A Quick Guide to IT Services for Staff
Your Computer Account
Your user ID is usually in the format of xy3 (your initials + a number). You should keep your password to yourself and change it on a regular basis. There is a change password link at http://inet.soas.ac.uk/change-password. You will be asked to set up some challenge questions so that you can log in when you forget your password.
New staff members should automatically be given an account by their faculty/unit administrators. You should change the password after your first login (follow the link above). If you take over a job from someone else, make sure you start using your own user ID from day one. In certain cases, you can request that important e-mails from the previous post-holder are forwarded to your address.
Computer Equipment and Software
Your faculty should supply you with the computer equipment and software you need. If you need to purchase new computer equipment or software you should consult your faculty administrators. Details of IT purchasing procedures can be provided by the LIS Service Desk.
- You can contact Sandy Nicoll (an2@soas.ac.uk), IT Executive Officer, if you have any enquires regarding hardware and software purchasing.
- It is important to note that any use of unlicensed software on school computers is subject to disciplinary actions.
- Information about software site licenses, and discounts on software can be found via the links on the LIS web pages at: http://www.soas.ac.uk/lis.
Internet Access
Internet access is available on all office computers. Always consult the Service Desk, if you want to provide any services (e.g. web server) from your computer on the School’s network or connect any devices (e.g. switch or router) to the network.
Connecting Laptops or other devices to the Network
You can connect your personal laptop or mobile devices to the wired/wireless network in many locations in the school. Please refer to our Using Personal Equipment at SOAS page for information on how to hook up to the Internet.
Your user ID is also your email address (e.g. xy3@soas.ac.uk). You can access your email at http://mail.soas.ac.uk. You can customise your e-mail address by creating a friendly address (or alias e.g. an.other@soas.ac.uk). To create an alias visit https://inet.soas.ac.uk/friendly.
Your Files
We recommend that you store your files on the network (X: drive) rather than on the hard drive of your computer. Then your files are regularly backed up and they won’t be lost when your computer crashes. On most of the office computers in the School the My Documents folder is linked to your personal folder on the X: drive. You should also back up your files regularly onto your hard drive, flash drives (memory sticks) or archive them on CD/DVDs.
Remote Access to Your Files
You can also access your files on your network drive over the internet via https://files.soas.ac.uk
Printing and photocopying
All staff members can access shared networked printers either in faculty offices or equipment rooms. A charging system has been implemented and faculties are being charged for their staff’s printing. Staff members should not allow students to use their account for printing. Staff members who are also students can only use their staff accounts to print work related materials but not their own course work. You need to log onto the copiers/printers to collect your printouts or to photocopy.
Toners, ink cartridges and other consumables for non-public printers can be ordered through your faculty office via stationary purchases. To avoid interruptions, you should always keep at least one spare toner/ink cartridge for your printer.
Large print jobs should be submitted as e-mail attachments to the Printroom (printroom@soas.ac.uk) in PDF format. See the instructions on the Print Room web pages.
Protection against viruses and other problems
The School uses MacAfee VirusScan for virus protection. You should learn how to use the software to protect your computers. You need to make sure that automatic update for Windows and MacAfee are activated on your computer as new viruses appear frequently. You should also install anti-virus software on all your home computers. We recommend the free Microsoft Security Essentials (http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials).
You should also learn to use the internet wisely to avoid spyware or popups which will affect your computer. When surfing the internet or opening emails always think twice before clicking YES to download or install software onto your computer.
Training
Staff Development offers computer training courses for staff on a regular basis. Details of these courses can be found on the Staff Development website. If you have specific training requirements, you should contact Staff Development (staffdevelopment@soas.ac.uk).
Telephone
If you have any requests or queries regarding the telephone system, you can contact the switchboard by dialing “0” on your phone or e-mail helpdesk@soas.ac.uk.
Media Services
You can book audio, video or other media equipment with the Media & Printing Services section. More information is at: http://www.soas.ac.uk/lis/mps, or e-mail helpdesk@soas.ac.uk. Keys for AV cabinets in classrooms can also be borrowed from the IT Support Desk, Library Reception.
IT Support
If you have any computing, telephone or media problems, you can contact the IT Support Desk on x4950 or email helpdesk@soas.ac.uk. The IT Support Desk is now located in Library Reception (Floor E). Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday – Friday during term time. Outside term time: Mon 9:00–1:00; Tue 1:00-5:00; Wed 9:00–1:00; Thu 1:00-5:00; Fri 9:00– 1:00.
The Support Desk provides support and answers general queries. However it does not provide extensive training nor support personal equipment.
Scanners
Dedicated scanners attached to PCs are available in the Library photocopying area (Floor E). All of the multi-function printers support scanning to e-mail.
Conditions of Use
The use of the computer system in the School is governed by the “SOAS IT Policy” which is part of the School’s policies (http://www.soas.ac.uk/lis/policies/IT Policy). Violation of these policies may be subject to disciplinary actions.
Further information
This is only a quick guide. For more detailed information on IT services, follow the links.
Contacts
IT Support Desk: Library Reception, Floor E, College Building Email: helpdesk@soas.ac.uk Tel: ext 4950 (020 7898 4950)
Comments and Suggestions
If you have any comments or suggestions on the School’s IT services, don’t hesitate to contact us at: IT_feedback@soas.ac.uk.
