Center for NASA Research & Technology
South Carolina State University
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Frequently Asked Questions
- I lost my disk! What can I do?
- What sort of disk can I use?
- How much does it cost to use the computers?
- What type of computers are in the lab?
- When is the best time to use the computers?
- How do I make suggestions?
- How do I contact the lab?
- How do I make a reservation to use the lab?
- I am an instructor, how do I reserve time to bring my class into the lab?
- I am an instructor, how do I get software loaded into the lab for my class to use?
- Are there other labs available for public use?
- I prefer the Macintosh, what should I do?
- Can I use my own software in the lab?
- Can I download files from the Internet?
- How can I set up an e-mail account?
- Can I use a scanner?
- Can I print to a color printer?
I lost my disk! What can I do?
Don't Panic! If you left your disk in the lab, there is a good chance we still have it. Next time you come into the lab, contact a lab monitor and ask them to show you the lost disks. Lost disks are kept in the lab lost and found for about 2 weeks before being recycled. Hopefully you put a label on your disk so you can tell it apart from all the other ones!
What sort of disk can I use?
The computers in the lab can access 3.5 inch floppy disks, but they must be formatted to work with an IBM-compatible machine. Basically, unless your disk has been formatted on an Apple computer, it should be okay. If you will need to save, but don't have a disk, the bookstore sells floppy disks, or request a recycled disk if any are available.
Please do not use old disks, especially those with loose metal protectors which may cause the disk to hang up inside the drive. It's your work! There are a few lab computers with "bad" floppy drives. So insure that the floppy drive functions correctly before you create a file to save on a floppy disk. The broken drives will be replaced when time permits.
CD burners are also available on some of the computers. It is recommended that you use CD-R disks with these CD recording drives.
Also, the term “floppy disk” is deceptive: a 3.5 inch floppy disk is actually cased with hard plastic, but it is still referred to as a “floppy.”
How much does it cost to use the computers?
There is no charge for using the computers. However, there are some printing restrictions you need to be aware of.
What type of computers are in the lab?
The 12 computers in the lab available for general use are all PCs running either Windows 2000 or Windows XP. There are no Apple computers available in the lab. The 3 Linux systems currently in the lab (back row) are not available for general use. In the near future there may be one or two Linux systems available for general use. If you would like to use Linux just let the lab director know.
When is the best time to use the computers?
The lab tends to be filled during late mornings. If possible, try to avoid dropping by the lab at this time, as you will most likely be required to wait in line to use the lab.
Also bear in mind that classes may be using the lab. Check for class reservations before using the lab.
How do I make suggestions?
E-mail your suggestions, comments, or (although hopefully not) complaints to the lab manager.
How do I contact the lab?
That's an easy one. You can call us at 516-4899, or come into the lab (there is always an assistant on duty when we are open), or by e-mail.
How do I make a reservation to use the lab?
At this time, there are no provisions for individual students to reserve time in the lab.
I am an instructor, how do I reserve time to bring my class into the lab?
To reserve time for your class, either call the lab at 516-4899 or come into the lab in person and ask to speak with the lab manager. All classes should be reserved at least one week in advance, and the lab is available on a first-come first-served basis. It is not unusual for classes to reserve time a couple months in advance, so if you know when you will want to be in the lab, contact us ASAP. Please remember that your class should not be considered reserved until you have received confirmation from the lab manager.
I am an instructor, how do I get software loaded into the lab for my class to use?
First you have to have the software, with enough licenses for use by your students. This is important, so that we do not violate any copyright laws or license agreements. Next, contact the lab manager in person with information about this software. Depending on the complexity of the software install, we may be unable to add your software in a timely manner, so be sure to contact us well in advance of your need. After the installation, you will be notified that your software is ready for use.
As a rule of thumb, software to be added to the lab must be given to the lab manager more than one week before the beginning of the semester.
Are there other labs available for public use?
Yes, at Moss Hall.
I prefer the Macintosh, what should I do?
Provided your word processing or Internet files are placed onto an IBM-compatible disk, you should be able to use our lab without problems. (The Internet and word processing programs are extremely similar between the PCs and Macs.) If your files are on a Macintosh-formatted disk you must transfer your files to your IBM-formatted disk before using them in the lab.
Can I use my own software in the lab?
No.
Can I download files from the Internet?
No.
How can I set up an e-mail account?
Lab computers are not set up to handle personal e-mail accounts.
However, there are a number of free Internet e-mail services on the web. Many students have already set up accounts with “Yahoo” and “HotMail.”
Please note: CNRT has no affiliation with any of the Internet based e-mail services. These services are not supported by the staff, and we can be of no help with details of account information. (Basically, if you loose your password, we can do NOTHING!)
Can I use a lab scanner?
Yes, but you should know how use one.
Can I print to a color printer?
No. due to the prohibited cost, use of the color printers are restricted to CNRT staff.
