Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These are frequently asked questions to common problems with easy solutions. If there is a frequently asked question you think we should add please contact us.

• What kind of security for sensitive information is installed on the library's servers?
  We have installed security certificates from GeoTrust and VeriSign on our Catalog, Proxy and InterLibrary Loan servers to ensure that sensitive information on our login screens is encrypted as it travels from the clients computer to the server. The information as it travels via the internet is not recognizable or readable to other sources because of this encryption. When the information reaches the server it contains secure socket layer (SSL) keys to un-encrypt these sensitive data streams. The use of these recognizable security certificates (i.e. GeoTrust and VeriSign) provides to both the client and server authenticity and security insurance.



• Why do we authenticate?
  Information concerning the Library's authentication requirement for public computers.



• How do I get connected to the USC Library wireless network?



• What is PASCAL Delivers and who can use it?
  Information and troubleshooting tips on PASCAL Delivers, the SC academic libraries consortial catalog.



• How can I change my Novell/GroupWise password?
  To change your password please click here for instructions.



• I can't see my USB Removeable drive
  USB Removable drives often default to a drive letter which is in use by the university network (note: USB Removable drive, USB Flash Drive, USB Pen drive, or USB Thumb drive…are all the same device). Because the university system uses so many network drives, it may be necessary to change the removable device's drive letter to one that is not in use by the network (e.g., P). To change a USB removable default drive to an unoccupied network drive letter, do the following:
  
  
  1. Right click on My Computer and click "Manager"
  2. Click on "Disk Management"
  3. Find "Removable Disk"
  4. Right click on removable disk's window
  5. Choose Change Drive Letter and Paths
  6. Click the Change button.
  7. Choose 'P' for the drive letter and click OK.
  8. Now, double click on My Computer and find the Removable Device drive and drag that Icon to your desktop.
  
  After you do this procedure you should be able to put your Removable Drive in your computer's USB port and just double click on the drive icon that you copied to your desktop. You only should have to do the procedure above once.



• How can I download Netscape 7.1?
  To download Netscape 7.1 follow these directions:
  
  
  1. Click on Start and go to Run.
  
  
  2. Type in this address:
  
  ftp://ftp.netscape.com/pub/netscape7/english/7.1/windows/win32/sea/NSSetup-Base.exe
  
  3. Click OK.
  
  
  4. After a moment a window should pop up asking you to download a file. Click on Save and save the installer on to your desktop.
  
  
• How do I protect myself from viruses?
  The best way to protect yourself from viruses is to make sure your computer has the lastest updates from Microsoft and to make sure your virus software is up-to-date. Also, be very careful when opening e-mails.
  
  Do not open mail that has an attachment from someone you don't know. If you are suspicous about an e-mail with an attachment contact the person who sent it to you to see if they did send it or contact the systems office.
  


• How do I update my computer and anti-virus software?
  Please check out our Windows Update Help and Anti-Virus Help pages for detailed instructions on how to update your software.
  


• How often should I update my software?
  It is important that you update when the systems office indicates that there is an immediate need to do so. Otherwise, run your virus update at least once a day and run your windows update at least once a week.
  


• What can I do to stop spam?
  USC Computing Services makes an attempt to curb spam at the GroupWise server, though much of it still gets through. Stopping spam is difficult, however a few simple steps will help curb it. Do not open messages that you can tell are spam by the subject. Just delete the spam. Never respond to spam even if it is to remove yourself from their mailing list.
  
  In GroupWise 6.5 you can right click on the spam message goto Junk Mail and select Junk Sender and then click OK. This will also help curb some of the junkmail you maybe getting.



• My computer is giving me errors. What can I do?
  The simplest thing you can do to correct computer error message is to reboot your computer. If the error message still doesn't go away then please contact the systems office.
  


• My computer is slow. How can I make it run better?
  The best way to keep your computer in top shape is by keeping it as clutter free as possible. Delete old files you don't need anymore. Remove software that you don't use anymore. Reboot your computer as well. Rebooting will refresh your systems memory and insure a more pleasant computing experience.
  


• What else should I do?
  Please make an effort to occasionally back up your files. When you are logged into your computer and open the My Computer icon on your desktop you should find something labeled User on 'Cooper' (I:) This drive is your network drive to store files on. Put a copy of your most important files here incase your computers harddrive were to completely fail.