University of Southern California

How to figure things out and play around......


1. How to add yourself to infolab website?
Following the format on http://infolab.usc.edu/people.html#phd and write your own information. Then send it to Xiaoyan (xiaoyan@usc.edu), she will add you in.

2. How to put up your own webpages?
Go to your home directory on one of the scf machines (use your usc account to SSH on aludra.usc.edu) and create a folder name public_html, then put your webpage named index.html under. Open your internet explorer and type in http://www-scf.usc.edu/~lingh/ use your own account name (also your email account) to replace lingh, then you can see your webpage.

3. How to connect to SUN machines?
Use any software that support SSH, you can connect to a host (e.g. aludra.usc.edu). Type in your account name and password, then you will have the connection to a SUN machine. Type in pwd to see which directory you are. Usually you will be in your home directory (named in your account name).

4. How to install the printer in the lab?
The IP address of the printer is 128.125.163.171 (as of today). As soon as you can connect to internet (wired or wireless), you can add the printer by its IP address.

5. How to use gym and sign up for group exercise classes?
Before your USCard has the access to gym, you need to fill out a waiver form online https://elmer.uscard.usc.edu/ before you go there. Gym is free if you are a student of USC. But if you are faculty or non-student, you need to pay membership fee. ^_^ For classes like Yoga, Cardio, Zumba, Kickboxing, you need to sign up and pay for it. Go to gym in person and ask for signing up the group exercise class. The fee for one semester is $65 for students. You can obtain schedule of the classes online and go to classes on time. If you want to do Yoga, it is better to bring your own Yoga mat. The free mat in the studio sucks. There are also Yoga mats available for renting: $1/per class.


6. Track a Tram
http://transnet.usc.edu/transit/track_tram.aspx

7. Burn a CD/DVD
Most computers in our lab have CD burner, but not DVD burner. You can use the lab laptop to burn a DVD but you need to find out where the laptop is. :P

8. Set up remote control in vista
Vista home edition doesn't support remote desktop and I have tried several ways I found on internet. None of them worked. The only way I know of is to switch to another OS that supports remote desktop. E.g. XP, Vista Business.

9. How to buy flight tickets
If you flight to China, it is better to get a Chinese agent to buy the ticket. They know how to get a better price for you. Ms. Ma 718-764-8678 http://www.travelsuperlink.com/cnl 800-988-8385 888-718-9188 718-886-0200 (she is very nice and gives very good prices.) They are located in NY. Or the same company you can dial 105 and ask for Mr. Li. da shi jie : 626-289-2229 Jessica Zhang 626-571-2988 (America Asia Travel Center) Based in LA, expensive. If you are travelling in the states, I have heard that the cheapest flights you can bought is from the websites of airlines. But I usually book online through orbitz, studentuniverse. For other flights, I usually go to www.studentuniverse.com first to check out their price, then check a few other sites too, e.g. www.kayak.com. Usually studentuniverse is cheaper, but they need to verify your student identity taking 1-2 days more.

10. How to get access to INFOLAB?
Well, tooooo complicated in my case. Ask Cyrus is the ultimate solution. ^_^

11. How to get after hours access to PHE and RTH?
For PHE, after Cyrus makes the request to Juleita(delapaz@usc.edu), you can stop by PHE 204 to pick up the key with $10 deposit.
For RTH, Cyrus will send out a request to Clint Fulton , then you will have the access encoded on your USCard.

12. What if the printer is out of ink?
Usually we stock up catridges when we purchase once. But if no catridge left, we can order one through May/Amiee/Greg who has Cyrus's account.

13. What if the drinking water is out?
Ali is in charge of this. Let him know you are thirsty. ^_^

14. How to get antivirus software?
It is important to keep your computer free of virus. As a USC student, you can download antivirus software from http://www.usc.edu/its/security/virus.html.

15. How to pick up Microsoft free software from MSDNAA(MSDN Academic Alliance)?
It is said that you will get an email with your user name and password by the end of the time frame you can change your course registration. I didn't wait that long and I emailed them asking for my account and got the access. Once you have the password (user name is usually your usc email account), you can go to http://msdn06.e-academy.com/uscal_cs and download what you need (if they have) for free.

16 Update the equipment info of computers you use. Go to http://sejong.usc.edu/trac/geodec/wiki/SystemAdministration and use your own user name & passwd
If you dont have one, try to contact Luciano Nocera nocera@usc.edu PHE 106 to get one.

17. How to use your dental insurance? Any question, you can call 213-740-0551.
You should locate a dental provider online at www.anthem.com/ca ; our plan is dental PPO. For expenses below $350, you don't need pre-authorization; otherwise you will need it. Forms of claiming for dental service can be found here : http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/Health_Center/uphc.forms.shtml

18. Can I download resources from internet?
Before downloading anything, think about the copyright issue first. *DO NOT* use P2P download on campus. USC is very strict on that and they know if you do.



Created: 20 Jan. 2009 by NAME. The document may contain outdated information. You can use it at your own risk.
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