Information Technology Services

ITS has made several major changes to ITS-managed computer labs over the summer. These include measures to enhance services and security in the labs, as well as the reduction of some services in response to North Carolina's current budget crisis. Also please note that ITS is upgrading and expanding the software available through our "Virtual Computing Lab" (VCL) that allows students and faculty to access some academic software packages remotely (e.g., from home) or over a campus wireless connection. More information on VCL will be available soon!

Upgrade and Changes to Computing Lab Pay-for-Print System (Pharos Uniprint)
As of May 27th, 2009, printing procedures in the ITS computer labs, print kiosks, and other locations with Pharos print stations have undergone some important changes, including that students, faculty and staff printing in those locations will be required to swipe their UNCG ID card to in order to print.

Due to UNCG's ID card system moving to the new SpartanCard online billing system (SpartanCash) and moving away from ECash (formerly known as the "chip" on the University ID card), ITS has upgraded the Pharos pay-for-print system to make it compatible with the new system. The Pharos printing upgrade allows clients to use their SpartanCash at any location where a Pharos print station is available. Printing charge transactions will now also be viewable through the "My Accounts" tab in Blackboard.

In order to print at locations where there is a UNCG Pharos print station, clients are now required to ALWAYS have their UNCG ID card available, or to purchase a "guest" card for printing (If you have the older UNCG FirstCard, it should also continue to work). The upgraded Pharos printing system DOES NOT ALLOW sharing of University ID cards in the computer labs. If you allow someone else to use your ID card, this will cause both printing accounts to become locked. If this happens you must visit the SuperLab in Jackson Library to have your printing account unlocked. NOTE: Please visit the Pay-for-Print web page for more details about the login procedures for the upgraded Pharos system.

Reductions in ITS Computer Lab Staffing
Due to budget constraints, ITS has had to reduce computer lab staff. Most ITS labs will not be staffed during daytime operating hours (8am - 5pm). Upon request, ITS will continue to make an effort to provide lab consultant assistance during day-time as well as evening classes. Instructors may make these requests either when submitting the initial lab reservation request (go to 6-TECH Online and choose the UNCG Forms tab), or by sending a separate request to (336) 256-TECH (8324) or 6-TECH@uncg.edu at least 24 hours before the class meeting time.

Installation of Two-way Intercoms in ITS Computer Labs
Due to the reduction of computer lab staffing, we have installed intercoms in ITS-managed computer labs to offer a new means to obtain quick assistance. If you are in need of quick assistance in the computer labs, you may press the "Tech Help" button on the intercom and an ITS lab consultant in the SuperLab (located in Jackson Library) will be able to respond to your request. Intercoms for the computer labs are located either at the lab teaching station (if the lab has a teaching station) or near the lab telephone. The intercoms use "push-to-talk" technology - when you press the button, you will need to release it in order to hear the consultant's response. We hope that the intercom system will help provide faster response times if you experience issues during your class time. These intercoms are also part of the University's crisis communication system and include a button labeled "Campus Police" that may be used to contact University Police.

Computer Lab Image Changes That Affect Playing CD's/DVD's and Other Media
To help protect lab users from common malware exploits, ITS has implemented changes to the behavior of AutoPlay for the PC lab image. AutoPlay has been configured to no longer enable an AutoRun task for devices that are removable optical media (CD/DVD), as well as for USB drives. When a CD or DVD is inserted into the optical drive of the machine, the computer will no longer automatically take an action to play the media or present a pop-up menu for action. You will need to navigate to My Computer to control the D: drive for CD/DVD's and the assigned drive(s) for any USB flash media.
To play an audio CD, right-click on the D: drive and choose "Play" (this will open Windows Media player for audio CD listening). To play an audio/video DVD, right-click on the D: drive and choose "Play with VLC media player" and this will allow the DVD to begin playing.

Lab Guidelines Change - Drinks in ITS Computer Labs
ITS has altered its lab policies to allow drinks with secured lids and covered containers in the ITS-managed computer labs. Food and drinks without lids are not permitted.

Discontinuation of Element K Online Training Service
Due to budget constraints, the contract with Element K has not been renewed for 2009-2010, and the Element K on-line training system is no longer available. Information Technology Services regrets any inconvenience this causes.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact 6-TECH at (336) 256-TECH (8324) or 6-TECH@uncg.edu.