By now you've obtained your VM account and have located a place to use it. There is now a big computer sitting in front of you and you're wondering just how do I use this VM account I have? Well, keep reading to find out.

If you decide to go to one of the new Student Technology Centers (located on the 3rd floor of Wyly Tower and the 10th floor of Prescott Library), you will be sitting in front of a Windows 95 based computer system. Not only can you access the Internet from these computers, but you can also use the various programs on the computers such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint. 

A logon screen should be staring you in the face when you get ready to use one of these computers. If it is not, ask one of the friendly lab assistants for help. At the correct places type in your username and password. This is the information you were given when you signed up for your VM account.

Type in your USERID at logon id prompt
Press ENTER
Type your PASSWORD at the password prompt
Press ENTER

If you typed both your USERID and your PASSWORD in correctly (and the system is working properly) you will be allowed access and will be able to use the various programs on the computer. Now you can access the various programs on the computer by double clicking on any icon that's on your screen. To be able to choose from even more programs, click on START, then highlight PROGRAMS, then highlight the program you wish to use and click once on it. In order to surf the web you will need to select either Netscape Communicator, Netscape Navigator, or Microsoft Internet Explorer, depending on the computer you are sitting at. In order to check your e-mail, you will need to select Eudora. More information on using these programs will be provided in the following pages.

The "dumb" terminals (big cream colored systems with mono green screens) work in much the same process as the Windows 95 systems, but are entirely text based. Also, they do not allow you to use programs such as Word and WordPerfect.

The logon process for a "dumb" terminal is just the same as it was for the Windows 95 systems.

Type your USERID at logon id prompt
Press RETURN
Type your PASSWORD at the password prompt
Press RETURN

If there is no logon id screen showing at a "dumb" terminal when you sit down, you can simply type LOGON USERID, and one should appear. You then simply follow the above procedure to be able to use the Internet.

There are many things you can do with the "dumb" terminal. They do allow you to use E-Mail and surf the Internet, but they are being phased out as newer and faster Windows 95 based computers are being installed. If you wish to read further instructions on how to use the "dumb" terminals for your computer needs, please follow this link. Otherwise, click the forward arrow to learn how to use E-Mail.