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) offers many resources to meet your computing needs and help you achieve your academic goals.

Getting Started

Before activating your USC computing account, you must be registered for classes or have paid your tuition deposit and certified that you will be attending USC. You must also agree to observe the university’s computing policies, which are available online at www.usc.edu/its/policies.

When you are ready to activate your USC computing account, visit www.usc.edu/firstlogin.

USC Computing Centers

The USC computing centers, listed below, offer technology-enhanced collaborative spaces, computers, wireless networking, laptop lending and printing services for USC students, faculty and staff. You may be asked to show your USC ID card.

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

For more information, including computing center hours, visit www.usc.edu/its/spaces/computingcenters.

Many academic units also run their own computer labs. Check with individual academic departments for details.

Connecting to USC’s Network

You can connect to the USC network wirelessly through ResNet.

Wireless

There are two ways to connect to the USC wireless network: USC Wireless and USC Wireless Plus.

USC Wireless: USC Wireless is an open network. You can connect without entering your USC user name and password. Because USC Wireless is an open network, ITS recommends that you use USC’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) software to protect your personal information when using this network. For more information, visit www.usc.edu/vpn.

USC Wireless Plus: USC Wireless Plus is a faster, encrypted network, available only to USC account holders. When connecting to USC Wireless Plus for the first time, you may need to configure your wireless device. For instructions, see www.usc.edu/wireless/plus.

ResNet

All the rooms in USC residence halls are connected to ResNet, a high-speed wired computer network. More information can be found at www.usc.edu/resnet.

ITS Resources

Computer Security

ITS recommends that you install and maintain security software and follow safe computing practices to help protect yourself and the USC community from malicious programs (viruses, worms), hacking attempts and online identity theft. Visit www.usc.edu/its/security for more information about how to keep your computer secure.

Google Apps at USC

As a USC student, you are eligible for a special Gmail account that allows you to use your @usc.edu email address. The Google Apps at USC account provides over seven gigabytes of online storage space, access to Google’s online word processing and spreadsheet programs, sharable calendars and more. Once you have completed the first login process, you can visit www.usc.edu/its/google for more information, or go directly to getgoogle.usc.edu to set up your Gmail account.

Antivirus and Other Software

Free antivirus and other software is available for download at software.usc.edu. You will need a valid USC login.

Blackboard

Blackboard is the online learning management system used by many USC instructors to provide digital copies of syllabi, course notes, handouts, media files, Website links, hosted discussion forums and other course-related resources. Blackboard allows you to upload assignments, take quizzes, communicate with classmates and track your progress in your classes. Blackboard is available at blackboard.usc.edu.

myUSC

myUSC, the university’s portal, provides personalized access to wide-ranging campus resources in a single location. Features include university and student group announcements; national and university news and events feeds; and access to online registration, OASIS, Blackboard and other services. To access myUSC, go to my.usc.edu.

USCmobile

USCmobile gives you access to a broad range of USC content from your Internet-enabled phone, including campus directories, maps, news, events, USC Bus routes and schedules, and more. USCmobile is available at mobile.usc.edu.

Computing Ethics

Computing and network misconduct is a serious violation of academic values, and some acts of misconduct are addressed specifically by criminal and civil law. All USC account holders are expected to respect the rights and property of others and to familiarize themselves with USC’s computing policies by reviewing them online at www.usc.edu/its/policies.

Copyright Compliance

USC expects members of its community to familiarize themselves with copyright laws as they pertain to the educational environment. You can find a copy of the annual copyright compliance letter that is sent to all students at www.usc.edu/its/copyright/letter. Additional information about copyright issues related to digital media and technologies is available at www.usc.edu/its/copyright.

Peer-to-Peer File Sharing

ITS provides a variety of resources to help students understand how peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing programs function and the risks involved in using them. P2P file sharing programs include applications such as BitTorrent, Gnutella, Vuze and iMesh. See www.usc.edu/its/copyright/brochure for more information.

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 consult@usc.edu.

Online Help

Students can learn more about ITS at www.usc.edu/its.

IT at USC E-newsletter

IT at USC is an e-newsletter designed to create a sense of IT community across campus. Each issue includes stories, computing self-help articles and announcements. You can sign up for IT at USC for advice about safe computing practices and updates on IT developments across campus on the ITS Website. Go to www.usc.edu/its and scroll down to the lower right-hand corner.