Computer Services
Computer Help
Instructional assistance and technical support are provided to faculty, teaching classes and to individual students in the following areas:
- Interpretation of error messages as diagnostics produced by the system and guidance in computer programming and debugging. This assistance may be limited to indicating a reference manual where this information is available.
- Problems related to Windows Vista, MS Office 07, and programming languages.
- The Open Computer Center (AA155) is responsible for assisting students in finding their Username and Password to log on to NOVA's system. The staff have developed a written procedure for finding your Username and Password and are available to assist students in doing so. Training on the use of email is also available. One-on-one help is available, as well as handouts to assist you in creating your NOVA email account.
Training in Collaboration with TAC
The OCC offers several training courses for faculty, staff and students on various software packages and applications. Training courses for faculty and staff will be available at the Alexandria Campus, Room AA159. For registration information, please contact Abid Mahmood via email, call 703.845.6042, or sign up in the Open Computer Center (AA155). You may submit requests to Abid Mahmood for training that you would like to see at the Alexandria Campus.
Computer Specifications
The three adjoining rooms of the Open Computer Center house a total of 92 computers, which include:
- 40 PIV 2.0 GB RAM 2.33 GHz machines
- 24 P4 1.0 GB RAM 2.79 GHZ machines + 1 Instructor Workstation
- 22 P4 1.0 GB RAM 2.40 GHZ machines + 1 Instructor Workstation (Global Capital Trading Center)
- 6 P4 1.0 GB RAM 2.40 GHZ Machines + 3 scanners
All computers are connected to HP8150N laser printers, operating on a pay-per-page system.
Scanners
The OCC has installed two HP5370 scanners in room AA161. Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of how to operate a scanner in order to use this equipment. Help with scanners is available only for course related materials.
Headphones
For your convenience, the Open Computer has installed headphones with each computer. You no longer have to leave your ID with us to obtain headphones.
Print Management
The OCC has three HPLaserJet 8150N printers installed. In order to print, you must use either your NOVA Student ID or you may purchase a Guest printing card, available in the library or cafeteria by the ATM. Printing with the NOVA Student ID costs $.10 per page and printing with the Guest Card costs $.15 per page. The Guest Card can be reused by adding value. They are the same cards used in the Library for printing and photocopying. The OCC does not handle any cash transactions, nor is there the capability to combine money from two cards or to add and subtract money on the cards.
Color Printing
The Open Computer Center is proud to announce that color printing is now available to all students in the Open Lab. The color printer is located in Room AA155, however students will be able to print form all three rooms to this printer. Cost per page for a color print is only 40 cents. You can print using your NOVA Student ID. Please contact the OCC staff if you have any questions.