Computing Services

Computing Services | Computer Labs | Lab Rules
Frequently Asked Questions | Technical Staff

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question to see the answer

1. How do I log on to the network?

   How do I log on to the network?

   To use the UHSL computer network, individuals must use their home university computer account. Information on your account is at www.sugarland.uh.edu/account.

   To log on to the network, press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys at the same time. When the logon screen comes up, you will type in your username in the User Name box and your password in the Password box. Make sure the Log On To box is set to your designated home university domain. Then click the OK button or press the Enter key. When you have finished your session at the computer, be sure and log off the network. This will close your account until you log on again. If you do not log off, the next individual using the computer will have access to your account.

2. Where can I get help if I have a problem?"

   Where can I get help if I have a problem?"

   If the problem is with the computer hardware or software, talk with the technical staff at the Service Desk on the third floor. They are responsible for operating and maintaining the network. You also can e-mail the technical staff if you have questions or call them at 281.275.3328.

   If the problem concerns how you use a program on the computer (e.g. , "How do I format this column of numbers in Microsoft Excel?" or "How do I find this site in Netscape?", etc. ), you can still ask the technical staff. They are, however, responsible for the operation of the network and may not be familiar with a particular program you are using. If the technical staff cannot help you with your program problem, call the Help Desk for your home university.

3. I don't have a computer at home. Can I use the computers to do things like write and print personal letters or do my home budget?"

   I don't have a computer at home. Can I use the computers to do things like write and print personal letters or do my home budget?"

   No. The computing resources are ONLY to be used for EDUCATIONAL purposes. Writing and printing personal letters, doing your home budget, and scanning personal pictures are examples of activities that are not allowed. Use of the Internet is also for educational purposes only. If you have questions about whether your activities meet the usage guidelines, please ask the technical staff.

4. Do you have a CD or DVD 'burner' for making CDs and DVD's?"

   Do you have a CD or DVD 'burner' for making CDs and DVD's?"

   All computers are equipped with DVD+RW drives (burners), which will create data or media CDs and DVD's. The burners are for EDUCATIONAL use only and are NOT to be used for creating CDs or DVD's for personal use. They also are NOT to be used to copy copyrighted software, media (audio or video), or text. Copyright protection will be strictly enforced and individuals caught violating a work's copyright will be referred to the appropriate university authorities.

5. I'm going to do a presentation in a class. Does the lab have a portable computer?"

   I'm going to do a presentation in a class. Does the lab have a portable computer?"

   Classrooms are already equipped for presentations with computers and LCD projectors.

6. Is the lab open on the weekend?"

   Is the lab open on the weekend?"

   The open computer lab and Service Desk are open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but are closed on Sunday.

7. I have to use a particular program for a class I'm taking and it is not on the computer here. What do I do?"

   I have to use a particular program for a class I'm taking and it is not on the computer here. What do I do?"

   If the program is not on the UHSL network, most likely the instructor has not requested that it be added. This is not unusual as it may be on the instructor's home campus network and the assumption is made that it is on the UHSL network as well. If your instructor requires that you use a specific program at UHSL and it is not on the computer, talk to the technical staff first. Because of licensing issues, there is a strict process that is followed before software is added to the UHSL network, so please be patient.

8. If I have a university e-mail account, how do I access my e-mail from UHSL?"

   If I have a university e-mail account, how do I access my e-mail from UHSL?"

   Depending on which university you attend, you can access your e-mail account over the Internet.

   UH Students - UH students having a mail.uh.edu account can click here to access their account over the Internet.
   UH-Clear Lake - UHCL students can click here to access their university e-mail account over the Internet.
   UH-Downtown - UHD students can click here to go to Gatormail.
   UH-Victoria - UHV students can click here to access their university e-mail account over the Internet.

9. Can I save my own work or install new programs on the computer's hard drive or the network server?"

   Can I save my own work or install new programs on the computer's hard drive or the network server?"

   No. The need to maintain security on the campus network requires strict controls over what is added to the workstations and the network server. Therefore, individuals may not install programs or save data files on a workstation or to the server. Students should save their data files to CD's, DVD's, or USB memory devices (such as pen drives, flash drives, etc.) If any files are saved to the computer's hard drive, they will be automatically erased when the computer is re-booted. In an emergency, please contact the technical staff for assistance.

10. If I have my own laptop, how do I connect to the wireless network?"

    If I have my own laptop, how do I connect to the wireless network?"

    Students with their own laptop can bring it to UHSL and connect to the wireless network. For instructions on how to connect to the network, click here. (PDF)

    Guests to the campus can also connect to the Internet wirelessly with their own laptops. For instructions on how to connect as a guest, click here. (PDF)

Computing Services | Computer Labs | Lab Rules | Technical Staff
Frequently Asked Questions | Technology Checkout