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San Diego State University

Enterprise Technology Services

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

E-mail

How do I use Webmail?
Should I use desktop anti-virus software?
How much space is allowed for storing my messages on the mail server?
Why do we have a quota?
How do I get e-mail help?
What should I do when I can't scroll down while viewing e-mail in Webmail?
How do I recover the "password reset" and "out of office" fields in Webmail when they are missing?

Majordomo List

The following information is provided specifically for SDSU mailing lists hosted on lists.sdsu.edu. If you are looking for general information about Majordomo, please check with the official site.

General

Where can I find help with using Majordomo?
How do I send commands to Majordomo?

End Users

How do I subscribe/unsubscribe to a mailing list?
How do I view the available mailing lists?
How do I send a message to the mailing list?
How was I subscribed to the mailing list?

List Managers

How do I subscribe/unsubscribe users to/from my mailing list?
How do I send a message to my mailing list?
How do I retrieve a list of my subscribers? / Why is the "who" command disabled?

Spam

What is spam?
How did these people get my e-mail address?
What can I do to limit the amount of spam that I receive?
I received a message that was incorrectly marked as spam.
I received unsolicited commercial e-mail that was not marked as spam.
Messages with pornographic pictures are still getting through.
Why can't you just delete all this spam?
{SPAM}, {Spam?}, and/or ****Spam**** appear in the subject header.

TNS

What is a "Telephone Coordinator"?
What is a "Technical Contact"?
Who may submit a TNS Service Request?
I need fax, modem, and/or network connection to a department copier. Whom do I call?
Whom should I contact when duress, pay, elevator, courtesy, and/or classroom telephones do not work?
What is a "bill change/error in bill"?
What do I do if I want to upgrade my phone?
What is the "ETS Help Desk"?
What are "Operator Services"?
What is the "SDSUcard"?
How do I set up spam filtering?
How do we recycle equipment?
How do we recycle printer/toner cartridges?
Whom do I contact to report broken equipment?
Where do I dispose of electronic hardware?

Virus Information

What messages are scanned?
What happens when a virus is detected in my e-mail?
What filenames are blocked through mail.sdsu.edu?
I did not send this e-mail.
Do I need to run an anti-virus scanner on my system?
What are we doing to control spam?

Voicemail

How do I change my greeting?
How do I leave someone a message without listening to their whole greeting?
How do I skip to my saved messages without listening to my new message?
How can callers go directly to my voice mail when I'm on the phone and not get a busy signal?
How do I hear all the options available when I'm asked to enter a selection?
How do I erase a message I'm recording?
How do I leave a message for someone without dialing their phone?
What number do I call from off-campus to check my voice mail?
Is there any way I can save a message longer than 14 days?
Why do I have to say the date and time after I enter my password?
What’s the difference between resetting the mailbox and resetting the password?
Why is the message waiting indicator on my phone blinking when there are no new messages?
Can I forward a message to an off-campus number?
I don’t have voice mail service on my phone. Can you activate it for me over the phone?

Wireless

What wireless network cards are recommended and/or supported?
How many people can be on the wireless network at once?
Why is my wireless connection disrupted more frequently than my wired connection?
Is there a charge to establish a wireless connection?
How do I get a wireless network installed in my office, suite or building on the central campus?
Will wireless networks eventually replace hardwired networks?
What is planned for the future?

Network Administrators

How can I get assistance with wireless network performance problems?
How do I request wireless network service for my department, a classroom, or a public area?
Where can I buy wireless network cards? Does TNS sell these?
How long does it take to install service?

 

General Questions About Service Requests

What is a Service Request and when do I need one?
What is a Work Order?
What is billable vs. non-billable?
What are billing and fund cycles?
Who may submit a Service Request?
Who has the authority to approve a Service Request?
What is the expected turnaround time for various Service Requests?
What is a State ID?
What is cost recovery?
What do I do if I believe I have a billing error?
What is an Internet Protocol (IP) address, static versus dynamic?


The terms "CB Amt($)" and "No CB Amt($)" appear on my telephone bill statements. What do they mean? "CB Amt($)," or "Charge Back Amount," is the dollar amount that TNS bills to your account. Your department is responsible for all "Charge Back Amount" charges.
"No CB Amt($)," or "No Charge Back Amount," is listed on your bill, but not charged to your account. Your department does not pay for these charges. TNS absorbs these costs.


Phone numbers that do not belong to my department appear on my statement. Are we paying for these phones? There are two scenarios:
1) A phone number appears under the heading "MONTHLY CHARGES": You are responsible for those charges. If you are certain that the number is not affiliated with your department, call the number and request billing account information from the current user or owner. Then call 4-3500 to report the discrepancy.
2) A telephone number appears under the heading "AUTH-BASED CALLS": An authorization code allows a user to make telephone calls from any campus telephone. The number you see under "AUTH-BASED CALLS" is the telephone number from which a user made a call using an authorization code. You must pay for calls made with authorization codes requested by your department.


How do I use Webmail? Access Webmail by using your Internet browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.). The URL for Webmail is http://webmail.sdsu.edu


Should I use desktop anti-virus software? Yes, absolutely! Proper use of your desktop anti-virus software (e.g. McAfee) is necessary to protect your computer (and the campus network) from viruses that your computer can get not only from email, but also from the Internet, and other means of sharing files.


How much space is allowed for storing my messages on the mail server? 150MB of space is provided for each user to store in-coming and out-going e-mail messages, folders, and attachments.


Why do we have a quota? To maintain system performance. Large inboxes can affect performance. As quotas get larger, inboxes get larger, increasing impact on the servers. By maintaining a quota, we are helping improve performance.


How do I get e-mail help? Call the ETS Help Desk at 619-594-5261, or visit the ETS Help Desk in LL-200, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.


What should I do when I can't scroll down while viewing e-mail in Webmail? This is most commonly caused by a Webmail incompatibility issue with IE8. Either use another browser or select compatibility mode by clicking the compatibility mode icon within IE8.


How do I recover the "password reset" and "out of office" fields in Webmail when they are missing? This is most commonly caused by a Webmail incompatibility issue with IE8. Either use another browser or select compatibility mode by clicking the compatibility mode icon within IE8.


Where can I find help with using Majordomo?
From the Majordomo help file by sending the help command to majordomo@lists.sdsu.edu.


How do I send commands to Majordomo?

You can interact with the Majordomo software by sending it commands in the body of mail messages addressed to "Majordomo@lists.sdsu.edu". Please do not put your commands on the subject line; Majordomo does not process commands in the subject line.

You may put multiple Majordomo commands in the same mail message. Put each command on a line by itself.

If you use a "signature block" at the end of your mail, Majordomo may interrupt each line of your message is a command, which will cause you to receive error messages.  To keep this from happening, either put a line starting with a hyphen ("-") before your signature, or put a line with just the word

        end

on it in the same place.  This will stop the Majordomo software from processing your signature as bad commands.


End Users
How do I subscribe/unsubscribe to a mailing list? Send the following commands to Majordomo:
subscribe listname user@host.com
end
Where listname is the name of the list you want to subscribe to, and user@host.com is the e-mail address you'd like to subscribe. If you are sending the command from the address you want to subscribe, you may omit user@host.com. To unsubscribe, replace subscribe with unsubscribe.


How do I view the available mailing lists on lists.sdsu.edu? Send the following commands to Majordomo:
lists
end
Majordomo will respond with the list via e-mail.


How do I send a message to the mailing list? Send your message to listname@lists.sdsu.edu, where listname is the name of the mailing list.


How was I subscribed to the mailing list? Faculty and staff may be automatically subscribed to the campus faculty and staff mailing lists. These lists are used to distribute campus-wide announcements regarding issues such as power outages, campus events, and CSU-related information.
To be removed from a list, send an unsubscribe request. Please read instructions on "How do I subscribe/unsubscribe from a mailing list?" provided earlier in this FAQ.


List Managers
How do I subscribe/unsubscribe users to/from my mailing list?
approve password subscribe listname user@host.com
Where password is your list password, listname is your mailing list's name, and user@host.com is the e-mail address you want to subscribe. To unsubscribe, replace subscribe with unsubscribe.


How do I send a message to my mailing list? The body of your message should begin with an approval line as the first line of the message, followed by a blank line, followed by the text of your message. For example:
----- Start of Message Body -----
Approved: mylistpassword
This is the text of my message to my mailing list. Here is some more text of my message.
----- End of Message Body -----
Where mylistpassword is your list password. Address the message to listname@lists.sdsu.edu where listname is the name of your mailing list.


How do I retrieve a list of my subscribers? / Why is the "who" command disabled? Due to recent security and privacy problems with Majordomo, the who command now requires a password:
approve mylistpassword who listname
Where mylistpassword is your list password
and listname is the name of your list. Address the message to
majordomo@lists.sdsu.edu


What is spam? In general, spam is Unsolicited Commercial E-mail. This includes unwanted commercial or marketing information, advertisements, chain letters, pornographic messages, virus hoaxes, and fraudulent or deceptive messages. Detailed information about spam can be found at: http://ftc.gov.


How did these people get my e-mail address? Spammers use many methods to harvest e-mail addresses including:
Using robots to scan Web pages and extracting any e-mail addresses found
Extracting e-mail addresses from open or insecure mailing lists
Extracting e-mail addresses from USENET newsgroup postings
Extracting e-mail addresses from online telephone directories
Extracting e-mail addresses from the headers of chain letters
Legitimate companies may sell your e-mail address to spammers
Spammers may steal user account information from legitimate companies


What can I do to limit the amount of spam that I receive?
Reduce public exposure of your e-mail address. E-mail addresses posted on Web pages can be harvested automatically by spammers.
Unless you are sure that you are dealing with a legitimate company, do not reply to spam or try to unsubscribe from their mailing list. Replying to spam will only confirm that your e-mail address is valid and more spam may be sent to your address.
Before submitting your e-mail address to a Web site, read the privacy policy. Some companies may sell your e-mail address. You may be able to opt-out of this provision.
Do not use your work e-mail address for personal e-mail. All personal use of your SDSU e-mail address must be minimal and incidental.
Do not subscribe to non-work related mailing lists including daily horoscopes, jokes of the day, etc.
Report messages that you received that were not marked as spam by the mail server.


I received a message that was incorrectly marked as spam. The anti-spam process is constantly changing and occasionally legitimate e-mails are tagged as spam. If you receive a valid e-mail incorrectly marked as spam, please forward the message with full headers to notspam@mail.sdsu.edu. See the full header instruction page.


I received unsolicited commercial e-mail that was not marked as spam. Please forward these messages to spam@mail.sdsu.edu with full headers. See the full header instruction page.

 


Messages with pornographic pictures are still getting through. Unfortunately, anti-spam software, can only score messages based on the text and headers of a message, not on picture content. Products do not currently exist that can tell the difference between normal pictures and pornographic ones. We are continually researching ways to minimize spam.


Why can't you just delete all this spam? Unfortunately, every user has a different opinion of what spam is. Some users may want to receive certain commercial advertising. Also, since the spam filter is not perfect, there is a chance messages will be mislabeled. It is safer for each user to decide what to do with the messages that are labeled as spam.


{SPAM}, {Spam?}, and/or ****Spam**** appear in the subject header. Various mail servers may provide spam-identifying services which mark messages as spam by adding a "Spam" phrase to the subject line. If the message passes through more than one mail server with this service, it is possible for the subject to be marked multiple times. At SDSU, the following labels are known to be used:
Label Used By
{SPAM} mail.sdsu.edu
{Spam?} sciences.sdsu.edu
****Spam**** rohan.sdsu.edu >


Is there a difference between state and auxiliary fees? Yes. Auxiliaries are charged different rates for labor and installation.


What are fees for local/long distance? Fees for local and long distance vary based on which service provider (telephone company) the call is made through. If you have a question about your bill, please call 4-3500.


What is the telephone number for voice services? The telephone number for voice services is 619-594-3500.


How are "rush" work orders calculated? "RUSH " work orders will result in additional charges. Orders requested for a due date prior to the 10-business-day period will incur an additional 50% charge. (Under these terms, a $100.00 work order would cost $150.00.)


What is a "Telephone Coordinator"? Telephone Coordinators (TCs) are responsible for telephone services in their areas. They have the authority to request, control, and provide account numbers for billing (when applicable) for a department's and/or college's:

TCs receive special training and/or notices pertaining to their roles in their areas. To ensure compliance with the requesting department's wishes, TNS staff verify a TC's status before accepting requests from that person. If you do not know who your Telephone Coordinator is, contact the TNS Directories Coordinator at 4-0100. TCs must use the online Telephone Service Request form to request service.


What is a "Technical Contact"? Technical Contacts are responsible for technical services in their areas. They have the authority to request, control, and provide account numbers for billing (when applicable) for the department's and/or college's:

The ETS Help Desk has reserved a special number (4-3396) for Technical Contacts to report emergency problems (e.g. area-wide network outage). To ensure compliance with the requesting department's wishes, TNS staff verify a Technical Contact's status before accepting requests from that person. If you do not know who your Technical Contact is, contact the ETS Help Desk at 4-5261 or work@mail.sdsu.edu. Technical Contacts must use the online Network Service Request form to request non-emergency service.


Who may submit a TNS Service Request? Campus staff and faculty can report problems or request new service through their Telephone Coordinator or Technical Contact.


I need fax, modem, and/or network connection to a department copier. Whom do I call? Call your Telephone Coordinator or Technical Contact.


Whom should I contact when duress, pay, elevator, courtesy, and/or classroom telephones do not work? Call 4-3500 or e-mail voicewo@mail.sdsu.edu.


What is a "bill change/error in bill"? Those responsible for their department's and/or college's budget must review each bill upon receipt. If you identify charges that are confusing and/or appear to be incorrect, immediately call 4-3500 or e-mail voicewo@mail.sdsu.edu. A staff member will assist you with corrections. NOTE: TNS can only correct bills up to two months after they have been issued.


What do I do if I want to upgrade my telephone? Contact your Telephone Coordinator who should submit a Telephone Service Request form. For additional information call 4-3500 or e-mail voicewo@mail.sdsu.edu.


What is the "ETS Help Desk"? The ETS Help Desk provides faculty and staff with one-on-one support for:

E-mail Accounts - account creation, password changes, creation of aliases.
Eudora Software and Documentation - software downloads, installation instructions, handouts and troubleshooting.
HiSoftware Online Training Accounts - Account administration for faculty and staff who want to learn HiSoftware's applications for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
Meeting Maker Accounts - Account administration for campus calendaring software.
Site-licensed Software - distribution of site-licensed software such as McAfee, SAS, SPSS. Visit Minimum Workstation and Software Site License Subcommittee (MWSSLS) Web site for a full list of software.

The ETS Help Desk is located in LL-200 and is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. Customers may also call 4-5261.


What are "Operator Services"? Operator Services supports all incoming telephone calls to SDSU, routing callers to requested individuals and departments. In addition, this area of TNS is responsible for updating campus directories.


What is the "SDSUcard"? The SDSUcard is the official campus ID, and campus library card for students, faculty, staff and auxiliary personnel. Students may also use the SDSUcard as a prepaid account for some campus goods and services (e.g. food, bookstore, copying, microfiche, laser printing in the library and designated computer labs, and laundry in the residence halls). It can also be used for campus voting (the card is swiped to verify a student's university status) and to verify entitlement at the campus pharmacy. The SDSUcard may also be used as a US Bank ATM/Debit card. The SDSUcard office is located in the lower Aztec Center Courtyard (AC-183); hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon-Fri. To replace a lost SDSU card, faculty and staff should report in person to the SDSUcard office. For more information, call 619-594-6800.


How do I set up spam filtering?
In many cases, you can configure your e-mail client to filter spam based on the subject line of the e-mail message. Messages that the mail server considered to be spam will be marked {SPAM} in the subject line. For assistance, contact the desktop support staff in your department or the ETS Help Desk at 4-5261.


How do we recycle equipment? Contact Material Management at 4-6113 or http://bus.sdsu.edu/Material/material.html.


How do we recycle toner cartridges? Place the empty cartridge back in the original package and put it with outgoing mail. Mail Services handles recycling empty cartridges.


Whom do I contact to report broken equipment? Contact your Technical Contact.


Where do I dispose of electonic hardware? Call Material Management at 4-6113 or see http://bus.sdsu.edu/Material/material.html.


What messages are scanned? Mirapoint's RazorGates scan e-mail that passes through mail.sdsu.edu for viruses and possible exploits of security vulnerabilities. These messages include those sent to accounts on mail.sdsu.edu, sent from accounts on mail.sdsu.edu, or relayed through mail.sdsu.edu.


What happens when a virus is detected in my e-mail? Our current implementation of the Mirapoint product uses the SOPHOS virus scanning engine to detect viruses present in e-mail attachments. If a virus is discovered, the infected attachment is removed from the e-mail, and replaced with a warning message for the recipient. The sender also receives a notification message.

Some viruses forge the original sender's address. When this occurs, the notification message does not reach the original. This defeats the notification's purpose. We configure the scanners to suppress sender and recipient notifications for these types of viruses.


What filenames are blocked through mail.sdsu.edu? After scanning for viruses, the RazorGates check e-mail for malicious code which may exploit security vulnerabilities. One way it does this is by checking the attachment's filename. The following filenames and extensions are not permitted through mail.sdsu.edu:

.exeWindows/DOS ExecutableExecutable DOS/Windows programs are dangerous in email
.comWindows/DOS ExecutableExecutable DOS/Windows programs are dangerous in email
.regPossible Windows registry attackWindows registry entries are very dangerous in email
.chmPossible compiled Help file-based virusCompiled help files are very dangerous in email
.cnfPossible SpeedDial attackSpeedDials are very dangerous in email
.htaPossible Microsoft HTML archive attackHTML archives are very dangerous in email
.insPossible Microsoft Internet Comm. Settings attackWindows Internet Settings are dangerous in email
.jse?Possible Microsoft JScript attackJScript Scripts are dangerous in email
.lnkPossible Eudora *.lnk security hole attackEudora *.lnk security hole attack
.ma[dfgmqrstvw]Possible Microsoft Access Shortcut attackMicrosoft Access Shortcuts are dangerous in email
.pifPossible MS-Dos program shortcut attackShortcuts to MS-Dos programs are very dangerous in email
.scfPossible Windows Explorer Command attackWindows Explorer Commands are dangerous in email
.sctPossible Microsoft Windows Script Component attackWindows Script Components are dangerous in email
.shbPossible document shortcut attackShortcuts Into Documents are very dangerous in email
.shsPossible Shell Scrap Object attack Shell Scrap Objects are very dangerous in email
.vb[es]Possible Microsoft Visual Basic script attackVisual Basic Scripts are dangerous in email
.ws[cfh]Possible Microsoft Windows Script Host attackWindows Script Host files are dangerous in email
.xnkPossible Microsoft Exchange Shortcut attackMicrosoft Exchange Shortcuts are dangerous in email
.scrPossible virus hidden in a screensaverWindows Screensavers often hide viruses in email
.batPossible malicious batch file scriptBatch files are often mailicious
.cmdPossible malicious batch file scriptBatch files are often mailicious
.cplPossible malicious control panel itemControl panel items often hide viruses in email
---Filenames with a lot of contiguous white space
---Filenames ending in CLSID'sAttempt to hide real filename extension
---Filenames with double extensions
(example "myfile.txt.exe")
Attempt to hide real filename extension

If you are certain that your file is safe, rename or add it to a zip file and resubmit your message. For example, if your file was named "myfile.pps.ppt", rename it to myfile.ppt or add the file into a zip file such as myfile.zip.


I did not send this e-mail. If you received a message from administrator@mail.sdsu.edu indicating that you were the sender of a message you did not send, it is likely that your e-mail address was substituted by a virus on an infected system.

Some viruses have the capability to forge the From address. For example, the Klez worm attempts to send itself to e-mail addresses found in files on a victim's machine. It may also substitute these addresses to spoof the sender's address, so that it appears to come from somewhere else.

We configure the anti-virus scanners to suppress notifications normally sent to the sender and recipient. However, if a new virus is created with this capability, it is possible that you will receive one of these messages. Please forward that message to postmaster@mail.sdsu.edu so that we can include it on our list.


Do I need to run an anti-virus scanner on my system? As always, we highly recommend that you run anti-virus software on your systems. Although we scan e-mail for viruses, we cannot guarantee that all viruses will be caught. Your systems may become infected through other means as well.
Please check with your IT department for recommendations on anti-virus software solutions.


What are we doing to control spam? We are always looking into ways of limiting spam. For now, please send any unsolicited e-mail you receive to: spam@mail.sdsu.edu. See the full header instruction page.


How do I change my greeting?  From the main menu in your voice mailbox, press 4 for Personal Options, 3 for Greetings, 1 for Personal Greeting, then 2 to start recording. Remember to press # to stop recording, then # again to save.


How do I leave someone a message without listening to their whole greeting? Press # once their greeting starts.


How do I skip to my saved messages without listening to my new message? From the main menu, press 1 # #.


How can callers go directly to my voice mail when I'm on the telephone and not get a busy signal? To activate: If you have a digital telephone press the Divert button. If you have an analog telephone, lift handset, press *2*, dial the extension at which you wish your calls to ring, then press #. Replace handset. To cancel (from original telephone): Lift handset; press #2#. Replace handset. To cancel (from "follow-me" telephone): Lift handset; press #2*. Dial original extension number, press #. Replace handset.


How do I hear all the options available when I'm asked to enter a selection? Press 0 and the system will play all options applicable to the feature you are using.


How do I erase a message I'm recording? Press * if you are in recording mode (i.e. sending a message, replying to or forwarding a message, or just leaving a message when someone did not answer their telephone). Once you send the message, it cannot be unsent and re-recorded. This also applies to re-record your greeting before you press #.


How do I leave a message for someone without dialing their telephone? Enter your voice mailbox by dialing 4-7444. Enter your password. From the main menu in your voice mailbox, press 2 to send. Record your message, then press # to end. Enter the person's mailbox number and hit # to send. You can also send the same message to multiple people.


What number do I call from off-campus to check my voice mail? Dial 619-594-7444. When you hear the greeting, press # then enter your 5-digit campus extension.


Is there any way I can save a message longer than 14 days? Yes. Forward the message (press 6 at the end of your message) to your own mailbox. You will have to check your voice mail again and press 9 to save the new message. Note: the original date and time of the message will be lost after forwarding.


Why do I have to say the date and time after I enter my password? The security feature has been activated. To deactivate this feature, log into your voice mailbox (you will have to say the date and time one last time). At the main menu, press 4 for personal options; press 6 for security options; press 2 to turn the access security off.


What's the difference between resetting the mailbox and resetting the password? When resetting the mailbox, everything (greeting, messages and password) will be deleted and a new mailbox will be installed. Resetting the password will change it to the default while the greeting and messages remain.


Why is the message waiting indicator on my telephone blinking when there are no new messages? It is possible that you checked your messages and logged off without deleting or saving. Check your messages again and delete/save any remaining messages. If the indicator is still blinking, please contact the trouble line at 4-3500 and someone will assist you.


Can I forward a message to an off-campus number? No. You can only forward messages to campus numbers that have voice mail service.


I don't have voice mail service on my telephone. Can you activate it for me over the telephone? We cannot activate services without a Telephone Service Request form from your area's Telephone Coordinator. We will contact you or your TC when the work is completed.


What wireless network cards are recommended and/or supported?
For PCs and Macs, we recommend use of a network card that is 802.11b/g WIFI compliant.


How many people can be on the wireless network at once?
The campus wireless network can handle hundreds of users logged in at any one time, but the more active users, the slower the network becomes. On average, one access point can handle approximately 30 users without a noticeable degradation in performance.


Why is my wireless connection disrupted more frequently than my wired connection?
Wireless access points operate within the 2.4GHz frequency range and are prone to interference from microwave ovens, other unknown access points in the area, some cordless phones and many other environmental factors that may be passing between you and the access point at any given time. Though the wireless protocol was designed to be robust, it is still radio frequency, and it can be interrupted by various pieces of equipment and/or structures.


Is there a charge to establish a wireless connection?
There is no charge to connect to the wireless network, but you do need to purchase a wireless Ethernet card that complies with the WiFi 802.11b/g standard.


How do I get a wireless network installed in my office, suite or building on the central campus?
Submit a TNS work order request and we will do a site survey and let you know what the cost will be to provide wireless coverage in your area.


Will wireless networks eventually replace hardwired networks?
No. The wireless network is not being implemented to replace the hardwired network. Plugging into a network port is still going to be faster and more reliable, but wireless networks can provide a convenient way to access information where wired connections are not available.


What is planned for the future?
Between June of 2007 and January of 2008, TNS will increase current wireless coverage in more than 60 buildings. The main focus is to improve wireless access where coverage is inadequate or does not exist. The priorities are Residence halls, classrooms, and common areas that have little or no wireless access.


How can I get assistance with wireless network performance problems?
If you have questions or problems with SDSU wireless, e-mail wireless@sdsu.edu.


How do I request wireless network service for my department, a classroom, or a public area?
Departments can complete a TNS Network Service Request online. TNS will do a site survey and determine the optimum locations for public wireless access and install service as available funding permits. Departments wishing to arrange for wireless service in department-controlled classroom space or public areas should complete the online form.


Where can I buy wireless network cards? Does TNS sell these?
TNS does not sell end user wireless network cards. Departments can purchase these from any standard university source or computer store.


How long does it take to install service?
Departments should plan for wireless network service installation as they do for standard wired network service and telephone service installation. Each installation requires completion of a Network Service Request for a wireless site survey. The site survey with your department or college, will determine the number, and placement of wireless network access points within the coverage area.


What is a Service Request and when do I need one? A Service Request is a formal notice to TNS outlining contact information, account information, and the scope of requested work for any given project. TNS requires that service requests be completed online for telephone, network, and directory updates. A service request is not needed to report area-wide loss of Internet connectivity. In such a case, call the ETS Help Desk at 4-5261.


What is a Work Order?
This is the service provider's documentation of your Service Request. Once processed by the provider, your Work Order will be assigned a unique reference/tracking number. This is the number you will refer to in any correspondence or inquiry.


What is billable vs. non-billable?
Billable work refers to all non-maintenance work being funded by campus departments or auxiliary organizations. Non-billable work typically refers to recurring or maintenance work to keep campus systems, facilities and grounds in good repair. A Service Request for billable work will be converted into a formal Work Order. A Service Request for non-billable work will simply be performed, without the need for a formal Work Order. For more details, refer to Physical Plant FAQs.


What are billing and fund cycles?
Work Orders are billed upon completion of work. Account expiration is determined by the type of account submitted by the requester. General fund accounts typically close at the end of the fiscal year on June 30.


Who may submit a Service Request?
Service Request are usually submitted by the Telephone Coordinator or Technical Contact for your area.


Who has the authority to approve a Service Request?
Only Telephone Coordinators or Technical Contacts have the authority to submit service requests.


What is the expected turnaround time for various Service Requests? Turnaround time for service requests will vary depending on type of request and workload. Check with your Telephone Coordinator or Technical Contact regarding expected time of completion of your service request.


What is a State ID?
A State ID is a barcoded alpha-numeric tag that is applied at the time the equipment is received. The tag is used to identify SDSU campus inventory and to track the equipment during its life on campus. Typically, the State ID can be found on a yellow sticker placed on durable campus items.


What is cost recovery?
Cost recovery is the method by which a service provider recovers the cost of materials and labor for department-requested, non-maintenance services.


What do I do if I believe I have a billing error?
Those responsible for their department's and/or college's budget must review each bill upon receipt. If you identify charges that are confusing and/or appear to be incorrect, immediately call 4-3500 or e-mail voicewo@mail.sdsu.edu. A staff member will assist you with corrections. NOTE: TNS can only correct bills up to two months after they have been issued.


What is an Internet Protocol (IP) address, static versus dynamic?
An IP address is a unique address that is used to identify and communicate over the network between devices. These devices include such as computers, printers, server, switches, routers, etc.

 

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