Computing Resources

Computer Support | Network Support | FAQs | More Resources

Computer Support

  • For general computer problems you should first contact your departmental computer support person: (Dawen Xie, (540) 231-5199, E-mail: dawenx at vt.edu)
  • If the departmental support person is not available, you can contact the Ag Help Desk (540) 231-4865
  • 4Help Helpdesk may also be contacted for general computing issues. (540) 231-4357

    4Help must be contacted for the following services:

    • Internet connectivity through on-campus Ethernet, and wireless access.
    • Central computing resources such as: My VT, Hokie SPA, Filebox, VT Mail
    • Administrative systems such as: Banner, Exchange, Faculty Access
    • Problems with the Leave Reporting System

Network Support

Virginia Tech requires the use of TCP/IP. Both static and dynamic IP addressed are available. Wireless connections are available in certain locations - for more information go to CNS . You will need to contact your Network Liaison (Dawen Xie, (540) 231-5199, E-mail: dawenx at vt.edu) to get your machine configured to work on the network. For phone failures, you should contact CNS (540) 231-6780.

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FAQs

How to buy a computer?

First, determine the type of computer you require. You can start at the computer equipment recommendation page provided by AHNR-IT. Computer Purchasing has good information on different contracts (including discount) and vendors. If you know the model number, a Google search on its review will give you good information; this is very useful when you need to choose a model for the FDI program.

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How to buy software?

Review available software by choosing the "Departmental Software" link at the software and hardware page. You then need to fill out the pink form in the mail room, and the departmental order form from ITA (this requires PID authentication). For some software, you also need to fill out the license agreement form. Turn in all forms to Judy for processing.

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How to get a wireless connection?

For faculty/staff, the procedure for obtaining wireless connections is to submit an ICR form through Patsy. Wireless is free if the faculty/staff already has a paid land port, otherwise, it is $8.50 per month. Students may register with the appropriate office to use the Wireless LAN service. After the paper work is done, you will receive a notification email from CNS. To access the wireless network:

  1. Verify that the signal icon on your taskbar is getting a signal.
  2. Open your Web browser.
  3. Go to the Virginia Tech homepage (http://www.vt.edu/). You will be redirected to a network confirmation screen.
  4. In the PID text box, type your PID.
  5. In the Password text box, type your password.
  6. Click the Log In button.

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Where can I print a poster?

The Multimedia Lab at AHNR-IT offers service for poster printing. You can also print your poster from the Digital Imaging at Virgina Tech.

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What is a computer virus and how can I get antivirus software?

Computer viruses are small software programs that are designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with computer operation. More info can be found here. The antivirus web site, antivirus.vt.edu (http://www.antivirus.vt.edu/) contains important information and updates on current virus alerts. On this site, Symantec AntiVirus software is offered as a download for use only on university-owned computers or computers owned by currently enrolled students at no charge.

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More Resources

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