Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
Getting Started with Computing @
McMaster
Welcome to McMaster!
Our purpose is the discovery,
communication and preservation of knowledge.
In our
teaching, research and scholarship, we are committed to
creativity, innovation and excellence. We hope that this guide
will assist you to access the technology tools and information
you need to achieve your goals while at McMaster University.
For assistance, please contact the Technology Service Desk at
uts@mcmaster.ca or at 905-525-9140 ext. 24357. For locating the
Student Technology Centres, Campus Bookstores and the
Technology Service Desk, refer to the map on the back of this
booklet.
Technology Tools at McMaster
University Technology Services (UTS) provides many services
that you will use throughout your stay here at McMaster
University. Some of these services include:
• McMaster University Gateway to Student Information
(MUGSI)
• Student On-line Academic Registration (SOLAR)
• E-mail (MUSS)
• Use of Student Technology Centres
• Printing, Scanning and accessing the Internet from
Student Technology Centres
• MacConnect – using ports & wireless connections to use
your computer on campus
• Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
• Software Depot
• WebCT
• WebK drive
1
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
For a complete description of all of these services, and
managing your MAC ID visit the MAC ID homepage at
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/macid
To access these services, you need to activate your MAC ID
account and enable your MAC ID services
To Activate your MAC ID account
Please go to the MAC ID homepage at
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/macid and select the link “How to
Get a MAC ID – Students” and follow the instructions
carefully. Your MAC ID is your most *IMPORTANT* tool to
accessing the services offered by UTS. Your MAC ID is *NOT*
your student number, rather it is a portion of your family
name. You must activate and enable your MAC ID services to
access many of the important UTS services such as e-mail
(MUSS) and wireless networking.
If you need to use a computer in a Student Technology Centre
to activate your MAC ID, please speak with one of the Student
Consultants in the centre about a temporary login ID that you
can use for this purpose.
When you activate your MAC ID, you are required to
acknowledge the MAC ID Terms of Use, which includes the
McMaster University Code of Conduct for computer and
network users. You can read it at
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/policy/netcond.htm
2
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
Managing your MAC ID account
Please visit the MAC ID homepage at
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/macid and select the “Managing
your Password” link where you will be able to:
•
•
•
Change your MAC ID password
Enable the self-service MAC ID password reset feature
by establishing challenge questions and answers
Obtain a new MAC ID password if you have forgotten
yours using the challenge questions and answers
previously set up
Note: Changing your MAC ID password will change the
password for all of the services that use your MAC ID, such as
E-Mail, the Student Technology Centres, MacConnect, VPN,
WebCT, and others.
If you are having difficulty managing your MAC ID and cannot
remember the answers to the questions that you have chosen,
or did not set up your challenge questions, you will need to
visit the Technology Service Desk in T-13, Room 127, to have
your MAC ID password reset. Please bring along your student
ID card. Alternatively, you may also call the Technology
Services Desk at 2-HELP (x24357) to have your password reset
over the phone. Please be sure to have your student card
present as it is needed to finish the password reset process.
Once you’re able to access your account, you must change your
password immediately!
3
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
Your Web Pages
You can create your own personal WebPages for others to see
at http://muss.mcmaster.ca/~macid/
For people to view your Webpage, you must create a file called
default.html
To upload files for your webpage, you can just log into the
MUSS E-Mail server at https://muss.mcmaster.ca and click on
the link called Web Site. For more information go to:
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/policy/wwwpol.htm
Student Technology Centres
You can visit one of the Student Technology Centres available
on campus for use by students. The Student Technology
Centres offer printing and scanning services and are staffed by
Student Consultants who can help you with computing issues.
It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with these Centres as
they are also used for classes and tutorials.
You can log into computers in the Centres using your MAC ID
account.
To learn more about the Student Technology Centres, please
visit:
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/students/techcentres.htm
The Student Technology Centres hours of operation can be
found at:
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/students/hours.htm
4
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
Printing and Scanning Services in the Centres
Scanning is available free of charge in all the Student
Technology Centres. You can print documents in the Centres
for 10¢ per page. Money can be added to your print account
with cash at Titles Bookstore or Mediashop.com in HSC. Your
account will be updated overnight and you will be able to print
the next day. Should problems arise, please bring your receipt
to one of the Centres.
Electronic Mail (E-Mail)
Your E-Mail address will be: MAC ID@mcmaster.ca
E-Mail is available through MUSS (McMaster Undergraduate
Student Server) for undergraduate students. Graduate
students have E-mail accounts on UNIVMAIL. The MUSS EMail account gives you up to 15 MB of storage, and 3MB of
web space, while UNIVMAIL gives you 50 MB of storage and
3MB of webspace.
MUSS accounts can be accessed online at:
https://muss.mcmaster.ca
UNIVMAIL accounts can be accessed online at:
https://univmail.mcmaster.ca
My Profile under the MUGSI link is where you can view and
maintain your contact information. This includes E-mail,
mailing and permanent address information. Your professors
will contact you through your MUSS E-mail address, so it is
important that you check it regularly. However, you may keep
your preferred E-mail account by redirecting your MUSS emails to an account of your choice. To access your McMaster
email account through other clients, visit
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/help/email.html
5
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
MUGSI (McMaster University
Gateway to Student Information)
MUGSI enables you to view and print your personal, academic
and financial information. You can check your grades, print
your timetable, update your mailing address and find your
exam schedule, among other things. MUGSI also has links to a
number of other important tools you will use while at
McMaster.
To visit MUGSI online, go to: https://mugsi.mcmaster.ca/
If you experience problems using MUGSI, contact the
Technology Service Desk at ext. 24357.
If you do not have access to a computer or to the Internet,
please visit one of the Student Technology Centres shown on
the map on the back of this booklet.
Other Resources
Registering Online for Courses (SOLAR)
SOLAR is an online course registration system. Detailed
instructions are available at the Registrar’s page:
http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/gettingregistered/index.htm
Be careful - there's a 45-minute time limit for registration. After
this period, any unsaved changes will be lost. A warning will
be presented 10 minutes before the session expires. You can log
on again to pick your courses should you exceed the time limit.
It is advisable to pick your courses before registering them
online. SOLAR is accessed online through MUGSI. The
Undergraduate Calendar can be found at:
http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/calendar/year2006/
6
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
WebCT
WebCT is a web application that lets you access information
such as posted assignments, notes, quizzes or solutions to tests
or exams, provided by your professors. For more information
visit the following website:
http://www.webct.mcmaster.ca
LearnLink
LearnLink is an electronic learning environment unique to
McMaster University that is used by instructors to provide
course material along with inspiring collaboration and
discussion. For more information visit the following website:
https://www.learnlink.mcmaster.ca
WebKdrive
WebKdrive is a service that allows access to course folders that
you would regularly access on the K: drive in the Student
Technology Centres, from anywhere on or off-campus via a
web browser. Simply go to http://webkdrive.mcmaster.ca/ and
log in using your MAC ID.
Using the Library e-Resources from off-campus
LibAccess is the system that provides easy access to library
e-resources from off-campus. Research material, such as
journals and government documents, are available
electronically from your home computer, so you can do
research even when the library is closed! For more information
please go to: http://library.mcmaster.ca/libaccess.htm
7
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
Connecting to the Internet
In Residence
MacONLINE provides the telephone service and Internet
connection for students living in residence and is included in
your residence fees. In addition to the Internet connection,
each student has a telephone with its own extension number,
call-display, call forwarding, conferencing and voicemail.
Long distance service is provided to you at competitive rates
for both North American and International calls.
For more information on Internet service, go to:
http://www.mcmaster.ca/maconline or call ext. 27740
For more information on Telecommunications, go to:
http://telecom.mcmaster.ca or call ext. 26664
From your laptop on campus
MacConnect lets you connect your computer to the network
from common areas like the Student Centre (MUSC), the
Libraries, and common areas in residence. You need an active
MAC ID account.
There are two ways to connect to
MacConnect: you can either plug your computer into a
MacConnect port using a network cable (standard RJ-45
straight-through cable, available in Titles Bookstore and other
off-campus computer stores), or you can use a standard 802.11g
wireless card to establish a connection to a wireless access
point. An 802.11b card will also work, but we recommend the
802.11g card as this can increase your network connection
speed.
8
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
Look for the maroon and white signs that mark MacConnect
wireless areas:
For questions or connection assistance, call
the Technology Service Desk at ext. 24357 or
email uts@mcmaster.ca
For detailed instructions on MacConnect and accessing the
Internet on campus, refer to the VPN section on page 10.
Need More Information?
For assistance with any of the services mentioned in this
booklet, please talk to one of the Student Consultants in the
Student Computing Labs located in the following locations:
Arthur Bourns Building (ABB) 166, Burke Science Building
(BSB) 201, John Hodgins Engineering Building (JHE) 234, and
Kenneth Taylor Hall (KTH) B123. You can also visit the
Technology Service Desk in T-13 room 127.
Sites
Room
Extension
Arthur Bourns Building
166
26107
Burke Science Building
201
24820/22085
John Hodgins Engineering
234
Kenneth Taylor Hall
B123
Titles’ Bookstore
Gilmour Hall
Basement
24751
Mediashop.com
HSC/1G1
22288
Technology Service Desk
T-13/127
24357
9
24529
24230/24165
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
McMaster University students use a VPN connection to connect
to the internet. McMaster University operates a Cisco VPN
server and provides compatible client software available to
students, faculty and staff. It is necessary for people who have
laptops or other wireless devices to connect to the VPN
network.
Instructions may change pending emerging technology. For up-todate instructions please visit:
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/network/vpn/
How to install VPN onto your computer:
From Home
1. To install VPN onto your computer you must first go to
the website: http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/network/vpn/
2. This website will provide the software necessary for
your laptop to connect to the McMaster servers.
3. The link that offers the software is under the heading
Cisco VPN Client Software. Select the proper operating
system that you have.
4. Once you have clicked on the proper link, you will be
led to detailed instructions on how to install VPN.
5. You must download the software by clicking Cisco VPN
client, and follow the steps on the next page.
On Campus
1. Turn on your laptop and plug your Ethernet cable into a
MacConnect data jack or make sure you’re in an area
with wireless coverage and a good signal strength.
10
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
2. After the operating system starts up, click on your
browser and it will automatically take you to
http://macconnect.mcmaster.ca/
3. Click on Wireless @McMaster and follow the
instructions.
a) After running the VPN software you will get the
following screen:
b) If you are connecting from:
• On campus: click on MacConnect (Connect from a
MacConnect Port).
• Home: click on McMaster VPN (Connect from
Home)
You will be required to enter your MAC ID username and
password:
11
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
c) If successful, the following message will appear. Click
Continue.
If you are having trouble with VPN, please refer to the online
FAQ guide found at:
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/network/vpn/vpnfaq.html
12
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
Quick Links
University Technology Services
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/
MUGSI
https://mugsi.mcmaster.ca/
Office of the Registrar: Getting Registered
http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/gettingregistered/index.htm
Undergraduate Calendar
http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/calendar/year2006/
Mac ID Homepage
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/macid
Student Technology Centres and Hours of Operation
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/students/techcentres.htm
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/students/hours.htm
MUSS and UNIVMAIL
https://muss.mcmaster.ca/
https://univmail.mcmaster.ca
WebCT
http://www.webct.mcmaster.ca
LearnLink
https://www.learnlink.mcmaster.ca
13
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
WebKDrive
http://webkdrive.mcmaster.ca/
LibAccess (e-Resources)
http://library.mcmaster.ca/libaccess.htm
MacOnline Internet Services
http://www.mcmaster.ca/maconline
Telecommunications
http://telecom.mcmaster.ca
Virtual Private Networking
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/network/vpn/
Glossary of Terms
LearnLink
An online environment for discussion and collaboration.
MUGSI
McMaster University Gateway to Student Information.
Personal, academic, and financial information is viewed
here.
MUSS
McMaster Undergraduate Student Server. This is
the undergraduate email server.
SOLAR
Student On-Line Academic Registration. This is where
students can add/drop their courses and complete the
payment agreement.
14
Getting Started with Computing at McMaster
2006-2007
VPN
Virtual Private Networking is used to connect to the
McMaster intranet. This also provides access to the
Internet for wireless laptops and wired computers
through the MacConnect ports.
WebCT
Web Course Tools is often used by professors to post
lecture notes online, quiz and test marks, as well as
assignments.
Buildings
ABB
Arthur Bourne Building
BSB
Burke Science Building
KTH
Kenneth Taylor Hall
JHE
John Hodgins Engineering
HSC
Health Sciences Complex
T-13
Temporary Building 13
15