FAQ - Computer Services

How Do I Get Access to the Computers at ESCC?

In order to access college computers, you must use your local area network (LAN) login name and password. Students enrolled in ESCC classes receive a LAN account automatically. Students enrolled in ODU classes must request a LAN account from the ODU Teletechnet office.

If you are NOT a student and you would like access to computers for approved activities, you must request make your request for computer access or for the use of audio-visual equipment (such as the projection system or a laptop) at the time that you reserve access to space on campus.  This is done through the Workforce Development and Continuing Education Office.  More information on this process, including the forms you will need, can be found in the section on Use of Facilities.

If you are having trouble with the computers in any of the computer labs or using technology in your classes, please use the Help Desk or contact:

Malcolm White, Information Systems Technologist
IT Office - Room A50
757-789-1771
mwhite@es.vccs.edu

Help Desk

Three computer labs are available for open lab use by students when classes are not in session. These Labs may be used by any student.

See the lab schedules posted outside the lab facilities for specific days and times when the equipment is available in a particular room. In general, there are machines available for student use from early morning until the college closes in the evening.

The labs are not open on weekends.

The available Labs are:

• A34
• A66
• A69

Schedules are posted outside the doors. Please DO NOT knock or enter during class times.

Unfortunately, there is no single user name and password to get access to the multiple applications you may need to use.

To get into the computers in the open labs and classrooms, you must use your ESCC LAN account name and password.

The login name and password used to access the ESCC LAN and the ESCConnect services like email, PeopleSoft SIS, and Blackboard are  explained in full detail on the following page:

•  Student Overview of Computing Services
   

What if I Have More Than One Emplid?

Unfortunately, students having multiple emplids is a serious problem with the PeopleSoft Student Information System. If you've taken classes at more than one community college, you probably have more than one emplid, which makes it difficult to access the system the first time.

If you cannot log in due to multiple IDs, you must contact Connie Fentress in the registrar's office. You can reach her at:

Connie Fentress
757-789-1728
cfentress@es.vccs.edu 

What Should I Do if I Forget My Password or User Name, or I Lock Myself Out?

It depends on which system you are trying to access:

ESCC LAN Accounts: If you are trying to log into the computers on campus and have forgotten your password, you will need to see a member of the IT staff in A50 or contact the Help Desk in order to have your password reset.

ESCConnect Accounts: If you have forgotten your ESCConnect password, you can use the password reset utility at ESCConnect to generate a new password.

If you have forgotten your User Name, you can retrieve it by going here:

• Retrieve User Name

If you have locked yourself out of either account with too many failed login attempts (each of these accounts has a timed mechanism that will cause the account to unlock itself automatically), then please note that:

• ESCC LAN accounts will unlock automatically after five (5) minutes;
• ESCConnect accounts will unlock after fifteen (15) minutes have passed.
   

How Do I Change My Password?

It depends on which password you want to change.

The password you use to get access to college computers (LAN account) may be changed by:

1. pressing the CTRL+ALT+DEL key combination, and then,
2. selecting the "Change Password" button.

Changing or "resetting" the password you use to get into your ESCConnect accounts (Blackboard, email, PeopleSoft) may be accomplished by following the instructions at ESCConnect.

Why Should I Change My Password?

You should change your password any time there is a possibility that someone else knows your password. At the very least, you should always change a temporary password to something you select, even if you are not required to do so.

Remember: You are held responsible for all activity associated with your accounts. Changing your password can help protect your accounts from unauthorized access.