Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect to the wireless network?	The College of Engineering provides wireless connectivity to the College network for all current faculty, staff and students via their Penn State Access Account. Two networks are available via secure connections: COE and PennState The COE allows access to College resources, while the PennState connection does not. To connect, you must have a WiFi or 802.11 b or g connection, then you must use the VPN (Virtual Private Network) client from Cisco Systems to establish a secure connection. Download the client at this address: https://www.work.psu.edu/access/vpn/ After installing, use your Penn State Access account to login with the COE Mobility profile for College of Engineering access, or for generic Penn State network access (outside the College firewalls) use the ITS Wireless UP profile.
I'd like to print a poster	Poster printing is available to ESM faculty, staff and students for a fee. Please see this page for details, complete the form ESMIT09 and return it to Bill Ames in room 212EES.
How do I connect to my U drive or PASS account?	All of us at Penn State have 500 megabytes (or more) of shared server space for web pages, file sharing, email, etc. This amount will increase to 1000MB in the fall 2005 semester. Instructions for using PASS space: https://www.work.psu.edu/pass Quota and security settings found under Web Accounts https://www.work.psu.edu Application for personal web space: https://www.work.psu.edu/webspace Additional information about PASS space: http://aset.its.psu.edu/accounts/personal.html Passwords for these accounts are not always synchronized before you connect to them. If your password is rejected, and if you think that you are connecting properly, try resetting or changing your Access password from the https://www.work.psu.edu web page.
What Software can I get from the department?	Please click on the link to the left
What is university policy AD20?	University policy AD20 establishes guidelines for the use of computing equipment and the university network. Everybody who uses a university computer, or who connects to the university backbone network connection is bound by the terms of AD20. In addition to AD20, there are corollary policies included within it. Please read and understand all of them, since sanctions can be severe if they are violated. AD20 was substantially amended in January, 2004. Please read the updates. Click here for AD20
ITS Email setup	For setup information and answers to common problems associated with ITS Access Email accounts, check the "Email questions and answers" page from ITS: http://helpdesk.psu.edu/email.html
How do I use the connections, projectors, etc. in the Technology Classrooms?	Audio Visual Services provides all support for the new classrooms in the East wing of the Earth and Engineering Sciences Building. There are phones with contact information posted clearly near each podium. If you need assistance, please call 865-5400. ESM technical contacts have no access to these classrooms, and they have been specifically asked not to interfere with them. Please do not ask a technical contact to violate this policy.
I'm going on a trip . . . can I still check my email?	If you have an email account with the College of Engineering (in the form of xyz@engr.psu.edu) then you can access your email from any Java enabled web browser - click here. This web page in encrypted and secure - normal email is not secure. ITS now has webmail, so you can read your access account mail (in the form xyz10@psu.edu) from any web browser - click here. In order to dial into the Penn State modem bank for internet access, you must use long distance. The Penn State Travel Calling Card is available for voice as well as dial-up connections. There is a budgetary charge for this service, but for short trips, it might be a viable option. Click here for information from ITS. Note for laptop users: When looking into hotel options, be sure ask if dataports or high-speed internet access is available. Many hotels now offer this service. It is also possible to use a BlueTooth enabled cellular phone for internet access, avoiding long distance charges. If you are a frequent traveller, it may also be economical to use a third-party dial up provider such as AOL or MSN, who have many local numbers in metropolitan areas. For more information on @psu.edu accounts, such as SSL, APOP and new security measures, click here.
When are the tech contacts available?	Technical service is generally available during normal operating hours of the ESM department. From time to time, other committments may change technical contact's availability. Faculty and staff may check the ESM Staff schedule through the College Exchange server for detailed schedules. Click here to make a service request - this will place your request in queue and alert the technical contacts Click here for services provided by the tech contacts If you are having trouble contacting a technical contact, please contact one of the main office staff, who can suggest alternatives.
Who do I contact when the copier is broken?	Contact Bill Ames when there is a problem with an advanced feature of a digital copier, such as scanning, networking, etc. For normal copier functions, such as replacement toner or staples, see Carol Winkler.
How do I change my email password?	There are two kinds of email accounts in the ESM department. The primary email system is run by the College of Engineering. These email addresses are in the form xyz@engr.psu.edu Assistance with these accounts is through CEDCC. There is a web page for changing email passwords here. If you use the College of Engineering's Windows NT domain, this will also change your domain password, as they are one and the same. Passwords expire every 120 days. Macintosh users will not receive a warning before the password expires. The other email system is run by ITS (formerly CAC) and is in the form xyz34@psu.edu. You may make changes to your account through the CAC work page here. While the ESM tech contacts may act as liasons to ITS and ECS, please understand that they do not have direct control over these accounts or servers. For more information on @psu.edu accounts, such as SSL, APOP and new security measures, click here.
How do I get a new computer set up?	Contact Andrew Miller or Bill Ames to schedule the setup and to discuss requirements. Please contact Andrew Miller if you need to request an IP address. There are forms to fill out, and the process may take several days, depending on account creation. Most buildings in the College of Engineering now use a 10/100 network with RJ/45 connectors on each faceplate, and the COE wireless network is generally available throughout the college.
How do I get an email account?	Contact Andrew Miller, who will liaise with either ECS or ITS If you require a short term account (less than 8 weeks or so) there are other options available. All email users must read university policy AD20 For more information on @psu.edu accounts, such as SSL, APOP and new security measures, click here.
Can I send mail to a list of all the faculty or students?	Authorized personnel, click here for the ESM protected pages. Here you will find the various mail lists, such as faculty, alumni, graduate students, etc. These lists are maintained regularly, so if you have reason to believe they are in error, contact the list administrator.
What is a domain account and why do I need one?	Windows NT, 2000 and XP can operate in an environment called a domain (now called Active Directory). Active Directory allows easy sharing of computer resources, and it allows central control, security upgrades and maintenance. The College of Engineering has established an Active Directory to ease network resource sharing and security. Advantages of participation are numerous, but they include excellent security from hacking, as well as backup and file sharing services. All new Windows computers must participate in the COE Active Directory.