Tech Support FAQs

1. What types of software does EdCom provide to students for use on MedEd computers? For home computers?
   

   Campus Computers:
   The computers found at EdCom facilities are loaded with all the major productivity applications such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), WordPerfect, QuickTime, Acrobat Reader, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Sonic CD Burning software, WinZIP and WinSCP. In addition to the above, the scanning station contains Adobe Photoshop and the full version of Adobe Acrobat.

    

   Home Computers:
   Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware/Anti-Adware: EdCom provides ALL SOM and SOM affiliated students with a way to download Sophos Anti-Virus software free-of-charge. This is done to minimize the proliferation of viruses and to make sure that student computers meet the minimum UCSD computer security policies. Anti-Spyware programs are also strongly recommended, and EdCom provides a way for students to download Microsoft Defender and Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal. For further information on computer security, please visit the Tech Support: Security section of this website.

    

   Course-related programs: EdCom provides course-related software such as BrainStorm Interactive Neuroanatomy. This software is licensed for UCSD SOM use only, so students must sign a usage agreement stating that they will uninstall the program at the end of the course.

    

     All other software for home computers must be purchased or supplied by each student.

2. Can I change my email address or redirect my "@ucsd.edu" email to an off-campus email account?
   

   Yes and Yes.

   Usernames, used to login to electronic services on campus and based on the first initial and last name of a student, are distributed via the main campus Academic Computing & Media Services (ACMS) group and are not allowed to be changed. However, we can create an email alias for your @ucsd email address. Please send several suggestions to the EdCom technical staff for the name portion of your @ucsd email address. We will work with you to find one that is not already being used at UCSD.

    

   You can also elect to forward your email to a third party email provider - see the Email section of this site for more details.

3. Can I change my password?
   

   Yes.

   Upon entering the School of Medicine, you were provided with a username and password for various servers/services on campus. While you can go to the AD password change utility now, this will only update the AD account. To synchronize both passwords, you will need to use the MedEd password change utility which is currently being upgraded. It will be available by mid-August or sooner.

4. How do I gain access to the wireless network on the UCSD campus and the UCSD Medical Centers?
   

   Main Campus & UCSD Medical Center in La Jolla: Visit the Wireless Access page to connect your laptop or PDA to the UCSD campus wireless network. A Username and Password is required to use the system.

    

   UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest: Read the Using Wireless at UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest page to connect your laptop or PDA to the UCSD Medical Center wireless network. Access requires a password which may be obtained by calling the UCSD Medical Center Help Desk at Campus Extension - x3-HELP (3-4357) or their off-campus number - (619)543-7474.

5. I can't gain access to journals from off-campus, but I used to be able to. Can you tell me why?
   

   First make sure your connection to the UCSD Web Proxy Server is setup correctly. The proxy server is maintained by the main campus Academic Computing & Media Services (ACMS) group and can occasionally have technical issues (e.g., it prevents users from logging in). Check the status of UCSD Network and ACMS Services to verify there are no problems with the Proxy Server. If there are no issues with the Proxy Server and you are still unable to connect, feel free to contact the MedEd Help Desk at (858) 534-2337 for assistance.

6. Why do I need to logout? How do I logout of the various systems?

   When using public computers, it is CRITICAL to logout of all systems (MedEd WebMail, MedEd Student Web Portal, and Active Directory Account) to prevent other users from accessing your account.

    

   To logout from the:

   • MedEd WebOutlook -- click the Logout link on the upper right side of the main page.
   • MedEd Student Web Portal -- click the Logout on the upper left side of your class page.
   • Active Directory on Windows computers -- click the "Start" button and choose the Log off option.