Smart Classrooms – CSU, Chico

Smart Classrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

question mark Below is a list of FAQs regarding the Smart Classrooms. If your FAQ is not addressesd, please call Classroom Support at x 5475 for further assistance

Questions

Answers

Where do I get the media key to use the equipment in a Smart Classroom?
A: Faculty can request a media key from the Plant Operations Key Shop at 898-6222.
How do I make a request for software to be added to the computer in a Smart Classroom?
A: Click Software Request to get a Smart Classroom request form. We will get back to you after we receive the request.
What do I do if the computer is asking for an Username, Password, and Domain?
A: Simply restart the computer by holding in the power button for 5 seconds. The computer will automatically log into the domain using a stored username and password. top
What is Ghost?
A: Ghost is a software program designed to dramatically reduce the time spent by system administrators when restoring, reconfiguring or cloning data on hard drives. Ghost was used to create an "image" of the software installed on the hard drive. This "image" was then copied onto the additional Smart Classroom computers.
What is Deep Freeze?
A: Deep Freeze is software installed on all Smart Classroom machines to prevent abuse by hackers and unauthorized changes from being made permanent. Deep Freeze is designed for use on public computers and maintains consistent settings on all Smart Classroom PC's across the campus. Simply restarting the PC restores all settings and software to the default image.
What happens to data if I save it to the hard drive on the computers in a Smart Classroom?
A: Data should be saved to a floppy or USB thumb drive. Files can also be saved to a network file server (Bay server). All files left by users on the hard drive are deleted every night automatically to maintain reliability.
Do I leave the computer on or turn it off when I'm done using the it?
A: Please leave the computer on. The Smart Classroom computers automatically start and shutdown daily. Leaving the computer on minimizes start up time for the next user, and allows the computers to automatically download critical updates and virus scanner definitions at night.
Why can't I login to on the Smart Classrooms computer with my user name?
A: The Smart Classroom computers are designed to maintain themselves by logging in with a stored username, password, and domain. Occasionally a user will log off the computer and log in with their own username and password, which causes problems for the other users. If you find that a computer does not look or work like normal, the first step is to re-start the computer. If the problem persists after re-start, contact Classroom Support at x5475
Can I play a DVD?
A: All Smart Classrooms have the ability to play DVD's. All computers in centrally scheduled Smart Classrooms have a DVD/CD ROM drive capable of playing either CDs or DVDs. When you put a DVD into the computer, it will launch an on-screen DVD player which will provide the usual Play/Stop/Advance controls. Select the computer as the video source to the data projector, and the DVD movie will be projected to your class. Please note that when you use the computer to play DVD's you should first quit any other applications running on the computer. If the computer in the Smart Classroom is department owned and cannot play DVD's, usually the room will be equipped with a standalone combination DVD/VCR unit.
Can I install software on the Smart Classroom computers?
A: Many faculty find it a great aid to have a computer in the classroom, especially for presentations and Internet access. The computers in the Smart Classrooms were intended as basic, standardized devices which would provide a web browser and the standard suite of campus software. In this configuration they are able to support most faculty needs. Unfortunately, it is not feasible for us to maintain each individual Smart Classroom computer with its own independent set of software. This means there are restrictions on what software can be made available on these computers that is not part of the standard suite. For more information on how to use non-standard software in one of the Smart Classrooms see the Smart Classrooms Software Policy .
How do I access shared files on the Bay Server from Smart Classroom Computers?
A: All faculty and Staff with a csuchico email address have a personal folder automatically created for them on the Bay shared file server. From your office computer, Windows users can access this folder by going to My Computer and opening Drive U. Drive U connects to the Bay file server in the following location:

\\Bay\Users\<init>\<userid>

...where <init> is the first initial of your Outlook login username and <userid> is your full Outlook userid. Any files placed in this folder can be accessed from a SmartClassroom computer using the following method from the SmartClassroom computer:
1. Right click on My Network Places, select 'Map Network Drive.'
2. Select Browse
3. Click the + next to Chico
4. Find your personal folder in Bay, select it, then click OK
5. The shared folder name should now appear in the 'Folder:' drop down box. Uncheck the "Reconnect at logon box if it is checked, then click on the 'different user name' link.
6. Type in your Outlook (Exchange) username preceeded by 'chico\' to indicate that the account resides in the Chico domain. Enter your password, and select 'OK' then 'Finish'
7. Open 'My Computer'. The folder should now appear in inside the newly mapped drive window (drive Z unless you selected a different letter).
8. Be sure to close the window containing your files when you are done.