Computers and Software
The IT Centre is an essential resource for all Aberdeen College students. Located on the lower ground floor of the Gallowgate Centre Tower Block, it houses over 200 PCs, almost 50 Apple Macs, and a study zone for laptop users, a colour printer/photocopier and several black and white printers.
All Desktop computers are primed with office software and internet access, whilst the Apple Macs are loaded with the latest graphics software.
The IT Centre is a self study area, in to which students are welcome to utilise facilities for study purposes. In fact a number of PCs have been set aside specifically for this reason, as well as a dedicated wireless laptop zone. This flexi-use area, which contains 53 computers, is never booked for classes, and this area is used for students to drop in to whenever they require the use of a computer.
The computers in the IT Centre are utilized in different ways. The Apple Macs and the majority of the PCs are primarily for teaching and are used to deliver a wide variety of units. IT Centre Instructors deliver core IT units to the majority of full time non-advanced courses, but the machines can be booked by any member of staff. If you cannot use a machine in the flexi-use area, spare machines in the teaching area can be used, but you need to be aware that classes will take priority.
The IT Centre is equipped with the latest hardware and software. The available resources currently include:
PCs (220 machines)
Dell OptiPlex 760 SF, 4GB RAM, Intel Core 2 Duo (3GHz), 160GB hard disk, CD/DVD RW drive, 22in widescreen monitor.
Apple Macs (48 machines)
G5, 1GB RAM, 3GHz Processor, 250B hard disk, CD RW/DVD RAM drive, 20in monitor.
Printers
7 x A4 black and white Duplex printers
A4 colour printer
A3 colour printer
Scanners
Colour A4 scanners for both PCs and Macs can be signed out from the IT Centre reception.
Print credit
To print you must buy credit. You can top up your print credit by:
- Using the coin operated machines (does not accept copper coins and does not give change)
- IT Centre reception
- Library+ issue desk
Printing costs
The cost of printing at Aberdeen College centres are as follows:
- A4 black and white single-sided: 4p
- A4 black and white double-sided: 6p
- A4 colour: 24p
- A3 colour: 46p
Logging In
To access the computers you need your student reference number, this is your username. Full time students can find this out from any lecturer or their Guidance Tutor, and part time students can find this on their booking receipt.
Your default password is your initials (first name initial is in upper case; surname initial is in lower case) followed by your date of birth in the format DDMMYY. For example John Doe with a date of birth of 20th July 1990 would find his default password to be Jd200790.
Your password will need to be changed regularly throughout the academic. You can find out more information on Password+ on StudentNet.
Logging off
In order to stop others from using your account you must log off. To do this click Start, Log off, and then click Log off again. This will return your computer to the password screen.
Faulty equipment
If you discover a faulty PC (or other piece of College equipment) when you are in the IT Centre, please inform the staff at the IT Centre reception. Tell them the computer number and they will see to it that it is fixed as soon as possible.
Windows 7
Aberdeen College are always looking for ways to improve and make life easier for students, so from August 2011, Windows 7 will be standard across the all student PCs. This means all the PCs in all classrooms, Library+ and IT Centre across all College sites will operate with Windows 7.
Windows 7 has new tools which will make your computing experience at Aberdeen College even better. There is more scope to personalise it to the way you want it, and there are many performance improvements.
Here’s a low-down on the new features on Windows 7:
Jump Lists:
Jump lists allow you to go directly to the programmes and documents you use the most. You can also create jump lists in a particular programme, so you can view your most-viewed website in a click. More information about jump lists
Snap:
A new feature for Windows 7 is Snap. Snap makes it easier to drag and resize your open programmes, and you can even have programmes running side by side to make your viewing easier. Find out more
Windows Live Essentials:
Windows have introduced one simple download which means you can access a whole suite of free programmes such as Movie Maker and Writer all in one place. See the full suite and further information
Windows Search:
If you ever wished for a more intuitive Search function, Windows 7 is for you. Windows 7 allows you to search faster and further than ever before. Find out more
Windows Taskbar:
The taskbar in Windows 7 has changed. Although it is in the same place as the previous Windows operating system, it now has a preview section, as well as allowing you to ‘pin’ your favourite programmes to make it faster and easier to use. Find out more
Desktop:
New graphics and backgrounds, as well as new ways to view your open windows, means that you can personalise your desktop like never before. Preview the new gadgets and features available