Computing Resources

WCC students are provided two locations on campus where drop-in access to computers is available, the Student Access Lab (SAL) and the Library. The Student Access Lab is located on the lower level of Cascade Hall Room 121 and offers MS Office XP, Internet Explorer, web-based email, and printing.

WCC's library provides Internet Explorer, access to research software, web-based email, and printing. The WCC Library is located on the main floor of the Heiner Center. Please visit the Library's web page for a full description of services offered and hours of operation.

While WCC encourages its students to utilize our computing resources in the pursuit of their education, we expect students to respect and comply with the rules assigned to that technology.

STUDENT ACCESS LAB - Cascade Hall, Room 121

There are 44 computers in the Student Access Lab available for student use. The lab provides WCC students with MS Office XP, Internet Explorer, web-based email, and printing. There is a time limit imposed when the lab is full.

Hours for Fall, Winter, and Spring
M-Th - 7:30a-9:00p
F - 7:30a-5:00p
S - noon-5:00p

Hours for Summer quarter
M-Th - 8:00a-6:00p
F - 8:00a-noon

LAB ASSISTANTS

Lab assistants are employed by Whatcom Community College to provide general support to users in the student labs. Their role is to check your student ID, assist with computer access, troubleshoot printer problems, and other lab related issues. Lab assistants should not be confused with tutors. Any student needing extra help should seek it through their instructor or from the Tutoring Center.

STUDENT ID CARDS

Students must present a WCC ID and be enrolled in a credit class for the current quarter to be allowed access to the computers. Cards also provide students with added benefits at WCC, WWU, and include discounts at local businesses. WCC ID cards may be obtained through Student Programs in the Syre Student Center, Room 208, throughout the quarter.

SOFTWARE

WCC employs Microsoft Windows XP operating system and MS Office Productivity Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Photo Editor) and Internet Explorer.

DATA STORAGE

Our student computers are equipped with floppy drives and support USB drives for storing, writing, reading, or printing of data. CD drives are installed but cannot be written to. CDs that are created at home have proven to be unpredictable. CDs are read, edit, or print only.
When bringing files from home make sure they are compatible with our system. If your computer is equipped with application software other than MS Office XP then save your data in a compatible format by using the Save as Type drop down list.

PRINTING

This service is free for WCC students but we would ask that you use the privilege responsibly and to keep paper conservation in mind. Please seek the advice of the lab staff if you have printing questions.

EMAIL

Whatcom Community College does not provide student email accounts, however, you may create a free, web-based account using Yahoo, Hotmail, gmail, or other free web-based email providers. If you need assistance in setting up an account please see the lab staff.

COPIES

Copy machines are available throughout the campus. Please visit the Library's web page to learn copying procedures.

WIRELESS

Although WCC provides wireless access for our College community there is no formal support offered. Wireless accounts are acquired through Helpdesk located in Cascade Room 127. Current WCC student ID required.

STUDENT COMPUTER USE RULES

You are a guest of the Whatcom Community College's managed technology environment. This computer is intended to support your educational goals and may not be used for personal gain or illegal activities.

• 
  Providing a valid, current WCC identification card is required to use most computer resources. Only students currently enrolled in credit courses may use these computers. Students and faculty from other educational institutions and community members are welcome to use library computers: however, WCC students, faculty and staff have priority use.
• Students may not use staff computers.
• Food and drink are not allowed at computer workstations.
• Do not mistreat or damage the computer equipment.
• Hardware or software configurations may not be altered. Many people share these computer resources and a consistent environment is essential. This includes, but is not limited to:
  Do not download or install any software, "plug-ins," shareware, freeware. This includes games, e-mail software, and unauthorized tutorial CDs that may be included with your textbooks.
  Do not install any peripheral devices including, but not limited to zip drives, floppy drives, CD ROMs, modems, network cards, mice, scanners, etc.
  No computers or other devices may be connected to the College network or telephone system.
  The only resources available to students from off-campus will be provided through WCC web pages.
• Attempts to remotely access, hack, bypass, alter, or circumvent any network or computer security on any system is illegal.
• Individuals must not interfere with the personal rights of others or the educational process of the college as defined by the WCC Student Rights and Responsibilities outlined in the WCC catalog.
• If you are not sure about what you're doing or do not understand these rules - PLEASE ASK!
  Unauthorized use of WCC's technology resources is a serious offense and may result in disciplinary or legal action that could include expulsion from school, civil prosecution by the college or criminal prosecution.

Individual labs and departments may have procedures or guidelines. These procedures and guidelines are IN ADDITION to the rules listed here.

USEFUL TIPS

• Always format your floppy disks even though they may come pre-formatted.
• Keep a backup copy of your portable files.
• Always Save and close the file before removing the storage media.
• Never pull the storage media (floppy, ZIP, CD, etc.) out of its drive until the Read/Write light goes off.
• USB drives are supported in the Student Access Lab.
• 3 ½" floppy disks do not tolerate a lot of abuse. Treat them with care. Keep them in a case when possible. Copy info and dispose of old disks.
• If you are not using Office at home (you may have MS Works or another application suite) then be sure to save your files using the .doc file extension. File>>Save As>>under File Name scroll to and select .doc, then Save.
• If you are using an Apple computer, remember to save your files in PC format when bringing them to school.
• Name and save a new file immediately upon opening. This will activate AutoRecovery in the event of a computer crash.
• If you burn a CD at home please be aware that it may not work on computers at school.
• Please use Print Preview before sending a job to the printer. This not only saves paper but prevents backups at the printer.
• Have your student ID on you when you come to the computer labs.
• Save, Save, Save often.