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New Mexico State University

Student FAQs

What is ICT and what services does ICT offer to students?
Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) provides resources and services to support NMSU's educational, research and public service missions. Information & Communication Technologies also develops and implements policies and procedures necessary to insure the effective, secure and appropriate use of those resources and services. Among the student services maintained by ICT are the myNMSU portal, computing labs, support for online courses, Ethernet connection, free dial-up service, computer and technology equipment rental program, classroom media stations, wireless zones and Helpdesk assistance.

Below, subdivided by category, are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs):

myNMSU

What is myNMSU and how is it different from nmsu.edu?
The myNMSU portal is a secure site that provides NMSU students, faculty and administrative staff with Intranet services. It can be accessed by anyone who has an enabled NMSU username and password. The NMSU homepage (nmsu.edu) can be accessed by anyone with Internet service. This site is geared toward prospective students and visitors and provides them with an overview of the university, the community and relevant news.

How do I access myNMSU?
You must activate your NMSU student account to get access to myNMSU. Go to
https://accounts.nmsu.edu/accounts/activation/ and following the on-screen prompts to activate your account.

What should I do if I forget my NMSU username and/or password?
If you forget your NMSU username and/or password, go to https://accounts.nmsu.edu/accounts/maintenance/forgot_nun.phpand follow the prompts for retrieving your username and/or resetting your password. If you need further assistance, you may contact the ICT Helpdesk at 646-1840.

What is a PIN used for and where do I obtain a PIN?
The Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a six-digital number that you create when you activate your NMSU student account. The PIN is an added security measure that is primarily used when you make payments over the telephone. You acquire a PIN by activating your NMSU account at https://accounts.nmsu.edu/accounts/activation/index.php. This site provides step-by-step instructions on activating your account and allows you can create your password and PIN.

How do I reset my PIN?
To reset your NMSU six-digit numeric PIN, logon to myNMSU with your username and password and select "Reset your PIN."

Now that I have access to myNMSU, what can I do?
From the myNMSU portal, you can:
• Check your email
• Access WebCT
• Maintain your calendar
• Check NMSU announcements
• Register for classes
• Check the status of your financial aid
• Maintain your personal information
To access any of the services listed above, you need an enabled student account.

What is a NMSU Username , Password and PIN and why should I obtain them?
Security is a primary concern at NMSU. Your NMSU username, password and PIN are specific to you and when you logon to any of sites operated by NMSU, you are ensuring security and privacy of your student account. You should not share your NMSU username, password or PIN with anyone.

Internet Access

How do I register my personal computer to the NMSU network?
New Mexico State University requires its students, faculty and staff to register their computer on the NMSU network. To do this, you will need an enabled NMSU username and password. Before you begin the network registration process, you will need to configure your computer for Dynamic Host Configurations Protocol (DHCP). Configuration instructions are specific to operation systems. To access documentation for your operating system, visit http://netreg.nmsu.edu/start.cgi.

What should I use for my name when registering my computer through netreg?
Information & Communication Technology Helpdesk professionals suggest that you use your NMSU username followed by the word that identifies the connection you are registering (wireless or Ethernet).
For example, "aggiewireless" where aggie is your NMSU username and wireless is the type of connection you are using.

How do I connect to the Internet using my personal computer?
Ways to connect:
Wireless Access:
Free wireless access is available for notebooks and laptops throughout New Mexico State University's campus. For a list of wireless zones, visit Wireless Zones.
Ethernet Connection:
Ethernet is a free Internet service offered to students using computers on campus or living in NMSU residential housing. This service has speeds up to 10Mb. For instructions on how to access these services, visit High-Speed Internet Services.
Dial-up:
New Mexico State University provides free dial-up Internet service for all students, faculty and staff. This service can be accessed off campus and has speeds from 26-56K. For instructions on how to access these services, visit http://studenttech.nmsu.edu/overview-of-services-pho.html.
Premium dial-up:
Premium Internet dial-up service is specifically designed for faculty, staff and students who live in the Las Cruces area and want a high-speed connection directly to the NMSU-Net. An NMSU email address is required. Customers must come to the ICT offices, located in the Computer Center on the corner of Stewart and Sweet Streets and sign a user agreement. For additional information please see http://www.nmsu.edu/~telecom/pds.html.
Third-party Internet Services Providers:
Below is a list of third-party Internet service providers. Please view their websites for information on available services.
• Comcast http://comcast.broadbandnational.com/state/newmexico/lascruces-newmexico.html.
• Qwest
https://iot.qwest.com/iot/Internet/DslPickService.do?prgCode=103521
• BroadBand
http://www.dslreports.com/
• ZiaNet
http://www.zianet.com/showmain.idc
• NetZero
http://www.netzero.net/

What is premium dial-up and how do I get it?
New Mexico State University students, faculty and staff who live in the Las Cruces area may purchase a high-speed Internet connection to the NMSU network. There are a limited number of subscriptions available. For information to access these services, visit http://ict.nmsu.edu/telecom/pds.shtml.
Some facts about Premium dial-up service:
• A monthly charge
• Up to 300 hours of usage a month
• Up to 56 Kbps connection speed
• Less than 5:1 user-to-modem ratio
• Call (575) 646-6007 to sign up

How do I get access to the Ethernet from the dorms?
Ethernet is a free high-speed Internet service offered to NMSU students living in Chamisa, Garcia Hall, Monagle Hall, Rhodes Garrett Hall (RGH) and the Vista Del Monte (VDM) buildings Q-X. This service offers network speeds up to 10 Mbps.
Steps to set-up Ethernet:
1. You will need an Ethernet card and cable. If your computer is not equipped with these tools, you can purchase them at the NMSU Bookstore.
2. Once you have installed the card and attached the cable, review the configuration instructions to make sure that your computer settings are correct.
New Mexico State University provides free dial-up service for al students, faculty and staff. This service can be accessed on or off campus and has speeds from 26 Kbps - 56 Kbps. Follow the steps below to receive free Internet service.

How do I access free dial-up from off-campus?
New Mexico State University provides free dial-up service for al students, faculty and staff. This service can be accessed on or off campus and has speeds from 26 Kbps - 56 Kbps. Follow the steps below to receive free Internet service.
Three steps to receive free dial-up service:
1. Make sure you have a live telephone line and modem.
2. Read through the configuration instructions to make sure your settings are correct. Select the correct operating system and follow the instructions for installation and set-up. The configuration instructions are available at the ICT Help Desk in the Computer Center, Room 140 or online at http://ict.nmsu.edu/ict/csc/DOCS/index.shtml.
Register your computer to the NMSU network by following the on-screen instructions at http://netreg.nmsu.edu/start.cgi.

What is the difference between Ethernet and Long-range Ethernet?
The difference between the Ethernet and Long-range Ethernet is the Internet speeds and where the access is available.
Ethernet is a free high-speed Internet service offered to NMSU students living in Chamisa, Garcia Hall, Monagle Hall, Rhodes Garrett Hall (RGH) and the Vista Del Monte (VDM) buildings Q-X. This service offers network speeds up to 10 Mbps.

Long-range Ethernet is a free Internet connection available to Alumni Hall, Vista Del Monte units K-P, Cervantes Village A-J, Tom Fort Village , Cole Village , Sutherland and Greek with speeds up to 5Mb.

Steps to set-up Ethernet:
1. You will need an Ethernet card and cable. If your computer is not equipped with these tools, you can purchase them at the NMSU Bookstore.
2. Once you have installed the card and attached the cable, review the configuration instructions to make sure that your computer settings are correct.
3. Register your computer on the NMSU network. Go to http://netreg.nmsu.edu and follow the prompts to get Ethernet service.

What is a browser and how is it different from ISP?
A browser is a software that allows you to locate and display Web pages. Netscape, Mosaic and Internet Explorer are examples of Web browsers. For a comprehensive definition of "browser," visit http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/b/browser.html.
ISP is an Internet Service Provider. For a comprehensive definition of ISP, visit http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/ISP.html.

NMSU Suggested Browsers:
• Internet Explorer
• Netscape
• Firefox

Computer Security

If I get a virus where do I go for help?
You may call the ICT Helpdesk at 646-1840 for assistance. For further information about the Helpdesk please visit http://ict.nmsu.edu/CSC/. Additionally, NMSU offers free anti-virus software called Sophos; it is available at http://ict.nmsu.edu/software/Users/login.php .
To download Sophos, enter your NMSU username and password, click Submit. Once you have found the software specific to your computer, install it.

What do I do if I get taken off the NMSU network because my computer is infected?
If your computer is infected with a virus, you should call the ICT Helpdesk at 646-1840 and inform them of the problem. Once the virus has been cleaned off your computer, you need to email abuse@nmsu.edu or help@nmsu.edu. This action will allow you to rejoin the NMSU network.

NMSU's Network Use Policy requires that you take responsibility for keeping your computer virus free. You should:
• Keep your system up to date with all current patches and updates.
• Run an updated virus detection software program.
• Use a personal firewall.
• Use a valid password.

To read more about computer security, please see the following links:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/default.mspx
http://www.cert.org/
http://www.mcafee.com
http://www.symantec.com

What is firewall protection and why would I want to use it?
A firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. It is the first line of defense in protection your private information. For a more complete explanation of a firewall, click the following link http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/f/firewall.html.

Who do I call if I am having trouble downloading software or setting up automatic updates?
Information and Communication Technologies maintains a site (http://ict.nmsu.edu/software/FAQs/index.php) that pertains to license agreements, software licensing and downloads. You also may contact the ICT Helpdesk at (575) 646-1840 to speak with a technician. For more information about the ICT Helpdesk, visit http://ict.nmsu.edu/CSC/.

How do I set up automatic Microsoft updates?
Automatic updates help keep your computer running smoothly by preventing viruses and hackers from taking control of your computer. In addition, regular updates help ensure that your computer runs with fewer glitches. For automatic Microsoft updates, visit http://update.microsoft.com/. This site provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up automatic updates.

How do I set up automatic Windows updates?
Automatic updates help keep your computer running smoothly by preventing viruses and hackers from taking control of your computer. In addition, regular updates help ensure that your computer runs with fewer glitches. Visit the following site for information on automatic Windows updates and step-by-step set up instructions http://www.updatexp.com/windows-automatic-updates.html.

Should I leave my personal computer on 24/7?
There are advantages and disadvantages to leaving your computer running 24/7. Please review all the information provided and make an informed decision as it applies to you.
Advantages of Leaving Your Computer Running
• The main reason people choose to leave their computer running 24/7 is they do not have to shut down and re-start their computer every time they want to use it.
• Running your computer 24/7 reduces the likelihood that you will fragment your system files or that you will lose files.
• Automatic updates that require Internet access can be completed without your participation.
• You can leave your computer unattended while it uploads or downloads large files or data sets.
• You can maintain a constant connection to online chat rooms and other interactive Internet sites.
• Computers networked to your computer can access data.

Disadvantages of Leaving Your Computer Running
• Your computer may overheat. Although this is true of all computers, laptops and notebooks are more prone to overheating.
• If your computer overheats, it can destroy internal hardware, which may require that you replace internal components or purchase a new computer.
• Your computer may be damaged or destroyed by power surges or lightning strikes. New Mexico has one of the highest rates of lightning ground strikes in the United States. For this reason, you should always disconnect your computer from any external power source when lightning is occurring in your area.
NOTE: Surge suppressors provide a limited level of protection from power fluctuations. They do not guarantee that power fluctuations will not damage or destroy your computer.
• Your computer may be remotely attacked by hackers or become infected by viruses, worms, spyware, scumware, malware or other forms of malicious conduct. It is possible to have data stolen from your computer.
• As long as your computer is turned on and connected to the Internet, hackers and other unethical Internet users can access your computer. Anti-virus software, pop-up blockers and firewalls minimize the risk of your computer being attacked.
• Other people may use your computer if you leave your computer on. Set up a login screen that requires a user to sign in with a username and password. This will prevent other people from using your computer.
• Older, TV-style computer monitors are prone to ghost images. If you want to leave older monitors running all the time, consider using a screensaver. It reduces the likelihood of "burning" ghost images onto the monitor.

REMEMBER: If you decide to turn off your computer when there are power fluctuations or lightning, make sure that you disconnect your computer from any external power source. Simply turning off your computer will not protect it from damage caused by power fluctuations.

REMEMBER: You are always connected to the Internet if you use a cable, DSL, satellite or wireless connection. If you use a standard dial-up modem to connect to the Internet, you are connected to the Internet when your computer "dials up" the remote modem connection. In the instance of dial-up connection, close your dial-up connection to disconnect from the Internet.

Computer Rentals

Are rental computer capable of burning works onto discs?
Some rental computers have the capacity of burning CDs. If you want this feature on your rental computer, make that request prior to signing the rental agreement.

Do all rental computers come with flash drive capabilities?
Yes, rental computer come with flash drive capabilities.

Do rental laptops come with wireless capabilities?
Yes, rental laptops are wireless enabled.

What happens to my files when I return my rental computer?
Computers/laptops are reformatted (files deleted) when they are returned to the rental pool. If you wish to keep your files, save them to an external hard drive device.

Where do I go if I get a virus or have software problems on my rental computer?
You may take your computer to Room 121 in Jacobs Hall or call (575) 646-4209 for assistance. This service is part of your computer/laptop rental agreement.

Computer Labs

What is a computer lab?
Computer labs are rooms equipped with computers and printers and are for student use. Information and Communication Technologies at NMSU maintains several student computing labs. Visit http://ict.nmsu.edu/scs/labs/labs.htmlfor a list of those labs.

Are students allowed to play games or engage in non-related academic activities in the computer labs?
Yes, as long as the computers are not needed for school-related work, students are allowed to engage in non-related academic activities on the computers.

Can I print documents in the computer labs and what is the price of printing?
Yes, NMSU implemented the Pharos pay-for-print system in all student computing labs in 2007. Full-time students have $20 encoded into their Student ID card for printing in any of the computer labs. Part-time students have $10 encoded into their Student ID cards. Black-and-white prints are 10 cents a page; color prints are 50 cents a page. The encoded amount is good from the first to the last day of the semester.

Does each lab have different hours of operation?
Yes, each computer lab maintains its own hours of operation. You can find each computer lab's hours at http://ict.nmsu.edu/scs/labs/labsched.html.

How do I log on to a computer when I am in a general computer lab?
Log on with your myNMSU username and your Social Security number.

What kind of software do the computer labs offer?
Computer labs vary in the software they offer. For a comprehensive list of the software offered in each lab, visit http://ict.nmsu.edu/scs/Software/software.html.

Where are the computing labs located?
For a list of computer lab locations, visit http://ict.nmsu.edu/scs/labs/labs.html.

Wireless

What is wireless access?
Wireless zones are publicly available Internet access points that allow users to connect to the Internet without a physical wired connection between sender and receiver. This radio wave or microwave connectivity gives the user the mobility to move around within the wireless zone/s.

What are Aggie Wireless Zones?
For a comprehensive explanation of Aggie Wireless Zones, including wireless locations and policies visit http://ict.nmsu.edu/wireless/.

How do I access wireless connectivity?
Aggie Wireless Zones are publicly available access points that can be accessed by anyone who has an enabled NMSU username and password. To access and use Aggie Wireless Zones, your computer's network connection must be configured for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and it must be equipped with a wireless network card that is Wi-Fi compliant.

How do I set up my computer to access the wireless network?
You must register your laptop to the NMSU network, which in turn enables you to obtain network configurations for the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. Once you have registered and configured your laptop, you will be able to move your laptop to the various Aggie Wireless Zones and connect to the Internet.
Visit the NMSU Registration Site to begin the process.

What is a wireless network card (Wi-Fi)?
 A Wi-Fi network card allows your laptop to access the wireless Internet. The card needs to be compatible with the 802.11b networking standard. Most new laptops/notebooks have this card preinstalled at the time of purchase.

Where are Aggies Wireless Zones located?
For a complete list of wireless zones, visit http://ict.nmsu.edu/wireless/display.php. Wireless access is among the top requested technologies by students. To date, there are approximately 61 wireless zones and this number continues to grow.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions about wireless access?
Contact the ICT Helpdesk if you have questions about wireless access. The ICT Helpdesk is located in Room 140 of the Computer Center (corner of Stewart and Sweet Street). You also may call the ICT Helpdesk (646-1840) or email them at help@nmsu.edu. Additionally, you may visit ICT's Aggie Wireless Zones FAQ page.

Blackboard (formerly WebCT)

What is Blackboard (formerly WebCT) and why does NMSU use it?
Blackboard is an easy-to-use online course management system that is available 24/7. Using Blackboard your instructors can post syllabi, readings, and assignments as well as communicate via email, virtual chats or discussion boards. Some additional features include: Course Announcements, Course Calendar, Online Quizzes and Surveys, and Course Study Groups.

How do I logon to Blackboard (learn.nmsu.edu)?
Go to http://learn.nmsu.edu and enter your NMSU username and NMSU password.

Why can't I access learn.nmsu.edu or certain icons within my course? 
Learn.nmsu.edu requires use of certain browsers in order to operate properly. If you are using a supported browser, you should be able to access learn.nmsu.edu and its content. Verify browser.

What do I do if I can't access course content (notes, presentations, materials, grades, etc.)?
There could be a couple of reasons why you may not be able to see your Blackboard course.

*Your instructor has not made the course available to students yet. Also, your instructor may wait to make the course available to students or may not use their Blackboard course. Contact your instructor to see if the course will use Blackboard and if the course has been made available to students.
*You are a new student and have not activated your NMSU account so Blackboard has not added you to any courses. You can activate your account at https://accounts.nmsu.edu/accounts/activation/index.php (To open link in a new window, right click the link and select "Open in a New Window")
*You have been dropped from the class or there is some other registration problem. In this case, contact you instructor to see if you are enrolled in the course.

What do I do if I cannot log on to learn.nmsu.edu?
Make sure you have activated your NMSU student account. If you are able to log on to my.nmsu.edu, but you get a message saying incorrect username and/or password on the learn.nmsu.edu website, it is because your instructor has not added you to the course. Ask your instructor to add you to the course.

What do I do if I log in to learn.nmsu.edu and my course is not there?
Your name will not appear on the student roster if you have not made a down payment on tuition. If this is the case, go to Registrar's Office and arrange a financial payment plan. After financial arrangements have been made, contact your instructor and request to be added to the course. If this is not the case, ask your instructor if s/he has added you to the student roster.

What do I do if I get a message informing me that I have been deactivated (dropped from the course)?
Contact your instructor. If you have been deactivated, you will not be able to access the course or any of the assignments.

What settings do I need to change in my browser to use learn.nmsu.edu?
You will need to set your cache to reload every time and you will need to enable Cookies, Java and JavaScript.

What should I do if my course does not show up in learn.nmsu.edu?
Contact your instructor. It may be that your instructor has not uploaded or updated the student roster.

Helpdesk

What is the ICT Helpdesk?
The ICT Helpdesk provides technical support for students, faculty and staff. For more information about the ICT Helpdesk please visit http://ict.nmsu.edu/help.html.

How do I contact the ICT Helpdesk?
The ICT Helpdesk is located in Room 140 of the Computer Center. Helpdesk technicians can assist you via email, walk-in or by phone (646-4433 or 646-1840). For after hour assistance, you may email the ICT Helpdesk at help@nmsu.edu.

Where is the ICT Helpdesk located?
The ICT Helpdesk is located in Room 140 of the Computer Center Building; on the corner of Stewart and Sweet Street.