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From application-specific help menus to software documentation on the CWIS to direct technical support by phone, finding help with using your computer is easy. You should familiarize yourself with each of these resources so that you can refer to them should you need assistance later on.
Return to Welcome to Windows XP at Wellesley College
CONTENTS
1. Useful CWIS pages 2. Computing Questions 6. Deskside Coaching 3. On-line self-help resources 7. Element K
4. Contacting the Helpdesk 8. FirstAid
1. Useful CWIS pages
There are numerous pages on Wellesley's Computing web site which provide help with using e-mail, the campus network, Internet resources, and application programs. The gateway to all computing information, software documentation, and on-line help is at the URL http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/computing.html. It's a good idea to bookmark this page in Netscape so it is readily available when you need help with anything involving computing technology. From this central page, you can visit other web sites for detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions.
2. Computing Questions
In addition to the help resources above, you can log onto First Class and post a message on the Computing Questions conference. Once your message is posted, any Wellesley College community member may reply with answers and suggestions. This can be very helpful when feedback is needed quickly, although you should always be cautious when taking any advice. Computing Questions is monitored by IS staff throughout the day.
3. On-line self-help resources
Your computer's operating system and application programs have built-in help features that you can use to answer many questions and to troubleshoot various problems. These should be your primary reference choices for any questions you may have about the computer.
Windows XP help
You can find out a great deal of information about using basic features of your computer by opening the Windows XP Help window. On the Desktop, select Help and Support from the Start menu, and you'll see a screen similar to the one below. From here you can sift through the help topics, search through an index of terms, or do a keyword search.
Application-specific help
In addition to help at the operating system level, you can also get help on using each application program -- most programs come with on-line help features. In Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, for example, you can move the mouse over a menu button and the program will describe what the button can do for you (called "hover-help"). You can also select the Microsoft Help menu and choose from a variety of resources on using these Microsoft programs. Internet Explorer has a similar Help menu, as do Netscape Navigator and FirstClass.
4. Contacting the Helpdesk
The Helpdesk is the technical support resource for faculty and staff. Computing questions, problems, and requests reported to the Helpdesk are answered immediately by the students and staff on duty, or referred to a staff person who has expertise in specific computing areas or in the supported software. If your question is referred, you will be contacted as soon as possible. When the many on-line resources fail to answer your questions or help you solve your computing problems, you can call the Information Services Helpdesk at x3333. For more information about using the Helpdesk as a computing resource, visit the Helpdesk web page at http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/helpdesk.html.
5. IS Training classes
Information Services teaches computer training classes every fall and spring for faculty and staff. These training sessions include hands-on courses (which require registration) and one-hour software demonstrations all taught by Information Services staff. These classes are a great way to become comfortable with your computer or an application program while an information technology expert is on hand to answer any questions you may have. For more information on training classes, visit the IS Training web page at http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/Training/overview.html.
6. Deskside Coaching
The Deskside Coaching program provides faculty and staff with individualized training on many topics including Microsoft Office, FirstClass, virus protection, and World Wide Web browsing. Each Deskside Coaching session is up to one hour long and is taught in your own office by IS staff. To schedule, call the Help Desk at x3333. Please note: All Deskside Coaching sessions must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
7. Element K
Element K is a web-based training resource that provides self-paced courses on the most popular software programs at anytime and anywhere. A license is now available for all Wellesley faculty, staff, and students. For more information about Element K, refer to: http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/Elementk/elementk.html
8. FirstAid
Computing FirstAid is the Wellesley student's rescue resource for immediate answers to questions about FirstClass, Microsoft Office, Macromedia Fireworks, the Internet, and other general computing topics. Specially trained Computing First- Aid consultants are available on a drop-in basis five evenings a week in the Science Center Mini-Focus and the Knapp Media Center. For more information, refer to http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/ResNet/Help/first-aid.html.