How do I get access?

Before you can use a college computer you will need to know your network password.

When you enrol onto your chosen course you will have your photograph taken and be issued with an identification card. The card will contain your unique student number and you will need this to gain access to facilities such as the computer network and the library.

Your student number will be the username that you will use to gain access to the college computers, but to protect your account you will also need a password.

Getting your password

At both the Nuneaton and Hinckley campuses you will find Login Point boxes that are used to activate your network account. Simply swipe your ID card by following the instructions on the box and a receipt will be printed with a randomly generated password. You now have everything you need.

When you turn on a college computer you will be prompted to enter your username and password. Your username will be your student number and the password will be the one generated by the Login Point box.

Note: if you forget your password you can create a new one at any time simply by swiping your ID card again. Once you have logged into a college computer you can choose one of your own.

The Login Point boxes are located in the library and near the refectory entrance at Nuneaton, and in the library at Hinckley. An additional box is available at Harrowbrook (location TBC). If you are based on another site then your network password will be created for you. For further instructions please speak to your tutor or to the reception staff.

Moodle

Moodle is an electronic classroom system that the College uses to allow tutors and students to share files and communicate. You will need to use your network username and password to log into Moodle and access your course area.

Please note: Moodle is accessible from home but you must have logged into a College computer first to activate your account.

Printing

All of the college computers are connected to a printer. To print you need to make sure that you have sufficient printing credit. At the start of the academic year full-time learners are given £10 credit and part-time learners are given £5. More credit can be purchased at the Login Point boxes (see 'Getting your Password' above) as required.

Printouts are charged at: *

* Prices correct on 01 September 2011

When you are in a classroom the computer will be set to use the local networked printer (i.e. the printer in the same room). From other locations, such as the College Library, your printout will be sent to our photocopier queue. Simply print as normal, then go to one of our networked photocopiers and use the key pad to enter your student number and password to release your work.

Note: Do not buy too much credit! Your money cannot be refunded if you do not use up your purchase print credit and print credit is not carried over to the following academic year.

If there is a problem with the printer, such as low toner or a paper jam, report it to the E-Services helpdesk. Do not abuse the printer in your frustration, this will only make it work. Report it so we can sort it.

If your printout is damaged, take it to the E-Services Helpdesk, they will investigate the problem and re-credit your account if appropriate. E-Services WILL NOT be able to give you a cash or credit card refund.

Storing Files

Each student has access to a 2GB network area which can be used to store your course related files.

Although the network area is a convenient place to store your work you should always ensure that you take backup copies of any important files on your own disks as we can accept no responsibility for any lost or deleted documents.

The network storage areas are monitored and any files that are not related to your course – such as downloaded music or videos will be deleted without warning.

Note: the college will not store any documents over the summer. All of the network areas are automatically wiped on 31st July 2012, including for students that are on the first year of a 2 year programme. You should therefore ensure that you take copies of any files which you wish to keep by the 20th July 2012. Data is not recoverable once wiped.

Acceptable Usage Policy

As you log in you will be prompted to accept the College's IT Security, Software and Acceptable use Policies and Procedures. If you do not accept these rules you will be unable to log in.

All user accounts are monitored regularly to comply with legislation. All use of College computers must be related to your programme of study. Accessing material which might be considered offensive, or which is unlawful, illegal, or libellous is never acceptable, and may lead to disciplinary action

Frequently Asked Questions

	Does the College provide wireless access? The college has a wireless network which allows you to connect your devices from home - such as your laptop computer or mobile phone. You can use the wireless network to browse the internet and check your emails, but you cannot access your files that are stored on the main college network. By connecting to the wireless network you agree to abide by the college acceptable usage policy. Recreational and social sites should not be accessed during class times and accessing inappropriate content or downloading music and videos is forbidden. The wifi network to connect to is NWHCWifi. When you connect to the internet you will need to enter your network username and password. Please note that the wifi will only work for learners enrolled onto an active course.
	Can I power my home laptop at college? You are allowed to plug in your home laptop at college but before you do so you should have it PAT tested for electrical safety. Having your computer checked is a quick process and can be arranged by contacting the Health, Safety and Security team (not the computer technicians).
	Does the college provide software? As a student you may be entitled to educational discounts on some software packages, such as the student edition of Microsoft Office. The college ID card can be used to prove you are a student when purchasing programs but the college itself does not supply software. We do however recommend that you have up-to-date virus protection.
	Am I given a college email address? All students will be provided with a college mail address which they can use for course related communications, such as sending messages and assignments to their tutor. Your email address will include your student number, for example 90210@live.nwhc.ac.uk For instructions on checking student email click here
	Can the college provide me with technical support? The college technical staff are employed to service and maintain our network equipment. If a problem occurs with a classroom computer or other device then please report it to your tutor so that the fault can be logged and rectified as quickly as possible. The technicians will attempt to help students who experience difficulties with course related files, but are unable to provide IT support to personal equipment - such as your own laptop or PDA. If you experience problems with your own device then please refer to the manual and if neccessary contact the supplier or manufacturer for further support.