SOMTech Computer Support
Submit an online service request
Call 828-2227 for immediate help, 8am-5pm M-F
Frequently asked questions
Q. My USB flash drive is not appearing in "My Computer". What should I do?
A: This problem comes from the Novell drive mapping overriding the USB drive.
Q: What do you recommend for new computer systems and hardware?
A: Visit our Computer purchasing recommendations page.
Q: What should I do when I receive a new computer?
A: Please submit an online service request or call 828-2227.
Q. What are VCU's official computer and network use policies?
A: Visit the policies and guidelines page.
Q: What virus protection software does VCU provide?
A: Sophos. You can download Sophos from the Technology Services download page. You will need your EID and password to conduct the download.
Q: How do I protect my computer from security threats?
A: You can protect your computer from security threats by:
- Installing Sophos Anti-Virus with all the current virus definitions
- Ensure you are using a strong password. This is a password that has (1) capital letter, (1) number and be at least (8) characters in length
- Be sure that no user account has a blank password
- Disable the Guest account
- Enable your Windows Firewall
- Enable Windows Updates and specify a time when your computer will be on to receive the updates
Q: What is Novell and Active Directory?
A: Novell and Active Directory help users by providing a secure connection to data storage.
- Users that are setup on Novell or Active Directory can share data over the network without issues associated with peer to peer networking
- Generally, there are two or more network drives mapped when using these network clients. A user will have one home directory, which only he/she has access to for personal data storage. A user will also have at least another drive which is shared amongst members of the department.
- If users store data on their shared drive then data recovery is a non-issue when the users's computer is inaccessible.
Q: How do I request a Novell or Active Directory account for someone in my department?
A: Only your department Administrator can request a Novell or Active Directory account for a user within their department. An account request must be submitted by placing a service request. Please submit an online service request or call 828-2227.
Q: I need to place an IP Request for a new printer or new computer, what should I do?
A: Please submit an online service request or call 828-2227. A technician will come to your location and note the pertinent data and submit an IP service request to VCUNet on the requestor's behalf. When the IP Address is returned to the technician, the technician will make the necessary configuration changes to the devices.
Q: I need an extra network connection in my office. What do I do?
A: The user needs to contact their Fiscal Technician/Administrator for approval. Then the he/she will have to fill out VCUNet's online service request form.
Q. Where can I learn about licensing software?
A: You can obtain site licenses for Microsoft Office products via VCU's Purchasing webpage. To license other products, contact the software vendor.
Q. My SPSS, JMP and SAS licenses will expire soon. How do I renew my software licenses?
A: Visit VCU Technology Services' Software Registration and Authorization page. Make sure the Software drop down box shows the respective software package renewal and select the number of licenses you need. You will then receive an email with the serial number and authorization code. Then follow the instructions in the email to renew your license. Please submit an online service request if you need help.
Q. When I open an internet shortcut on my desktop, the page loads in my current open Internet Explorer window. Can I fix this?
A: Yes, you can! Open Internet Explorer, click Tools-> Internet Options-> then click the Advanced tab -> under "Browsing" remove the check mark next to "Reuse Windows for Launching Shortcuts" -> Click Apply -> Click OK.
