Room Access / Problems
Equipment
Sound
Display
Computer
Software
T: Drive
Network
Q) What do I do if I want additional software installed on the classroom computer?
A) Due to the way that we have our security set up, you do not have permission to install software on any classroom computers.
The Classroom Support staff would be happy to install additional software for you, but we do ask for one week notice to test the
software and install it on the particular computer you have requested. Please visit the
software request page to submit such software requests.
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Q) Whom do I contact to schedule a room?
A) Instructors or departmental representatives may contact Space & Scheduling,
Office of the Registrar, at 644-1050 to reserve a general purpose classroom. Space & Scheduling schedules both regular
semester classroom times and "special event" times.
Please note: Students and student organizations wishing to schedule rooms in the Oglesby Union should call 644-6083.
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Q) Whom do I contact to reserve audio-visual equipment such as a VCRs, TVs, overhead projectors, etc.?
A) Contact Audio/Visual Distribution Services either by their
web form or by contacting
AV Distribution at 644-3535. Please make your request at least 24 hours before you plan to use the equipment.
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Q) Who can show me how to use the equipment in the classrooms?
A) Anyone in classroom support who works between 7:30am and 9:30pm Monday through Friday. Please
make an appointment at least one class day in advance if possible.
Training can be just before your class or some other time when the classroom is vacant. Contact Classroom Support @ 644-2811
and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
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Q) I need an instructor account to use the classroom computer.
A) Go to our
New Account
page to register. A confirmation web page, with further instructions,
will be displayed in your browser and sent to your e-mail account.
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Q) I have an instructor account and would like to change my password.
A) Login at the classroom computer with your current username and password.
When you see the desktop display, press [CTRL]-[ALT]-[DELETE] and click the "Change Password" button.
Enter your current password once and your new password twice, and click "OK".
You can then use your same username and new password.
To maintain one password for all FSUID accounts, please call the
OTC Helpdesk at 644-HELP to have your password reset.
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Q) Is a wireless microphone available for my classroom?
A) Yes, some of our rooms are provided with wireless microphones. Currently,
wireless mics are in the following rooms that show a "WM" abbreviation
in the
list of Classrooms.
If you are having problems with the wireless mic, please
report
the problem to us.
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Q) Why are there two computers in some rooms, and only one in others?
A) Some instructional software can only be run on one kind of computer. Some of our classrooms have a Macintosh computer.
In order to ensure that your teaching material will be available to you in all TEC classrooms, be sure your software will run on
IBM-compatible computers. Please review our
list of Technology Enhanced Classrooms
to check on availability.
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Q) The equipment is dirty. Can I help by cleaning it?
A) No. Please do not clean the equipment. Many pieces of our equipment are very delicate, and if cleaned improperly can cause the equipment
to malfunction. If any of the equipment is dirty, please contact us so we can clean it as soon as possible.
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Q) How do I send a report about equipment problems in the classroom?
A) Call 644-2811 to report a problem during class if you need immediate attention. Or, after you have logged in,
click the exclamation mark icon on the classroom computer desktop. Your message will be sent to us and we will do our best
to respond as quickly as possible. If your situation isn't urgent then call 644-2811 or e-mail
classroomsupport@fsu.edu with your problem report, question, or comment.
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Q) How do I report a physical problem (e.g. broken window, etc.) with any general-purpose classroom?
A) Call the Service Center directly at 644-2424 or report the problem to
Classroom Support and we will report the problem to the campus Service Center.
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Q) I understand there is a way to get my computer files ready for use on the classroom computers by using a "T: Drive".
How do I transfer files to my T: Drive from my office or home computer?
A) We have supplied directions for Windows computers using SSH
found on this page.
The TEC file server only supports secure FTP connections. You can no longer transfer files to or from your T drive using non-secure software
such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
NOTE: we have received some reports that the SSH Client Transfer is not 100% reliable in terms of uploading files.
SSH has stopped producing updates for this service and therefore it causes a potential conflict when trying to upload files.
If you are experiencing issues or want greater guarantee that the procedure will work the first time,
please have a look at our How To on using CoreFTP
found on this page.
This also does not require you to have an FSU IP address to download the file as well.
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Q) The computer gives me a message asking if I would like to login in with my local or roaming profile, what should I do?
A) Click the "Yes" button. The computer had difficulty writing your profile to the server last time you logged out.
Everything should still function correctly.
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Q) Why won't the computer let me login? It says "Invalid password or username".
A) If you are receiving this error, you may wish to review the details of the login process
found on this page. If you still receive the same message, please call 644-2811 classroom support
to verify your username, and/or reset your password.
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Q) My presentation/lecture has audio in it, but I do not hear anything when the sound is supposed to play.
A) Make sure the speakers are turned on. Then, make sure the computer volume (controlled from the speaker icon) or the VCR volume
(controlled from the LCD projector remote) is properly adjusted. There is also a separate volume control for the CD or DVD player.
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Q) Can I turn the sound off in the classroom?
A) Yes. You can either turn the speakers down or off, or you can turn down the audio on the computer or VCR itself.
To turn down the audio for the computer itself, you need to double click on the speaker icon in the bottom right hand side of
the computer next to the clock, then lower the slider that says "Volume Control" down to the bottom, it is on the far left side of the window.
The VCR volume is usually controlled by the LCD projector remote or is set permanently at one volume.
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Q) I'm getting no sound or poor sound from the VCR tape I recorded on another VCR.
A) You might have to make audio playback adjustments on certain PANASONIC VCR's if there is no sound or the sound is poor quality.
Adjustments must be made using an infrared remote control by pressing the white button in the lower left corner labeled "SAP/HI-FI".
With the VCR playing a tape, press the SAP/HI-FI button once while looking at the on-screen display. Four choices may appear, titled HIFI
(L/R), HI-FI (L), HI-FI (R), and NORMAL. Press the SAP/HI-FI button repeatedly to move the selection arrow and to switch among the choices.
Select the choice producing the least or no background random noise, the best fidelity, and true stereo if the tape was recorded in HI-FI stereo.
Please note the following.
[1] If a tape was RECORDED in HI-FI, selecting the HI-FI mode in PLAYBACK should result in the highest quality audio with no background
noise and true, two-channel stereo audio through systems configured for stereo.
[2] If a given tape was not recorded in HI-FI, selecting HI-FI may result in extreme background noise and no usable program audio.
[3] If a given tape was RECORDED in a stereo NORMAL mode, playback selection of the NORMAL mode will result in MONAURAL audio, not stereo audio.
[4] Program audio level may differ between the HI-FI mode and the NORMAL mode.
[5] If TRACKING is adjusted during playback, program audio may switch from HI-FI stereo to NORMAL monaural.
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Q) Can I use the CD format CD-R or CD-RW in the classroom computers?
A) Yes, you can use either format in any of our computers. Unfortunately, CD writing is not an exact science. It is highly recommended that
all "home-grown" CD's are tested in a regular CD-ROM drive (not a CD writer) before they are used during a class in case the writing failed.
A CD may appear to have been written properly when it was not.
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Q) What precautions can my class take when using PC-formatted disks in a Macintosh?
A) Never use an "untitled" PC-formatted floppy disk or "Zip-100" Zip disk in any of the Macs in the classroom (or public labs).
There are a variety of problems when disks are used in this state. The problems are random and varied so some people might claim
they've never had a problem. It is most safe if the disk is PC-formatted IN THE MAC before the first file is saved to it.
When formatting in the Mac, you must title the disk to make it perform most reliably. To format a Zip disk, go to the Control Strip
(usually in the lower left-hand corner), select "Iomegaware", and Open Tools. You can reformat Zip disks for either Macintosh or PC (DOS)
format. PC format is recommended by most instructors as the most compatible. If you observe your Zip disk behaving erratically
(icons shuffling around or constant file recounts), drag the entire Zip disk to the Documents folder (creates backup), reformat the Zip disk,
and copy the original contents back to the "clean" Zip disk. Also, don't ever eject a floppy or Zip disk until the application that has used it
has been quit. Then, return to the desktop and drag the disk to the trash to eject it. This is even more critical for Zip ejection now that our
new Zip drives don't have an eject hole.
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Q) Can I use a laptop for presenting my material?
A) Yes, in most of our rooms. In order to take advantage of the laptop connection, your laptop must have a "Video Out" port. Once you have located
this port, you need to plug a VGA cable into it, and configure your laptop to provide this port with the VGA signal. For instructions on how to
do this, consult the documentation for your laptop. In addition to the video cable, there should be a place for you to plug in for audio.
You are responsible to supply your own laptop video and audio cables. Most laptop computers require a function key or software command to
activate/deactivate the laptop video output signal. This chart lists the video activation commands for common laptop manufacturers and models.
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Q) How can I connect to the Internet with my laptop?
A) For Internet access, your laptop must have an ethernet card properly installed, and your computer must be configured to use DHCP. See instructions
on
this web page for connecting via DHCP.
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Q) I cannot get the screen to display computer, laptop, VCR, etc.
A) First check that the appropriate switch box is set to the correct setting (e.g. "Cabinet Computer", if you are trying to display the
computer). Then make sure that the projector is set to display the correct signal. On the remote, the "Data" button projects a computer
image and the "Video" button projects a VCR image.
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Q) Why won't the LCD projector turn on?
A) Make sure the remote's on/off switch (on the right side of the remote) is "on" and make sure any LCD power switch
(looks like a light switch) is in the on (up) position. Not all LCD projectors have a power switch. It takes awhile for the projector to
come on. It is not advisable to turn the projector on and off without waiting for at least a minute. If the projector is not operating,
with the power switch and remote both on, then turn off the power switch and wait a full minute before turning it on again.
If a power switch is not installed then contact classroom support via the icon on the screen or by some other means.
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Q) Why is the wireless microphone not working?
A) There are three possible solutions to this problem. The first is that the microphone may not be turned on.
Make sure the power switch is in the "On" position.
Another situation may be that the volume is turned down, please refer to our
classroom listing
to see how to adjust the volume in each classroom.
The third situation is that the battery may be dead. On most models, press the check battery button to see if at least one green bar appears.
If it does not, the battery is dead. On other models, if the small red LED flashes briefly once when the microphone is turned on, the battery is
still good. If it does not, the battery is dead. If the battery is dead and a replacement isn't available please contact
classroom support (644-2811) immediately so it can be fixed.
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Q) How can I have a clock or timer displayed on the screen for the entire class to easily see?
A) For a clock on a PC go to Start (menu), TECAD Classroom Links, and click on the Web Clock link. If you are using a Macintosh computer
click on the Launcher button named Classroom Links, and then click on the button that says Web Clock. For a timer on the PC, double click the
"Exam Timer" icon on the desktop. To display the time left for a fixed length quiz or test, under "How long is this quiz/exam?", select how many
hours and how many minutes the exam is. Click "Start". To display the time left for a quiz or test ending at a specific time, under
"When does this countdown end?", select the hour and minute the exam will end. Select 'AM' or 'PM' and click "Start".
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Q) Can I use the SSH File Transfer Client to upload files to my T: Drive?
A) YES! In fact, the TEC file server only supports secure file transfers now. For information on obtaining and using SSH, please refer to our
How To on Transferring Files Using SSH
found on this page.
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Q) Can I use wireless networking in the Technology Enhanced Classrooms?
A) No, wireless networking is not a classroom initiative, but if you would like more info on wireless networking at FSU,
look here.
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Q) I want to show a DVD in my class but there is no DVD player. Can I show my DVD?
A) Yes, you can show your DVD using the PC in the classroom. To do so, follow these easy steps:
- If you have not done so, you must sign up for a classroom computer account. To sign up for an account, please visit the
Instructor Tools page and click on New Account.
- Using your classroom account, log onto the computer in the classroom.
- Once you are logged on to the computer, insert your DVD into the DVD drive in the computer.
If your DVD does not automatically begin playing, click on the Start Button in the bottom left corner of the PC screen.
Then click on Programs and then DVD software. From the DVD software shortcut, click either of the DVD player programs.
Both players will work exactly the same.
- Using the DVD software controls, you can control the DVD player just like a normal DVD player. Return to top
Q) Can I play a Mini-DVD in the Sony DVD players in the classrooms?
A) No, you cannot play Mini-DVD's on the Sony DVD players. This can damage both the DVD and the DVD player.
However, you can play a Mini-DVD on the computer by using WinDVD. To learn more about using WinDVD, please refer to
I want to show a DVD in my class but there is no DVD player. Can I show my DVD?
Q) Can I play a VCD that I have made in a classroom?
A) Yes, you can play a VCD in a Technology-Enhanced Classroom, but it must be played through the computer using WinDVD.
If you have any questions using WinDVD, please refer to
I want to show a DVD in my class but there is no DVD player. Can I show my DVD?.
Note: The quality of a VCD is less than that of a DVD and may not be as clear as a DVD.
Some common symptoms are blockiness and skipping. Also, the brightness and contrast may have to be adjusted from the
WinDVD interface to make the image look better when it is projected.
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Q) What do I do if I want to use a classroom outside of my regular class time?
A) Please refer to our how to on After Hours Classroom Access Procedures
found on this page for any information you may
require.
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Q) Why does the audio from my older VHS tape sounds poor in the classroom but it sounds all right on my VCR?
A) The VCR cannot determine the proper way to play the audio and needs to be set manually with the remote control.
Please call 644-2811 and let us know so we can meet you and set the mode for you.
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Q) How can I guarantee that all aspects of my Power Point Presentation will be transferred to my disk and usable in the classroom?
A) In Power Point 2000 there is a feature called pack and go. The pack and go feature allows the user to transport all aspects of their
Power Point Presentation. This feature is used when you save your presentation. In the "File" menu click on "Pack and Go."
From this point follow the instructions that Power Point prompts you to. Under the links option be sure to "check" the "Embed True type Fonts"
option, this will insure that all your fonts are carried over. The final option, "Viewer" allows you to carry a viewer on your disk in case
the computer you are going to be on doesn't have Power Point 2000. All of the
TEC classrooms
have Power Point 2000 installed on the computers, so there is no need to include the Viewer.
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