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Using Classrooms & Labs

Updated May 1, 2002

On this page

Using a Classroom or Lab Computer
Checking the Lab Schedule and Reserving the Instructional Lab
Requesting Software for the Classrooms and Labs
Reserving Classroom Equipment
Ensuring your Classroom is Functional
Operating Classroom Equipment
When to Contact the Helpdesk or Facilities

See Also:

Capturing White Board Notes with E-Beams (in the Using B-School Equipment module)
Smart Board Projectors (in the Using B-School Equipment module)

Using a Classroom or Lab Computer

Classroom and lab computers are set up differently than office computers. You can use them as a "labguest" or login to access personal resources.

To begin using a classroom or lab computer, press Control+Alt+Delete. Behind the scenes a network login ID named "labguest" automatically connects to the Business School network. This labguest account allows faculty, staff and students full internet access, use of all general applications, connection to R:\Courses with read-only access, without using a personal login.

• The suite of software is known as the "lab image."
• Labguest users cannot modify settings.
• The C:\Temp directory is available for saving temporary files and downloads on the hard drive, but these files are deleted when the computer is rebooted.

Printing

Only Business School-affiliated faculty, staff and students may print to our student printers. In order to print, you will prompted for a Kerberos login. Enter your uniqname and your Kerberos password, and follow the prompts.

Student printers are set to automatically print double-sided. To print single-sided, first select your desired printer than turn off duplex printing in the Printer's Properties box. (See How to Change Your Printer Properties in the Related Topics below). Use Print Preview and confirm all settings before printing.

Printing to a color printer must be arranged with a lab assistant. You will need to provide an account number.

Logging into ITCS Services (used primarily by students)

The "Map to IFS Home" desktop icon is primarily used by students to login to access personal resources such as Mulberry mail accounts and IFS space, which require personal login. Most faculty and staff will not need to use this login.

Logging in adds a connection to the ITCS servers for the remainder of the session - until the computer is restarted or you click on the Log Out icon, which will reboot the computer. The login process maps the IFS personal network space as the M: drive which will be visible in the My Computer or Explorer window, and selectable from an application's Open and Save As dialog boxes. It also allows access to the individual's ITCS mailbox by opening Mulberry. Students rely heavily on both of these services.

To login, double-click on the "Map IFS home" icon. You will be prompted to enter your "Kerberos Identity" - this is your uniqname and Kerberos password (not your Business School password).

Logging into Faculty and Staff Network Folders:

To access your personal network folders and files, and/or to customize the computer for your use, double-click on the "Faculty Staff Logon" icon. Enter your uniqname and Business School password.

Logging in will map your personal drive letters U: and S: to the computer for the remainder of the session - until the computer is restarted or you click on the Log Out icon, which will reboot the computer.

Use this login to modify the computer settings, change the desktop and install software, as well as gain your personal rights to various network locations (such as the ability to modify files in your R:\Courses folder).

Students should not use this login - attempting to login with their uniqname and Kerberos password will result in labguest errors for the following user.

Changing a Computer's Configuration:

Faculty or staff can install software, change settings and modify the desktop when logged in with their Business School login (see Logging into Faculty and Staff Network Folders section above). While using the general Labguest login, software cannot be installed except in C:\Temp, settings cannot be modified, and the desktop cannot be changed (including adding icons) on lab and classroom computers.

To make changes, login with your uniqname and Business School password by double-clicking on the "Map to UMBS U: - Fac/Staff Only" desktop icon.

To access these changes in a future session you will need to login using the same account. However, keep in mind these computers are routinely "re-imaged" on the weekend, so changes may not persevere long. Contact the lab manager to arrange for your long-term needs and to incorporate changes to the regular lab image.

Regular software installation to be used by faculty with their students should be requested in advance of the semester needed, with ample time for testing.

Guidelines:

If you log in, be sure to to log out by double clicking on the desktop icon when finished. It is very important for your security to log off when finished if you logged in with your personal login to prevent others following you in these public environments from accessing your private files and folders.

Related Topics:

• Understanding Your Logins
• Using Business School Printers
• How to Request Software for the Labs and Classrooms

Checking the Lab Schedule and Reserving the Instructional Lab

Faculty may wish to reserve the Instructional lab for a hands-on session.

First, check the lab schedule for availability. Pick a time that is free or contact the person who has it scheduled to check their flexibility. The lab is reserved on a first-come first-served basis - please don't expect a person who has it reserved before you to share or move!

All requests must be handled by email, linked from the lab schedule, or sent directly to labschedule@bus.umich.edu. Requests are handled in order received based on the time stamp on the email.

• Ph.D. students may reserve the lower lab.
• Students who wish to reserve the lab need to reserve it through one of their professors. Please note the faculty member should be present during the session.
• The lab is not available for walk-in use.
• Reservations are typically released 20 minutes after a "no-show." Please work with the lab manager according to your needs.
• Please release your reservation if you know you will not need it to free it for use by others.

Keep in mind the schedule fills quickly, so make your reservation as soon as you know your need.

Requesting Software for Labs and Classrooms

Faculty can arrange for course software to be installed in the labs and classrooms.

Software requests are made during the previous term for incorporation into the next term's software suite, known as the "lab image." It is important to make Helpdesk staff aware of your request early enough for procurement, licensing, image development and conflict testing.

An email sent to the Outlook/Exchange All Faculty and Secretary mailing list is typically sent prior to each term. Please respond to that email if you are considering a software request.

You will be contacted to test the installation for your needs prior to the beginning of the semester.

The request for particular software must be renewed for each semester. Typically only basics such as Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer remain standard. Check the current list on the Lab & Classroom Software page.

Reserving Classroom Equipment

Following proper procedures allows for your best chance of success.

• Don't assume any equipment will automatically be available - even if you know it to be standard in the room. Our staff should be aware of your need.
• Reserve equipment at the time you make your room reservation.
• Let Facilities know what equipment you need and intend to use, such as computer, projector, and Internet. The Facilities Office will coordinate with the Computing Services Helpdesk Classroom Support staff for your equipment needs.

Ensuring Your Classroom Equipment is Functional

Never assume.

Be sure you reserve the equipment in advance so our staff know you are planning to use it. They will have the equipment turned on and ready approximately 10-15 minutes before your requested start time. Even if you know the room has computing equipment, reserving it is the safest method.

Before an important presentation or the beginning of a term, be sure you check out the room several days in advance and allow enough time to address any issue that does not meet your expectation with appropriate staff. Waiting is a recipe for stress - or disaster!

If you have not reserved the room's equipment, even if you check it out early, things can still change, as classroom equipment is used heavily.

If a computer or the network doesn't seem to be working, first check cables and cords. These occasionally are unplugged by a predecessor using the power outlet or Ethernet jack.

Please note your building key opens the AV cabinet.

Related Topic: See Reserving Classroom Equipment above.

Operating Classroom Equipment

Familiarizing yourself with basic equipment will enhance your comfort and enable you to better troubleshoot or describe problems if you do need help.

Learn to use new equipment well before you depend on it to make your presentation!

Contact our Classroom Support Staff well in advance to schedule an appointment to go over equipment use with you at least one week prior to your presentation. Please do not assume they will have time to go over it right before your session because they will need to focus on equipment set up and issues at that time.

When to Contact the Helpdesk or Facilities

You will get the fastest response if you are clear on who to ask for what.

• Call the Helpdesk when it is within 24 hours of your request when related to equipment needs.
• Call the Helpdesk when experiencing Computer or Network related problems in the middle of your session.
• Contact Facilities for such non-electrical equipment, such as tables, chairs, markers, etc.