SCampus Student Guidebook

Information Resources

Computing Resources

Information Technology Services
Customer Support Center
(213) 740-5555
Email: consult@usc.edu
www.usc.edu/its

Information Technology Services (ITS) is responsible for serving the university community’s information technology needs – through integrated networks, academic computing and telecommunications.

Students at USC receive access to the following information services, among others: free email, Internet access, high-speed wireless network, free security software for download, online course materials (Blackboard), public computing centers and labs (some open 24 hours) and computing help.

To take advantage of these services, students must be enrolled for classes. See Getting Started – Computing or www.usc.edu/its/new/students.html for more information.

Public Computing Centers

ITS provides free access to nearly 1,000 networked public machines on campus, all of which feature high-speed Internet connections and many popular software applications. You will find machines in the following computing centers:

• Leavey Library’s Information Commons (lower level and second floor)
• Waite Phillips Hall (WPH B34)
• King Olympic Hall (KOH 206)
• Henry Salvatori Computer Science Center (SAL 125)

These public computing centers provide unlimited use of Macintosh, Windows and UNIX workstations, as well as scanners and laser printers. There is a charge for printing, but all other services are free. USCard discretionary funds are the only method of payment accepted in public computing centers.

For a list of public computing center hours and locations, visit www.usc.edu/its/pcc. In addition, many academic units run their own computer labs. Check with individual academic departments for details.

Connecting to USC’s Network

There are several options for connecting to the Internet and accessing USC resources, both from home and while on campus. For more information on the available options, see below and/or visit www.usc.edu/connect.

Wireless Access

Most outdoor common areas, libraries, auditoriums and eateries – including the University Village food court – have been configured with wireless access points. New locations are added regularly. To find wireless locations and learn how to set up your computer to access the USC wireless network, visit www.usc.edu/wireless.

ResNet

All the rooms in USC residence halls, as well as some areas of Leavey Library and the Marshall School of Business, are hooked up to ResNet, a high-speed computer network. ResNet allows you to bypass your modem and enjoy free, high-speed (10 megabits per second) Internet access. To learn how to connect to ResNet, visit www.usc.edu/resnet. For more help or information regarding ResNet in residence halls, call the TrojanHousing Maintenance office at (213) 740-4646.

Dialup

USC has more than 1,000 modems that off-campus students may dial into for university-provided Internet access. For phone numbers and setup instructions, visit www.usc.edu/its/doc/dialup.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

USC’s VPN allows access to USC-restricted resources through a wireless connection or private Internet service provider (ISP). To ensure the security of wireless connections, Information Technology Services recommends the use of the VPN client at all times. For more information about the VPN client, see www.usc.edu/its/vpn.

ITS Resources

Computing Security

Computer security is a fundamental and necessary practice for all computer users. A secure computer protects itself against viruses, worms and hacking attempts. Instructions on how to keep your computer secure and links to free antivirus software can be found at www.usc.edu/its/security.

Email

USC offers Webmail and supports various email clients. The USC email system is protected by antispam and antivirus software. To learn how to use USC’s email system, visit www.usc.edu/its/email.

USC Email Retention Policy

Current policy is to automatically and permanently delete all email older than one year from ITS servers. For instructions on how to archive your email, visit www.usc.edu/emailbackup. For additional information, call (213) 740-5555 or email consult@usc.edu.

Course Web Sites and Materials

The Blackboard Web site is the online portal used by many USC professors to provide electronic copies of syllabi, reading materials and handouts. Blackboard allows students to participate in online discussions or take quizzes with automatic grading and immediate feedback. Blackboard is available at blackboard.usc.edu.

Computing Ethics

Computing and network misconduct is a serious violation of academic values. Furthermore, some acts of misconduct are addressed specifically by criminal and civil law. A code of ethics exists for users of USC networked computers to maintain the integrity of the connected systems and to protect the rights and intellectual property of other users. All USC computer users are expected to respect the rights and property of others, and to understand that sanctions will be brought against those who fail to do so. Users are expected to familiarize themselves with USC’s computing policies by reviewing them online at www.usc.edu/its/policies.

Help

Network and Software

If you need help with network connectivity and software, contact the consultants at the ITS Customer Support Center at (213) 740-5555 or email them at consult@usc.edu.

Online Help

Students can learn more about USC’s Information Technology Services at www.usc.edu/its.