Computer Accounts and Assistance

If you're trying to figure out where to go to get a computer account so that you can have e-mail, do MEDLINE searches through Ovid, or use the many other Web resources that are restricted to USC users only, then the library can help you.

Why do I need a USC computer account?
Even if you already have an e-mail address, you still may need a USC computer account. With the account, you can access electronic resources licensed specifically for USC users. These include electronic journals like JAMA, New England Journal of Medicine, Science, and Nature; electronic books like Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine and AHFS Drug Information; and databases like MEDLINE, EBM Reviews, and CINAHL. The computer accounts also provide Internet access and e-mail.

Who can get a USC computer account?
All USC students, faculty (paid and voluntary), and staff, as well as employees of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Doheny Eye Institute, LAC+USC Medical Center, Norris Cancer Hospital, and USC University Hospital, and residents/fellows affiliated with USC can get a USC computer account.

How do I get an account?
Accounts are automatically created for registered students and USC employees. Accounts are maintained as long as you are registered or employed.

How will I know what my user name and password are?
Your account will be ready about 5-10 days after you submit the application, at the beginning of the semester for entering students, or about one week after inclusion in the USC payroll system for new employees. Before using the account, you will need to activate it by using a USCweb page for Account Activation.

What is my e-mail address?
Your e-mail address is: username@usc.edu
For faculty and staff, hsc.usc.edu is your host, server, or domain. For students, scf.usc.edu is your mail server, but nunki.usc.edu or aludra.usc.edu is your host for telnet or ftp connections. You'll need that information for reaching the server or configuring your e-mail software. The username is sometimes called user ID or login.

How do I check my e-mail?
You can use various e-mail programs. Choose the one that is best for you. The USC Information Services Division (ISD) has online documentation describing various e-mail programs and some special features of e-mail. Copies of the documentation are also available in the Wilson Dental Library.

What if I already use a different e-mail address?
If you already have an e-mail account with another Internet Service Provider, we suggest that you forward your mail from your USC account. Important messages may be sent to your USC address from ISD, the Wilson Dental Library, and others.

How can I connect to USC computer resources from home?
USC can serve as your Internet Service Provider, similar to AOL, GTEnet, Earthlink, etc. You can use USC's dial up connection for connecting to the Internet if your computer runs Windows 95/98/NT or MacOS 7.6 or higher. The University also provides other telephone numbers throughout the Los Angeles area, so find one that is closest to you. For information on configuring your computer and downloading free Internet tools software, read the ISD online documentation on dial-up networking.

I'm sure I'm putting in my correct username and password, but I'm not able to get into my account. What should I do?
Remember that your username is not your entire e-mail address, so make sure you're not including the @usc.edu when asked to login. Also remember that your password should contain 7 to 8 characters, of which at least one is upper case, one lower case, and one a number. Make sure the Caps Lock key is not on. Try another computer if possible. If it still doesn't work, call the Wilson Dental Library at (213)740-6476.

What if I forget my computer account password?
For security reasons, you'll need to make the request for your password to be re-set in person at the Wilson Dental Library. Be sure to bring along picture identification.

How do I change my password?
If you know your password, but want to change it, you can use a USCweb form. This form also works if your password has been re-set. In this case, use the first 8 digits for your Social Security Number, without dashes, as the "current password". Remember that your new password must contain 7 or 8 characters and have at least one number, one upper case letter, one lower case letter, and not be recognized word.

Where can I get software?
Some "Internet Tools" for Web browsing, e-mail, FTP, and Telnet, are available for free. A copy of the "Internet Tools" CD-ROM is available in the USC bookstores while supplies last, or at the Wilson Dental Library Loan Desk for borrowing. The USC Bookstore, through its Computer Store, also sells other software, usually with educational discounts.

Who can help me if I have computer problems?
The ISD Web site is a great source of computing information and free software. Check out the pages related to Services and Support. An online version of the Primer is available for referral.

In addition, the Wilson Dental Library can help you if you're having problems with accessing Ovid, the collection of health sciences databases and full-text journals, or if you have questions about searching techniques. We can also help with certain problems with your USC computer account, such as setting up your account, trying to determine your username and password, and re-setting your password. You can reach us either by phone sending us an e-mail message.

If you're having problems connecting through USC's PPP including configuring your computer, software, statistics, and other general computer problems, you'll need to contact ISD Consulting Support at (213) 740-5555.