Computer and Network Support

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Who do I email if I need help?

Email help@ece.ucsb.edu

Are my files backed up?

The department provides backup service for all important department services and servers. Backup service for research servers and office and lab workstations is provided by the IT support group on a per request basis. For those hosts which we are backing up, files are backed up nightly, and we retain backed up files for one year. If the file you need was removed or lost longer than a year previous, we cannot recover it. Please also note that we will back up only user files (/home, /Users, C:\Users, or C:\Documents and Settings). If you are interested in learning more about our backup schedule, or would like to request that your workstation or server be added to our backup schedule, contact us at help@ece.ucsb.edu.

I accidentally deleted an important file, how do I get it back?

Send an email to help@ece.ucsb.edu requesting that the lost file or directory be recovered. Include the following information in the email: Name of file or directory Date the file or directory was deleted.

How do I set up a web page for my account?

Fill out the ECE Web Page Account form into the web server via ssh. Type "mkdir public_html" Then type "chmod 755 public_html" Place any files you wish viewable to the net inside that directory You must have an index.html or default.html in order to view the contents of your home directory.

What software is available for me to use?

A list of software supported can be found on the ECE Software and Documentation page.

Network

How do I access the campus wireless network?

Wireless network connectivity is provided via the "UCSB Wireless Web", available at Harold Frank Hall, Engineering II, ESB, and various other locations on campus. Faculty, staff, students and visitors with a UCSBnetID can use this network.

Login Process

In order to use the campus wireless network, you will be required to login using your UCSBnetID. You can register for a UCSBnetID.

To login to the wireless network, follow these steps:

Join the essid "UCSB Wireless Web" network. Open your web browser, and visit any page. The network will redirect you to a login page for authentication. Enter your UCSBNetID login and password.

Additional Information

If you've forgotten your UCSBNetID login information, you can visit the Identity Manager page to recover or reset your password.

You will now be able to browse the internet.

Conditions of Use

The campus wireless network is for authorized users only. Use of university resources must be in accordance with University policies and applicable law. Sharing of login names is prohibited. Users are solely responsible for any activity that occurs as a result of their login. Access to port 25 (SMTP) is blocked due to spam issues, please use web-based email or submission-based (port 587) for email delivery instead of port 25.

How can I get my computer hooked up to the network?

Go to the ECE Network Connections page

Accounts

How do I reset my ECE Account password?

• URL:  ECE Accounts - Setting a password using email recovery
• For helpdesk assistance with your account password please email help@ece.ucsb.edu

How do I choose a good password?

• Passwords need to be 10 characters with at least 1 capital and 1 special character
• Which characters are required in my password? (from Stanford University).

How can I get a UCSB (UCSBnetID) user account?

You can register for a UCSBnetID at the UCSB Identity Manager page.

Am I eligible to get a department user account?

You are eligible for an ECE department user account if you are faculty, staff, researcher, or graduate student in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Undergraduates can get College of Engineering accounts by bringing a picture ID to Engineering I, Room 3110 and filling out an account request form.

How can I get a ECE department user account?

You may apply for an ECE account at ECE User Accounts

How long will my ECE department account last?

ECE accounts last as long as you are currently employed or enrolled at UCSB.

Email

What is the maximum allowed size for an email attachment?

You can send up to 25 MB in attachments. If you have more than one attachment, they can't add up to more than 25 MB. If your file is greater than 25 MB, Gmail automatically adds a Google Drive link in the email instead of including it as an attachment. The person you send the file to can download it so they'll have access to it even if you remove it from Google Drive.

How do I configure my email client software?

See the UCSB Connect Google Workspace Email webpage for instructions.

How can I change my email password?

Follow the directions to reset your UCSBnetID password

How do I setup a vacation auto-reply?

Follow the directions to create a out of office or vacation reply.

How do I setup email forwarding?

Follow the directions to automatically forward Gmail messages to another account.

How do I change my Spam settings?

Follow the directions to set up a Spam filter.