Pathworks: The BCU Network
The computers at Briar Cliff University are all connected to one another by means of a computer network. Computers in a network are all connected to each other by cables. There are a number of advantages of connecting computers in a network:
Shared printers
Computers in a network may share printers. This means that you do not have to be directly connected to the printer to print. Any computer can print on any printer that is connected to the network.
Electronic mail
Computer users in a network may send electronic mail to other users on the network. All that the sender needs to know is the user name of the addressee.
Shared program files
Computers in a network may retrieve program files on a centrally-located hard disk drive. This means that the computer center personnel need only keep a single copy of a program file (such as Microsoft Excel) and all users may "download" the program to their individual computers for their personal use. This is much easier than trying to maintain copies of the program on each computer on campus.
Shared disk space
Users may also keep data files (homework papers, etc.) on Microsoft's "cloud" storage called OneDrive. All files saved on OneDrive are automatically backed up (a copy is made) each night by the computer center personnel. This means that you are protected from accidentally deleting an important file.
Logging on to the network
To log on to the network, you must do the following:
Turn on the computer
If the computer is off, turn it (and the monitor) on.
If the computer is already on, press the Enter key.
Enter your user name
When the computer asks for your USER NAME, enter the first four letters of your last name followed by the last four digits of your social security number (do not put any blanks in your user name). Use BACKSPACE if you make a mistake. When you have entered all eight characters, press the Enter key.
Enter your password
When the computer asks for your PASSWORD, enter your password. If you are a first time user, your password is WELCOME (all upper-case). Be careful when typing your password, because it does not show up on the monitor.
If something goes wrong (and it will)...
If, for some reason you find yourself repeatedly getting an error message from the computer, or the computer is executing the wrong program or menu option and you do not know how to recover, you can always start over by pressing and holding the Power button on the CPU box.
Logging off
After you have finished your work and the desktop has returned to the screen, you should log off. This will prevent others from getting access to your files. To log off, click on the Windows button on the left side of the task bar. Click on the Power icon. Select Shut Down, Restart, or Log off from the popup menu. If you wish to turn off the monitor, the on/off switch for the monitor is on the front in its lower right corner.