Frequently Asked Questions

Topics:

My computer has a problem :

Q How do I get rid of a virus?

The surest way to remove malware infections from your computer is to drop it off at the Helpdesk. If you prefer to do it yourself, try Malware for instructions on how to use some popular, free anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. Alternatively, you can look at the step-by-step Malware Removal Guide .

Q I keep getting all these weird popups I don't want, what's going on?

You probably have a virus and/or spyware. Check out this guide for information on malware removal.

Q My computer is running really slow…

If you run Microsoft Windows on your computer, the most common cause is a virus/spyware infection (see above). There are also some easy maintenance things you can do periodically to keep your comp in ship shape. It's also possible that your hard drive is failing, or that you have some other hardware or software issue. If you bring your computer to the Helpdesk, we will be able to help you more accurately diagnose the problem.

I'm having problems using the Grinnell College network

Q I'm locked out of my account! What do I do?

Read Using Grinnell Password Reset to unlock your account

Q How do I access the college's wireless?

The instructions are different for Windows Vista , for Windows XP , for Mac OSX (10.5 Leopard) , for Mac OSX (10.4 Tiger) , and for Linux . As the instructions indicate, you have to use Cisco Clean Access Agent to get on the network if you use Windows. Here's more instructions on Clean Access if you need them. If you went through the Clean Access steps and it's asking you to do them again, read here about the simple way to overcome this. If you prefer to use a wireless connection manager other than Windows, look here for general instructions. We also have specific instructions for the T-Mobile Connection Manager .
Getting people on the wireless is the most common problem that the Helpdesk deals with-it's our specialty-so don't feel shy about bringing it over to the Forum for us to look at if these instructions don't help.

Q Can I store data on Grinnell's network?

Yes! Each student automatically has a folder at Grinnell where you can save files and access them anywhere on campus or around the world.

Q How do I get to my Storage Server?

Here are instructions for accessing your computer from a Mac , a PC , or off campus .

Q What is "Trend Micro Officescan "?

Trend Micro Officescan is the anti-virus software that the College distributes via Clean Access in order to keep its network clean. If Officescan alerts you that it have found viruses it can't remove, you can follow these instructions for running Sysclean , also made by Trend, which may be able to remove your viruses.

I have a printing question

Q Can I print to a campus printer from my personal computer?

Yes! Go here and select your operating system for instructions.

Q How do I add a printer?

Go here and select your operating system for instructions.

Q I'm in the CCL and I tried to print. Why isn't my document coming out?

You need to release the document, at the printer. See ColorPrinting (even if you want to print in black and white).

When will a TC be available (Academic Year Hours )

Statistics Lab:

Burling 1 ^st:

IIF:

CCL:

MathLAN :

AV Center and Helpdesk:

TCs are always available during open office hours.

I graduated…

Q How do I get rid of Trend?

After you leave the warm arms of GrinnellCollegeWireless and choose to install your own anti-virus software, you can read here for how to do so.

Q I'm getting warnings that my account is going to be shut down. What should I do?

Make sure you back up any important documents saved on the storage server to your computer. Also, make sure to back up any emails you want to keep, as once your account is closed you will not have access to your Grinnell mail account. If you only have a few emails you need to save, you can simply forward them to a different email account. If you have a lot of emails you need to save, try one of the methods described in Archiving Email . Also, you may want to read this policy .

Reserving a Room in ARH

There are two ways to reserve a room in ARH:

1. If you want to reserve 224 or the Cultural Education Center, you will need to speak to someone in the AV Center. Anybody working for the AV can do this!

2. If you want to reserve any other room in ARH, you will need to call Conference Operations in the JRC at X3178 to reserve the room. Office of Conference Operations closes at 5 PM.

How to Call the Helpdesk

Some Helpful Hints

1. Pick up the phone.

2. Dial x4400. We are not the Sexual Abuse Hotline (x4440). That's awkward.

3. While the phone is ringing, think about the question you're going to ask. Here are some helpful thoughts you could be thinking:

• Am I really trying to call the Helpdesk, or am I actually looking to call the Sexual Abuse Hotline? Or Security? (x4600). (If yes, hang up)
• Is my question something that can be answered by a simple Google Search? (If yes, hang up, and open Google.)
• Will the Helpdesk workers laugh at me while I'm on hold? (Your next step really depends on you, and how secure you feel with yourself. If you are generally a very emotional person, hang up, and phone a friend, maybe x3230. But if you think you can handle it, proceed.)

4. If you still think you have a legitimate question, continue letting the phone ring.

5. Eventually, or not, someone at the helpdesk will answer cordially: "Hello, Helpdesk, this is ___, how may I help you?"

6. Ask your question. Be specific, and use words that we recognize. "Thing" and "It" and are not helpful. " Janky " and " Diabeetus " however, are acceptable. We also recognize the word "hemoglobin" but if you're calling about your hemoglobin, you should probably hang up and dial x3230.

7. Once your question is answered (or once you're asked to bring your computer to the helpdesk because putting it in a box of cornflakes didn't work this time) feel free to hang up and continue enjoying your day.

Thank you, come again.