desktop_services/software/software_request.html
I need additional hardware/software installed on my office
computer. How do I get it installed?
Depending on your needs, the cost of additional hardware or software is either
part of your department’s technology budget or funded by CIT. Any additional
requests you have should be discussed with your supervisor or department
chair. After receiving approval, the request should be made by contacting the
HelpDesk. CIT will then work with you to assess your needs and determine the
cost to your department (if any).
Can I request computer or classroom audio-visual equipment for
temporary use?
Yes! These types of requests are handled outside of CIT by Calvin’s Audio-Visual
department. Through AV you can borrow a variety of audio and video
equipment as well as PC and Mac laptops for up to two weeks. To find out
what equipment is available and make a reservation, contact AV at 526-6334 or
visit http://www.calvin.edu/admin/av/
Does Calvin use a course-management tool?
Yes, Calvin currently uses Moodle (Modular
Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment)
as our Learning Management System (LMS). You
can login at moodle.calvin.edu or learn more at
www.calvin.edu/it/core/LMS/
I want specific educational software installed a computer lab or
Smart Classroom. How do I request this?
The cost of academic software should be included in your department’s
technology budget. This request should be made through your department
chair.
If approved in the technology budget, a request for the software to be installed
in labs/Smart Classrooms should be made by completing a Software Request
Form. www.calvin.edu/it/core/desktop_services/software/reserve_request/
Please complete the request form in advance of the corresponding dates
below.
Fall Semester: August 1
Interim/Spring Semester: December 1
Summer Semester: April 15
What is a “Smart Classroom”?
All of Calvin’s class rooms are equipped with technology. These “Smart
Classrooms” include audio-visual equipment such as an LCD projector and
screen, desktop or wall mounted speakers, wireless remote mice, the ability to
connect a laptop or other device, and an instructor’s desktop computer for
controlling presentations and video.
www.calvin.edu/it/core/facilities/smartclassrooms/