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Using University IT

Student using laptop

 

  Cardiff Portal

Cardiff Portal provides you with a secure gateway to your web-based University services using an Internet browser, regardless of your location.

  • Students can access their email and calendar through Cardiff Portal (staff members having gone through the mail migration process will also be able to access their email and calendar through Cardiff Portal)
  • You can access your personal (H:\ Drive) and shared (S: Drive) file space when off-campus using the Files option, which allows you to continue editing documents
  • You can access your electronic journals and databases from off-campus using Cardiff Portal. For more information please visit the Information Services electronic resources web pages
  • Once you have signed into Cardiff Portal, you can access the University Virtual Learning Environment (Learning Central) and library catalogue (Voyager) without entering another password.

Visit Cardiff Portal and enter your usual network username and password.

The help pages within Cardiff Portal provide a range of learning materials and tips to using these services.

Cardiff Portal is continually being updated to provide new and exciting features to facilitate your work. Visit the portal to find out more about the latest developments.

 Email

Email is the University's primary communication method. You will be given a Cardiff University email address when you register to use the network. It is vital that you access your Cardiff University email account regularly to ensure that you keep up-to-date with important University communications.

  • Undergraduates and taught postgraduates are given an email account, which can be accessed online from anywhere in the world.

Currently the majority of staff and research postgraduates also have a portal email account, but until the end of the 2011 calendar year some staff remain on the GroupWise email service.

  • Staff and postgraduates using the portal email service can access this system via Cardiff Portal, or directly via a web browser
  • Staff and postgraduate students using the GroupWise email accounts can access these over the web using the GroupWise WebAccess service.

For up-to-date information on the availability of this and all other IT services please visit the INSRV status page.  

Please note the Information Services regulations governing the use of email.

Check your University email account at least once a week during the semester, as all University-related emails will be sent to that address.

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 Connection from University residences

The Residences' Local Area Network (RESLAN) is a high-speed Ethernet connection to the World Wide Web via JANET, a network connecting the UK's education and research organisations. Available in University residences (except student houses), the RESLAN service is provided as a study aid and allows access to Information Services' online databases, electronic journals and your Cardiff University email account.

When you apply for a room you will receive information on how to connect your computer to these network points. Details are also available on the RESLAN web pages at Cardiff University Residences Network. 

Some forms of Internet connectivity are barred because of the security risk to the network. Network traffic is regularly monitored to meet the requirements of current legislation.   

 Wireless connectivity

Connectivity to the network using your laptop via wireless is available within libraries across the Cathays and Heath Park campuses. If you access RESLAN, you will automatically be registered to use the wireless service in these libraries, and be able to connect your own devices. For further information see Connecting to the University Network.

 Responsible use of the network

When using University IT you will need to comply with the University IT Regulations and Acceptable Use Policy. Anyone found in breach of the regulations will be subject to the appropriate disciplinary code. 

Remember you agree to abide by the regulations each time you log on and it is therefore important that you are aware of their content. In particular, users must not divulge passwords to anyone else or leave computers unattended while logged on – you will be held responsible for any misuse of University IT facilities made with your account in these circumstances.

 Protecting your computer

Cardiff University enforces a rigorous network security policy. When you try to connect to the University student residences network, our network access control system will automatically check that your computer passes basic security checks before permitting connection.

To protect your computer, you will also need to have up-to-date antivirus software installed. Information Services has made the Sophos antivirus software package available, which is free of charge and includes free updates.

For further information please contact insrvConnect, the Information Services IT Service Desk, on 029 2087 4487 or visit the security and virus protection web pages.

 Stay safe online

Going online is an every day activity for most of us. However, we don't always realise that we are exposing ourselves to risks when we work online. These risks include attacks on your PC, invasions of privacy and identity fraud.

Social networking sites and tools give the ability to share information about yourself quickly and easily. Please be aware that when using such tools from University facilities, the University IT regulations and acceptable use policy continue to apply.

Remember: Be careful about how much information you divulge about yourself – posting personal information could lead to unwanted attention, including identity fraud.

Read our top tips to find out more about:

  • Protecting your personal information
  • Identity fraud
  • Social networking sites
  • Protecting your computer

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 Software Applications on the network

Using the network you will be able to access a wide range of software applications. These include Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Internet Explorer as well as over 250 subject databases.

Report immediately any suspected computer viruses or other corruption of the University's computer network to Information Services. Call the IT Service Desk on 029 2087 4487 or email insrvConnect@cardiff.ac.uk .

How to: find key software applications

Click Start in the bottom left hand corner of the screen. This will display the Start menu. Select Networked Applications to view the range of available software. Follow the menus to the application that you wish to use.

You may find that the Networked Applications menu item does not appear in the Start menu or on your desktop just after you log in.  If this happens please wait another twenty seconds as it takes a little longer to appear than the other items on your desktop.  If you still experience problems with your account you will need to 'clean' your profile. Please contact the IT Service Desk for help with this.

 The IT Service Desk

The Information Services IT Service Desk is the first point of contact for the support of IT services. The IT Service Desk handles all queries from customers, including fault reports, assistance with services, or suggestions for change and enhancements to IT services. 

You can contact the IT Service Desk by telephone, email or in person. Telephone: 029 2087 4487 Email: insrvConnect@cardiff.ac.uk

The IT Service Desk is located at:

Information Services

40-41 Park Place

Cathays

Cardiff

CF10 3BB

You can find out more on the IT help web pages. 

 Julian Hodge Study Centre

The Julian Hodge Study Centre, located on the 2nd floor of the Julian Hodge Building, provides a large IT room for use by all students and staff at Cardiff University. Binding, printing and copying facilities are also available.

The Study Centre is open 24/7 and IT support and assistance is provided by Information Services staff at certain times throughout the year – please check the website for details.

 The IT Clinic

The IT Clinic, which is located on the first floor of the Students' Union, is run by Information Services staff and provides free and friendly help and advice to staff, students and researchers on a range of IT issues, such as registering to use the wireless network. 

 The IT Shop

The IT Shop is a venture launched jointly by the Students' Union and Information Services, offering IT equipment to buy, rent or lease and also a repair service. The IT Shop also offers free impartial advice.

Visit the IT Shop on the first floor of the Students' Union.

 

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