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Frequently Asked Questions About Computers

How do I get help?

Image of Work Order System Icon in Lotus Notes The Dentistry Information Systems office answers support requests on computers housed in the Wood and Lyons buildings. Information Systems includes a full-time Personal Computer Consultant (PCC) and other technical staff members. Printer repairs are outsourced after the PCC diagnoses the problem. Several help request systems are built into Lotus Notes, the Dentistry email program. Two icons on the Notes toolbar start these systems. The "WORK" icon starts the Work Order System that permits someone to submit a work order. Each work order is explained below.

How do I get help with my computer?

Send in a Computer Work Order (CWO) through the Work Order System. Use this system to request help with computer problems. This allows for an orderly queuing of help requests and archiving of past solutions. All pending work orders are visible in the CWO system so that a person requesting assistance can estimate when the call will be serviced.

How do I get help with Dentisty buildings and facilities?

Send in an FWO (Facilities Work Order) through the Work Order System. Use this system to request help with physical facilities like lights, plumbing, heating and air conditioning.

How do I get help with school Web pages?

Send in a Web Work Order (WWO) through the Work Order System. Use WWO's to request changes or additions to the School of Dentistry website.

How do I get help with the Windent clinical system?

Send in a Windent Work Order through the Work Order System. Use this system to report problems or request changes to the Windent clinical management system.

Where do I store computer files and data?

You should not store files on your C: drive. Every personal computer in Dentistry has a separate disk drive (E:) for storing files. If you store files on your E: drive, you are responsible for backing up those data files and documents. Instead we encourage all Dentistry faculty and staff to use iFolder, which stores files on Dentistry servers, to store all critical files. Anyone can request an iFolder account by submitting a CWO. iFolder has the added benefit of allowing you to access your files from home or any computer with an Internet connection. iFolder synchronizes all changes made to your files whether you make them at home or in your office. If you are out of town you can download your files using a web browser if you know your iFolder login information. All files in iFolder accounts are backed up nightly. You can request an iFolder account by submitting a CWO.

How can I access my files from home?

iFolder has the benefit of allowing you to access your files from home or any computer with an Internet connection. You can request an iFolder account by submitting a CWO.

How do I purchase computer equipment and software?

Image of Purchase Order System Icon in Lotus NotesAll purchases of computer equipment and software must be submitted to the I. S. office for verification prior to placing orders. Dentistry I. S. does not support purchases not previously verified as conforming to current Dentistry computing standards. New PC's ordered will be set up on a first-come, first-serve basis. This will normally result in a delay of several days. All computer purchasing requests should be submitted using the Dentistry Purchase Order system in Lotus Notes. The purchase order icon starts the Dentistry Purchase Order system. Use it whenever you wish to buy computer hardware or software. Your request is routed to the person who has approval authority over the budget code you specify. The purchase request is then routed to Dentistry I. S. staff, who research the request and place the order.

How do I set up records and computer accounts for new employees?

The Dentistry Notes Work Order System contains an option for submitting an Employee Update, which should be used to make any changes in an employee's status at the Dental School. Personnel supervisors should use this system whenever a new hire, transfer, resignation or termination occurs. For new hires and transfers, the supervisor can request computer account creation and changes using Employee Update. For resignations or terminations, supervisors should use the Employee Update to notify Dentistry and VCU Human Resources of the change in the employee's status and request termination of existing computer accounts.

How do I get accounts changed if an employee transfers out of my department?

Supervisors should submit an Employee Update request in the Work Order System.

How do I get accounts terminated when an employee leaves the School of Dentistry?

Supervisors should submit an Employee Updatein the Work Order System to notify Dentistry and VCU Human Resources of the change in the employee's status and request termination of existing computer accounts.