Lab Operations FAQ

What labs can I use to do work?
For information regarding computer labs available for general use, please see the locations and availability page. Labs will have signs posted by their entrances with scheduling information.

I don’t understand how to use something in the labs. Will you help me?
We have compiled a collection of Jumpstart Guides for printing, scanning, burning CDs, and overall usage of the labs. In the Software Documentation section of the website, you will find official PDF guides and links to manufacturers’ websites. Also, lab staff offers software workshops on topics like Web Authoring and Digital Imaging. Check for an updated workshop schedule. Also, if you’re stuck on something, have a chat with a lab assistant or contact the Help Desk at x8080. We’ll do our best to help you out.

What are all these items on the desktop?
The items you should see on lab workstation desktops are the following:

• My Pages Folder or Mount My Pages Folder – There are links to your personal networked storage space on Emerson’s servers. Your Pages folder includes 250MB of space in which you can save, store, and share files. If you are on a Mac, you need to click the Mount My Pages Folder icon to enter your ECnet username and password to access your folder. For more information about accessing your Pages folder, check out the Help Desk’s ECnet Services & Help information.
• 8 Day Public – This is a link to a networked server where you can save your work temporarily. This is best utilized when doing group projects, or when you have run out of space in your Pages folder. Just create your own folder on the server to save what you need. Files that are not accessed will be deleted after 8 days have passed.
  
• Local Workspace – This is a folder located directly on the workstation you’re using. Because it is local, it’s the best place to temporarily save files while you are editing them, and it’s the most reliable place to print documents from. Local Workspace files get deleted every evening, so make sure you back up files to somewhere else once you have finished working on them!

How can I reserve a computer lab?
Students are unable to make lab reservations personally. This is because we need to make sure that labs are available at scheduled open-access times. If you need to hold a meeting, or work on a project, we recommend utilizing the library’s group-work areas. Staff or faculty can reserve a lab for a class or meeting by using our online reservation form.

How do I print in the labs? Can I print from my own computer?
Instructions and details about printing can be found in the Printing and Scanning section. You also can send files directly from your on-campus personal computer or wireless laptop to the printers in the computer labs. How much does it cost to print? After sending your print job to the appropriate printer, you need to swipe your ID card at the print station and select which job you want to print.
This will take the following from your account:

Laser print cost:
$0.07 per black and white letter-sized page
$0.50 per color letter-sized page
$0.75 per color letter-sized page in the specializedd XML and WPL
$1.50 per tabloid-sized page in the specialized XML and WPL
$1.00 per page of any other size in the specialized XML and WPL

Photo inkjet print cost:
$1.00 per letter-sized page
$1.25 per legal-sized page
$1.50 per tabloid-sized page
$1.50 per any other sized page

Please note that you need to supply your own matte or glossy paper for the photo inkjet printers.

Do you have photo-quality glossy paper I can use?
You may purchase paper for the Epson Photo printers at most office supply or paper stores. We recommend purchasing Epson brand paper, as it achieves the clearest printing results. The Help Desk and Lab Operations do not have any paper for sale.

Where can I print on 11x17 tabloid-sized paper?
The color LaserJet printer in the Writing and Publishing Lab has an 11x17 paper tray. If you want to supply your own paper, the Epson photo printers can print on paper up to 13 inches wide. For information about printer locations, visit the Printing and Scanning section.

Can I just give you cash to print out my document?
No, we cannot take your cash or barter goods in exchange for printing. Every student, faculty and staff member is automatically allotted $5.00 of print credits every semester. When that credit is exhausted, you can add money to your ECcash account with a credit card by going to http://www.emerson.edu/eccash. You can also add money to your account by going to Student Administrative Services on the first floor of 80 Boylston. If time is of the essence, we recommend using the online method, as cash will be added to your account instantly.

What labs have memory card readers available? What kinds of cards do they read?
Media card readers are at selected workstations in the 3DL, Tufte, JRL, ATL, APL, XML, and WPL locations. Generally, the scanning workstations have media card readers as well. The SanDisk ImageMate 12-in-1 Media Card Readers can access and edit CompactFlash Type I & II, SD Card, miniSD, MultiMediaCard, RS-MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO/Duo/PRO Duo, SmartMedia, xD and xD Type M cards.

Where can I scan an image? How about film and transparencies?
All of the labs have scanning stations. Here is the Jumpstart Guide (pdf) for scanning. If you would like to scan transparent items, you will need to use the specially designed scanners available in the CML1, CML2, Tufte, JRL, ATL, APL, XML, and WPL.

Where can I burn a DVD?
The following labs have Mac DVD burning capability: ATL, APL, WPL, XML, and the Tufte Lab. The open access labs all include Final Cut Pro Studio, which also includes DVD Studio Pro. The Production Computer Labs have more specialized workstations that also have DVD burning capabilities. Check out the software and hardware sections for more information about what’s available.

Will you give me a copy of software for free?
Emerson College does not have software available for personal student use outside of what’s installed in the computer labs. There are some applications that you do have access to, however, as part of your tuition. Symantic Anti-Virus is available for free download at rx.emerson.edu. We recommend that all students who use their personal computers on campus utilize Symantic and keep it updated to protect the network, as well as your own data.
Emerson also has a school-wide license available for the FTP program for Mac, Fetch. You will need to log-in with your ECnet account to download Fetch.
Check the Help Desk's information if you’re interested in student/staff/faculty discounts available for computer and software purchasing.

Why don’t you have the software I want in the labs?
Labs are configured to support the curricular needs of the college, which include all popular software applications, and many specialized ones as well. If you have suggestions for ways to improve the labs, we’d be happy to hear them. Perhaps, we already do have the software you’re looking for – check the software and hardware listings for labs and locations.

Can I install my own software in the labs?
For consistency and the integrity of the computer lab configurations, users are not allowed to install their personal software on lab workstations.

Can I plug my firewire drive or USB key/thumb/flashdrive into a lab computer?
Why, yes! In fact, we recommend it! All computers have firewire and USB ports. If you have a Mac-formatted harddrive and would like to use a PC, we recommend using the 3DL, Tufte Lab, ATL, XML, or APL, all of which have MacDrive installed, a program that allows you to access your Mac-formatted files. The majority of USB drives do not require driver installation and should be easily accessible. All computers in the labs have USB ports on the front of the tower, or on the keyboard.

Can I plug my voice recorder/card reader/piece of proprietary hardware that requires driver installation into a lab computer?
We cannot support hardware that requires the installation of additional drivers or software.

I have a class in a lab. Can I bring my Starbucks Venti Lowfat Quad Caramel Latte and Maple Muffin into class and enjoy it while my professor lectures?
No! There is a campus-wide policy that states that no food or drinks are allowed in the computer labs. You will need to leave your tasty beverages and snacks outside the lab, or sealed within your bag/backpack. Please be respectful of this rule to help maintain a clean and functional work environment.

I love computers and helping people! Can I get a job?
Lab Operations hires new Lab Assistants and Help Desk Technicians at the beginning of every semester. Work-study and Emerson Employment students are encouraged to apply. Check out our online application.

Is there wireless in the labs/on campus? How do I use it?
For a list of locations equipped with wireless access please see http://www.emerson.edu/wireless. There, you will also find information on how to connect your laptop to Emerson’s secure wireless network.