Further technical help

Assistive Technology

The University provides assistive technology services for students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia.  Students who are registered with Access Solent are entitled to use the Assistive Technology area on the ground floor of the Mountbatten Library in room ML015.  This provides a quieter learning environment, computer workstations with specialist equipment and software, as well as support in using these resources. They are accessible during normal library opening hours.

A tutor is generally available each weekday in term-time from 10am – 2pm in (RM018). Alternatively please ask at the Wellbeing Hub (RM011), or phone 023 8201 3427 (ext. 3427), email: access@solent.ac.uk.

Access

The assistive technology area is readily accessible on the ground floor of the Mountbatten Library. 

Special equipment

All computers in the Library are equipped with widescreen displays and there are a number of workstations available with electrically operated adjustable tables. Helpdesk staff will be pleased to advise on location and use.

Adjustable desks

The Library is equipped with several adjustable desks, suitable for use by students in wheelchairs. Wheelchair users have absolute priority on these workstations.

Equipment loans

For library use

For any problems with the locker loans, contact the 'Main Information Point' in the Library foyer (Ground floor), library.loans@solent.ac.uk, Ext. 3766.

Other equipment

The following items can be loaned for use in the library:

• Adaptors
• Cables
• Chargers
• Card readers
• Storage cards
• USBs
• Boundary mics
• DVD player
• Digital cameras
• Digital voice recorder
• Mice

For more information about library loans, click on the Ask for help button in the main left-hand menu, submit your query and a Learning Technologies Advisor will get back to you. Alternatively, visit the Learning Technologies Helpdesk, Floor 2 Mountbatten Library (10am-4pm) or chat with us on our virtual Zoom helpdesk https://learn.solent.ac.uk/helpdesk (10am-4pm). You can also leave a voicemail message on 023 8201 5100 or email ltu@solent.ac.uk (replies within 2 working days). 

Saving your work

Saving your work safely is one of the most important aspects of using any computer. It is recommended to save your work in your allocated space on the university network. The Student Network Storage can be accessed through the 'Start menu' on all PCs (Windows) or through the 'Network Home Login' link on all University Macs (accessed through the cat icon on the desktop).

Cloud storage

You now have access to OneDrive as part of your Solent University account. 

OneDrive allows you to make changes especially from a device that is not your usual work environment. You will have the same functionality wherever you access your files: 

• 1TB of cloud storage for each student. Store all your work without having to worry about loosing your data. The cloud is secure and backed up and so is all your work, there is even a handy recycling bin if you accidentally delete something.
  
• Access files off-site. Access all your files from anywhere in the world, giving you the flexibility to work where  and when you want to. If you start your work on campus it will be there when you get home, just where you left it.
  
• Collaboration with easy file sharing. This online interface will not only allow you to track contributors’ changes, you no longer need to worry about multiple copies as you are all editing the same document and the formatting will look the same on every device you work on it. 

Additionally you can use your own cloud storage solution such as Dropbox through a web interface. And if you only have a small file why not email a copy if you need a secondary backup.

Click here to access OneDrive or click on the OneDrive link in the start menu.

Email attachments

Another method some students use to move work between home and the University is as an email attachment. If you choose to do this you must ensure that you save your attachment correctly or you could lose work.

When you open an email attachment, before you work on it, click on 'Save As...' and select your Student Network Storage as the location.  If you simply click on 'Save' you will not be able to retrieve it after you have closed it.

OneDrive

Students have access to OneDrive as part of their Solent University account. OneDrive offers up to 1TB of storage per student, and can be accessed off site, giving you the flexibility to work where and when you want to. If you start your work on campus it will be there when you get home, just where you left it.

OneDrive also offers collaboration, with easy file sharing. The online interface will allow you to track contributors’ changes, and you no longer need to worry about multiple copies as you are all editing the same document.

OneDrive can be accessed via your Office365 web app, or by clicking the icon in the Start menu of any Windows 10 PC on campus. Files can be dragged and dropped onto folders to store them.

Sharing

You can share files with anyone who has an Office 365 log in or Microsoft account. You can also use the 'guest link' option, although in this case the file will be viewable, but not downloadable.

If you want to share documents it is highly recommended that you use the ‘invite people’ option instead, with ‘require sign-in’ ticked. Sharing in this way gives you more control over who can access your documents.

Closing of accounts

Please be aware that if you leave the University and your account is deleted, your OneDrive document library will also be deleted.

Intended use

OneDrive for Business is intended as storage for university related content. 

It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that their usage of the service is compliant with all University policies, including the IT Acceptable Use Policy and the Data Protection Policy, which should be read in conjunction with the Student Regulations/Charter.

• IT Acceptable Use Policy
  
• Data Protection Policy
• Student Charter

USB flash drives

Flash Drives are really useful for moving work between computers, however you should never rely on them to store documents as they can easily become lost or damaged.  Always make a copy of a file in a second location. 

If you find a USB somebody has left behind, please hand it in to the Learning Technology helpdesk on the second floor of the Library or post it in the silver post box on the wall by the exit of the library. The found USB could contain work vital to passing a unit or course so the helpdesk staff will make every effort to identify and contact the owner from the contents on the device e.g. a CV or similar. To assist in this it is a good idea to create a simple Word file that just contains your name and save it to any new USB stick you intend to use.

Staff will keep the device for 3 months and if they are unable to identify the owner or make contact then the device will be securely disposed of.

Student Workshops

In collaboration with other departments in the University, we are offering a variety of digital and learning skills workshops and presentations including: 

For details of the programme, visit https://learn.solent.ac.uk/student-workshops.

User names and passwords

All students are assigned a username and password for their individual use.

This username and password will provide you with access to the Portal and to Solent Online Learning (SOL) from within the University and externally via the internet, but you will also need your username and password in the library to access the computers, top up your printer/photocopying account and to hire laptops or digital cameras, etc.

Your username

Your username cannot be changed. If you forget you can work it out as follows:

• the seventh digit from the right hand side of your student number (found on the front of your student card)
• the first four characters of your last name or full name if less than four characters (A-Z characters only)
• the initial of your first name
• the last two digits of your student number.

De-activated usernames

Usernames can occasionally be disabled for the following reasons:

• disciplinary
• student has an overdue laptop, or a laptop fine
• student is in debt to the University
• we urgently need to contact the student.

In the first instance contact Learning Technologies on the help desk on Floor 2 of the Mountbatten library who will advise you on who to contact.

Your password

Your password will be emailed to you along with your username before you arrive at Solent. 

You will be directed to change your password, please keep your new password secure.

Further information is available here:-

https://www.solent.ac.uk/hello-uni/changing-your-university-password

Changing your password

Forgotten your password

If you’ve forgotten your password, don’t worry. Try resetting your password by following the advise at:-

https://www.solent.ac.uk/hello-uni/changing-your-university-password

Using your computers & devices at Uni

Laptops and some handheld mobile devices can connect to the University network via the wireless and halls connection.

In the library there are specific powered laptop areas.

Before using your laptop you will need to configure it for the wireless network and consider what antivirus and firewall software you have. The Learning Technologies Helpdesk (floor 2 Mountbatten library) are available for advice.

Laptop support

At the Learning Technologies Helpdesk, we offer a number of laptop services including:

• Connecting to University wifi, email and other teaching and learning systems.
• Virus management advice.
• General advice and help with using your laptop.

We cannot however help you with desktop machines, so please do not bring those in!

Solent University makes no warranties, representations or undertakings for any work done or services provided to student-owned mobile computing devices: all work done is on the basis of best endeavours. 

Your university email account

All students are provided with a personal university email account.  The email address will be in the format: username@solent.ac.uk.

It is essential you check your university email regularly. Important information regarding your course and activities will only be sent to this account and is the main method of communication from your lecturers and other services at the university. You can access your email through the email app on the Portal or by going to http://email.solent.ac.uk.

You will need to use your full Solent email address and password for access.

You must not use your University email account to send threatening or offensive email: bear in mind that something you find really funny may be totally offensive to someone else. If you receive offensive email, please tell a member of the Learning Technologies helpdesk staff.

To do this, click on the Ask for help button in the main left-hand menu, submit your query and a Learning Technologies Advisor will get back to you. Alternatively, visit the Learning Technologies Helpdesk, Floor 2 Mountbatten Library (10am-4pm) or chat with us on our virtual Zoom helpdesk https://learn.solent.ac.uk/helpdesk (10am-4pm). You can also leave a voicemail message on 023 8201 5100 or email ltu@solent.ac.uk (replies within 2 working days).