Frequently Asked Questions by Students
This web page lists frequently asked questions related to campus computing, email and issues/procedures specific to students.
General Questions
I'm experiencing problems with a college-owned computer system. Who can I contact for help?
Contact the HelpDesk at ext. 4400 or use the online ticketing system at https://help.grinnell.edu for answers to most of your computer-related questions. The HelpDesk staff can answer most questions over the phone. The HelpDesk is located in the Creative Computing Lab inside the Forum. The HelpDesk is staffed during the school year from 8:00am - 6:00pm Monday - Friday; closed Saturday; and noon - 6:00pm Sunday.
I'm experiencing problems with my personal/home-based computer system. Will ITS help me?
If you are experiencing problems with your laptop, you can bring it in to the Help Desk (located in the CCL inside of the Forum) for diagnosis. They can provide you with information on fixing your system or refer you to an outside vendor. If your computer is covered by the manufacturer's warranty, you should contact them first to report the problem. You can also initiate contact through the online system noted above.
What is Windows Storage Server Quota?
Quota is a set amount of storage space on the college's main campus servers. Students are allotted 200 MB of disk space on the main servers in which to store data and documents.
What happens when I go "over quota"?
When you go "over quota" access to your storage area is temporarily unavailable. There are two things you can do to gain access to your files. You can request a temporary increase in quota from ITS, so that you may access your storage area and remove unnecessary files. To request a temporary increase, contact ITS office at x4901. You may also use a secure File Transfer Protocol (FTPS) process to access your storage area and retrieve your files. For more information on using FTP, contact the Helpdesk at ext. 4400.
I've heard the term "quota" associated with email as well as file storage. Is there any difference between the two?
Users of Grinnell College's network have two different quota allotments - one for email and another for file storage. Email quota is the space allotted on the Grinnell Exchange Server (mail) that allows you to save your email messages. Your email quota is 1 GB; when you reach 975 MB, you will receive a warning email message; when you reach 999 MB, your account will be locked from sending and receiving email until files are deleted and the quota is reduced. All folders are counted in the sum for quota, so remember to delete your deleted items and sent items regularly.
Where are public printers located on campus?
Public printers are located in the following computer areas: ARH 107, ARH 124, A-V Center, GIS Plotter - Library (jobs are sent and printed by the library staff), Burling Library 1st and 2nd floor, Interactive Instructional facility in the Burling basement, Creative Computer Lab, Lazier Hall, Norris Hall, Read Hall, Younker Hall, and the JRC email kiosk area. You may locate them by using the Campus Technology Map.
How can I tell what printers are available to me? How do I change my default printer?
In Windows the printers available to the computer are listed in the Printers area of Control Panel. If you "right-click" the mouse on a specific printer icon, a check mark will display at "set as Default." You can modify the default printer by selecting a different printer and marking "set as default."
In Mac OS 10.5, go to the Printers section of the Preferences. Your printers will be listed there, and the default printer will be in bold. To change your default, right-click it and choose "Set Default Printer."
Where can I go to send or receive a fax?
Mail Services provides - outgoing and incoming FAX service - FAX number: 1-641-269-3406. Please specify recipient's name in BOLD on front page. Out-going transmission (9am-4pm, M-F) fee: $1.00 for first page; 25 cents for each additional page.
What email programs are available for me to use on campus?
There are a variety of email programs for you to use on campus. If you are working from a PC system, you may use Thunderbird or the campus standard, Microsoft Outlook Web, for your mail needs. If you are working on a Macintosh, you may use Mac Mail, Thunderbird, or Microsoft Outlook Web. Any IMAP client can be set up to use email.
What amount of email quota am I given?
Students are given 1 GB of email quota. Warnings are given at 975 MB and prohibited to send emails at 999 MB.
What amount of email quota are student groups given?
Student groups are given 200 MB of email quota. Warnings are given at 190 MB, and prohibited to send emails at 199 MB and prohibited to send and receive emails at 200 MB.
What happens to my email messages if I exceed my email quota?
When exceeding mail quota, your mail messages will not be delivered to your mailbox and returned to the sender with an error message that your mailbox is full. The sender will need to resend the message in its entirety once your mailbox function is restored.
I have exceeded my email quota. What do I do now?
When you exceed your mail quota, remove messages to reduce the amount of storage for your email. Check your Sent Items, Deleted Items and permanently delete unnecessary messages. Save any large attachments to your hard drive and delete the message and attachment from all folders.
How do I access my email from off-campus?
You can access your email from any internet connection at https://mail.grinnell.edu by using the Outlook Web program.
How can I have my email forwarded from Grinnell to a different email address?
We do not provide email forwarding.
My email password expired. How can I get a new one?
In order to change your password you must register at Password Reset. You can check your account and manage your password through this service. You may contact the ITS main office at ext. 4901 for assistance in gaining a new password if you are unable to access Password Reset. You may need to visit the ITS main office with a photo ID before your email password can be changed. The ITS office cannot look up your old password.
