Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions. If your question is not represented here, you can call the Help Desk at 777-7840 or email your question to Classroom Support.
General Questions
Q: Who uses the Computing Center?
A: The Computing Center is managed by the College of Arts & Sciences for the instructional use and general computing needs of faculty, staff, and students of the College of Arts & Sciences, as well as those students taking classes there.
Q: What are the Computer Lab's hours?
A: Our operating hours during the Fall and Spring semesters are:
- Monday – Thursday 8:15 am to 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm
- Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Maymester, Summer and Student Holidays
- Monday – Friday 8:15am to 5:00 pm
- -Saturday - Sunday: Closed
The lab is closed on most holidays and operates on a reduced schedule during the Summer.
Q: How do I log in to the computer?
A: Your login name and password are the same username and password you use to login to Blackboard. If you do not know your login name, log in to my.sc.edu. Under the personal section, select Check My IDs and Manage My Passwords. Select Password Reset
Q: How do I use my student e-mail account?
A: Login to a workstation, launch a web browser (i.e. Internet Explorer) and go to Office 365 Enter your network username and password and click "Log On".
Q: Can I save my work on a lab computer?
You can save files that you are currently working on or to be completed while using the computer. We recommend not using computers as long-term storage devices and suggest that you invest in a USB flash drive or portable hard drive.
Q: Do you have to reserve a computer?
A: The lab is open to general use by students, faculty, and staff of the University. However, our labs also serve as classrooms scheduled each semester. If you notice a class is in session, quietly use the computers in the open lab spaces i.e. (outside accordion doors). Class schedules are posted at the back of each of the labs and posted online
Q: Can I connect my laptop wirelessly in the lab?
A: Yes, there is a wireless hotspot in our lab, and you may connect your laptop to the internet. Access information about Wireless @ USC and instructions to connect your laptop. You will not be able to print in the lab once connected to the wireless network.
Q: It's lunchtime, and I haven't eaten. Can I bring my food and drink to the lab?
A: Food and beverages are prohibited in the lab. You may leave items on a table provided outside of the lab and retrieve them when you have finished using the lab facilities.
Printing Questions
Q: How do I print?
A: Student Printing Kiosks (formerly known as Sprints)
Print, copy, and scan in color or black
One or two sides
Paper: 8.5 x 11 or 11 x 17 white 20# bond
Payment options: CarolinaCard, Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express
Money can be deposited to your Carolina Card online at my.sc.edu and will be credited within 5 minutes.
Q: How much does a printout cost?
A: Payment is required when you print. Pay at the kiosk using your CarolinaCard or use Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express.
- 5 x 11 Black only - 15¢ per side
- 5 x 11 Color - 50¢ per side
- 11 x 17 Black only - 30¢ per side
- 11 x 17 Color - $1.00 per side
- Scanning – free
Q: Do I have to pay for everything I print out?
A: Yes, you are responsible for paying for all printouts that you make. Do a "Print Preview" before sending the job to print. You may also ask for assistance at the Help Desk.
Q: Is there a print limit?
A: All printouts are to be used for non-profit/educational use. Color printer output is limited to 10 copies. We are not a high-volume production print shop. Printing must be done within reason, and volume copies must be done at a commercial print shop. It is against state law to use the computers, printers, or software programs of the University of South Carolina for any commercial/profit purposes. Suspected violators will be reported to campus police for investigation.
Q: Can I print in a large format, such as a poster? What is the minimum cost?
A: We have two large format printers, capable of printing to 42" by any length. You can print to these printers from most programs, primarily PowerPoint, Photoshop and Illustrator. Handouts are available to instruct on the printing process from these applications. There is a minimum charge of $5.00 to plot.
Q: Can I use my own paper?
A: We cannot print on paper that you provide on our printers. If you require special paper for printing (i.e. rag paper for thesis/dissertation or a letterhead), you will need to use a commercial printing company. You may print an original here on our paper and then have the commercial printing company photocopy it to your specialty paper.
Hardware Questions
Q: What hardware, besides computers, is available for use?
A: Our lab is equipped with scanners. One large format scanner as well. Various other hardware devices and peripherals may be checked out. Most scanners are equipped with OCR software, allowing text to be edited upon a successful scan.
Software Questions
Q: If I have a question about how to use a piece of software, who should I contact?
A: If you are taking a class using a particular software package, use your professor as a first resource contact. Additionally, most questions can be easily answered in online help or forums as well. We also have staff members knowledgeable in different programs. Handouts are also available on many frequently arising questions about our software.