Frequently Asked Questions
Submitted by idolp on Thu, 02/26/2009 - 12:28
How do I change my e-mail/network/WIN password?
Press the Ctrl-Alt-Del buttons and select the Change a Password (Vista) or Change Password (Windows XP) button. “Log on to DEACNET” must be selected before you enter your new password in Windows XP. In Vista, type the old and new password and confirm the password. If you are off campus, connect to VPN first. If you need assistance changing your password, contact the Information Systems Service Desk at xHELP. You will be required to provide proof of identity.
Do I have to change my e-mail/network/WIN password?
Yes, you need to periodically change your password for security reasons. You cannot re-use the same password. Passwords must be 6 to 8 characters long. Passwords must contain a combination of letters and numbers but not special characters like *@#.
Allow 45 minutes to one hour for your passwords to synchronize across all WFU systems.
Passwords expire and cease to work after six months.
If I am away from campus can I change my password?
Yes. You will need to connect to VPN. Then connect to the Internet and change your password.
Do I need to log on to the wired campus network?
Yes. Log in on a regular basis (weekly). Software fixes and upgrades that Wake Forest has received from software vendors are sent to the ThinkPad through the wired network. Logging on also offers access to network printers and shared files.
Do I always have to log on to Deacnet?
Yes, even when off-campus. If you remove yourself from the Deacnet domain, you will no longer be able to log into the ThinkPad. To rectify this issue bring the ThinkPad to the Service Desk.
Is the ThinkPad protected against viruses?
Yes. Virus-protection software is loaded when the ThinkPad starts. If you disable this software, you will no longer be protected and this could mean the loss of the entire contents of the hard drive. Viruses can spread through e-mail, shared files and instant messaging.
How do I move between the wired and wireless networks on campus?
Be sure you are in a wireless zone. You can then unplug the Ethernet cable from the ThinkPad. Wait for the login prompt. If the prompt does not appear, click the Windows Wireless Network Connection icon (Vista) or the Access Connections icon (Windows XP) in the System tray.
How many network (data) jacks are active in my residence hall room?
There is one active data jack per student per room.
How can I create my Wake Forest University home page?
Go to the WFU Preferences Web page.
I am a faculty or staff member. How do I print to a network printer?
Contact your department’s technical support resource for a list of network printers and connection instructions.
I am a student. How do I print to the pay-for-print system?
From the current application you are using, choose the print command and in the print window pull down list select \\washington\zsrlibrarybw to print to any of the library’s multi-function printer/copiers. Swipe your WFU ID card at the location of your choice in the library to obtain your printed material.
How do I prevent data/file loss?
When you create a file, name and save it immediately. Save often! Make backups. Don’t store or transport backups with the ThinkPad in the event of theft. Turn off the ThinkPad properly. Wait for the ThinkPad to completely shut down or hibernate/stand-by/sleep before moving the ThinkPad. Scan for viruses. Don’t install other software applications.
Why should I make a backup of my data/files?
Data/files can be lost as a result of a stolen ThinkPad, viruses, faulty hard drives, and power outages, among other reasons. Backups will prevent the loss of irreplaceable data/files and valuable time spent trying to re-create data/files.
How do I store data/files on the server space available to me?
Students are allotted 25 MB of file server space on the Academic Computing (AC) file system. While connected to the campus network, to access your space on the file server.
- Vista
Go to the Network icon on the desktop and open the Shortcut to Academic File Server (Acfiles) icon and then put files in the MyBackups folder.
- Windows XP
Go to My Network Places on the desktop and open the Shortcut to Academic File Server (Acfiles) icon and then put files in the MyBackups folder.
Why should I put all my data/files in the default folder?
- For Vista
All files you create using Wake Forest standard software, when saved, are automatically stored in a folder called Documents, located at C:\users\ username \documents. There is a shortcut to this folder on the desktop and in the Start menu. Inside this folder are subfolders named after the programs (e.g., Word, Excel, and Acrobat). When data/files are saved, they are stored inside their respective folders. Thus, if you create and save a file in Word, it is stored inside the Word folder in Documents.
- For Windows XP
All files you create using Wake Forest standard software, when saved, are automatically stored in a folder called Userdata, located at C:\Userdata. There is a shortcut to this folder on the desktop and in the Start menu. Inside this folder are subfolders named after the programs (e.g., Word, Excel, and Thunderbird). When data/files are saved, they are stored inside their respective folders. Thus, if you create and save a file in Word, it is stored inside the Word folder in Userdata.
Can I load other software on the ThinkPad?
Software required for coursework that your professor has instructed you to load can be installed. No other software should be installed since it can potentially cause problems. If a problem is caused by non-standard software, the Service Desk will reload the ThinkPad with the standard software load. A reload erases the hard drive and re-installs the standard software. Back up your data before you bring the ThinkPad to the Service Desk walk-in area for repairs.
Why won’t the Service Desk transfer media files if the ThinkPad needs to be reloaded?
To avoid possible infringement of copyright laws, the Service Desk is unable to transfer media files.
Getting your WFU E-mail without the ThinkPad
All new students will access their WFU e-mail through WFU Google Mail.
Upperclassmen, faculty and staff may use WebMail for checking new messages. Use this Web link when you do not have access to the ThinkPad and Thunderbird Mail.
Using Outlook/Exchange for your e-mail and calendar? Use this Web link when you do not have access to the ThinkPad.