Frequently Asked Technology Questions

Note: Many documents are shared via Google Drive and will require your SMCM username and password for access.

How do I join a class being held via Zoom?

Your professor will send you a link to your Zoom session. You can join via the desktop app, browser, or mobile app with that link. You do not need an account to join.

How do I set up a Zoom session with my peers?

You can log in to smcm.zoom.us to enable your basic student Zoom account and schedule a meeting from there.

My account says I have negative one (-1) credits. Do I have to add credits to use Zoom?

You do not need to pay to join Zoom help classes or meetings. The ability of to participate in web meetings is free with any account.

My computer does not have a webcam. Can OIT give me one?

OIT does not have any webcams in its inventory. You will have to purchase one if you need it.

I do not have a mic or headset for web conferencing. Can OIT give me one?

OIT has a limited number of headsets with microphones that can be borrowed from the Office of Information Technology Helpdesk on a first come/first serve basis for faculty and staff only. Please call ahead of time so when know to expect you. When you have completed your meeting/class you must return the headset to the OIT Helpdesk.

My Wi-Fi signal isn’t strong enough for me to view the video or hear the audio clearly in Zoom. Is there a number I can call to hear the professor/organizer?

Zoom provides a list of numbers that can be called to hear the audio for meetings. It is located at https://smcm.zoom.us/u/ac7iWPSsbj. Please make note of the meeting ID so you can connect to the proper session.

My password is expiring. How will I be able to reset my password?

The ability to unlock your SMCM account and reset your password is available to you using the SMCM Password Manager service. Password Manager can be found at https://password.smcm.edu. If by chance you have never used Password Manager or have forgotten your security questions please call the OIT Helpdesk at (240) 895-4357 for assistance. Be prepared with the following information when you call in to verify your identity:

Birthday
Student ID/Onecard Number
Phone Number
Last four digits of your Social Security Number.

How can I access my department home drive while at home?

Home drives like your H: and I: drives are only accessible on the SMCM network. In order to access these resources from home you will have to install the Pulse Secure VPN client on your personal computer. The directions to install the Pulse Secure VPN client on both Windows and macOS can be found here:Windows 10

macOS

Please note that currently the VPN does not work with the latest version of macOS (Catalina 10.15). If your Apple computer runs this version of macOS you will need to use a different computer running macOS version 10.14 or lower or a Windows 10 computer.

How can I access my shared G: drive from home?

Shared G: drives are only accessible on the SMCM network. In order access these resources from home you will have to install the Pulse Secure VPN client on your personal computer. The directions to do so can be found at using the following links:Windows 10

macOS

How can I transfer my office phone calls to my home or mobile phone?

Press Transfer. Broken dial tone indicates caller is placed on hold. Dial destination number, wait one second for call to connect, then hang up. (Optional): You may stay on the line to announce transfer of call. If party does not answer or line is busy, press Transfer to return to holding party. If voice mail picks up and you wish to return to the caller, press 99 and wait to hear, “Nothing recorded. Thank you for calling. Goodbye”. The caller will then automatically come back on the line.

My job requires a lot of printing. I do not currently have a printer at home. I will I be able to print?

OIT will not be able to supply staff or faculty with printers for home use.

Will I be able to install college software that I use for my daily duties on my home computer?

Please refer to the following pages for specific details relevant to students, faculty and staff:
Student Resources to Learn Remotely
Faculty Resources to Teach Remotely
Staff Resources to Work Remotely

Please submit a support ticket if you have further needs or questions.

I need help but the OIT Helpdesk is not open. How can I get in touch with a technician?

Please submit a support ticket.

How can I check my SMCM voicemail from off campus?

You can check your SMCM voicemail box by calling (240) 895-6000. At the prompt enter your SMCM extension. When you hear your voice greeting hit the star (*) key and then enter your voicemail password. If you have any messages you can use the following keys to navigate the voicemail system:

(P) – Play Message
(G) – Give Message to Another User
(K) – Keep Message
(D) – Discard “Delete” Message