IT FAQs for Staff

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For more information, visit the Adobe Acrobat Sign page. 

Q: How do I access the CSUN Portal for the first time?
A: Visit the CSUN homepage and go to MyCSUN > CSUN Portal and log in with your CSUN User ID and Password will be issued when you sign–in with Human Resources. If you have not already done so, bring your completed New Employee Sign–In Form to the Human Resources office located in Room 165 of the University Hall building. The sign–in hours at Human Resources are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Q: When does maintenance take place?
A: Wednesdays from 8:00pm through midnight and once a month on Sundays from 12:00am through 6:00am. During these times, access may be intermittently unavailable. 

Q: Where can I find how-to guides on using the CSUN Portal and SOLAR? 
A: Visit SOLAR Support.

Q: Where can I obtain SOLAR Access forms?
A: Visit SOLAR Support. The forms are located under "SOLAR Acess Forms and Procedures."

Q: I would like to purchase a computing system for my department, college or division. What do you recommend?
A: View IT's Standard Desktop/Laptop Recommendations.

Q: How do I access staff email?
A: View Options for Accessing CSUN Email (Webmail, Email Client, Smartphone) 

Q: Even though I’m using Internet Explorer as my browser, I’m still getting the "light" version of Webmail even though the checkbox isn’t marked when I log in.
A: If you selected the option to Use the blind and low vision experience when logging into Webmail the first time, you will automatically be set to use the "light" version of Webmail when you log in. To disable this setting, go to Options, Accessibility and uncheck the box to Use the blind and low vision experience. Once you’ve saved the change, the next time you log in to Webmail, you will be on the "premium" version.

Q: In Webmail, how do I select multiple messages to delete/move/copy at once?
A: Depending on what version of Webmail you use (premium vs. light), there are two different ways to select multiple messages, after which you can perform the action (delete, move, etc.). Locate the version you are using and complete the following steps:

Premium: Hold down the ctrl key while selecting individual messages to select each message you click on. If you want to select blocks of messages in a contiguous block, you can hold down the shift key and click on the first message, then the last message. All of the messages between and including your first and last selections will be selected.

Light: There is an empty check-box next to each message which can be filled in to mark the message as selected. Fill in the check box for every message you want selected. If you want to select all of the messages on a page, there is a check box at the very top of the column of check boxes which will select all messages on the page if used.

Q: I am using Webmail and my session keeps timing out. What should I do?
A: When you log in to Webmail, the default Security setting is: This is a private or shared computer. If this option is selected, your session will timeout after 15 minutes. To extend your session, select This is a private computer and your session will timeout after 60 minutes. 

Q: Can I forward my CSUN email to a personal email account?
A: Yes. Visit Forwarding Your Email. 

Q: I am enrolled in classes at CSUN and have a student Gmail account. Can I auto–forward emails from Gmail to my Exchange account?
A: Yes. Log in to Gmail. Go to Settings and select Forwarding and POP/IMAP. Enter your forwarding address in the Forward a copy of incoming mail to field.

Q: How do I change the way that my name appears in email?
A: View instructions on Changing your Preferred Name in SOLAR. Please note that the Last Name, First Name format cannot be changed to First Name, Last Name.

Q: Email that I send from my CSUN email account is not always delivered. What is wrong?
A: CSUN students, faculty and staff have the option to auto-forward their CSUN email account to a personal email address. A recipient’s personal email address may be invalid and this is why they are not receiving your email. All users who have established auto-forwarding should monitor their personal email address on a regular basis. Please note that email sent outside of CSUN’s email system is unprotected. For this reason, we do not recommend sending/forwarding email which contains confidential or sensitive information. 

Q: Is email that I send from my CSUN email account protected?
A: Email that is sent outside of CSUN’s email system is not protected. For example, if a recipient auto-forwards their CSUN email to a personal email address, your email will be routed to another system such as Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, or AOL. For this reason, we do not recommend sending/forwarding email which contains confidential or sensitive information.

LinkedIn Learning is a free training resource. Learn at your own pace from anywhere. Want to learn Photoshop? Or brush-up on Microsoft Office? All you have to do is log in with your CSUN credentials to get started. 

For frequently asked questions, visit the LinkedIn Learning page.

For frequently asked questions, visit the myCSUNbox page.

For frequently asked questions, visit the myCSUNtablet page.

For frequently asked questions, visit the OnBase page.

Q: How can I access CSUN's computing resources from an off-campus location?
A: Most resources such as the CSUN Portal, and Gmail can be accessed via an internet browser. Others, such as the WebDrive require a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. The VPN creates a secure connection called a "tunnel" between your computer and the campus network.

Q: I am repeatedly being prompted for my CSUN User ID and Password when I try to connect. Why is this happening?
A: Make sure you are using your correct User ID and Password. To verify this information, view the CSUN User ID and Password Instructions. If you continue to have difficulties, contact the IT Help Center.

Q: When I try to connect to the VPN, I receive the message, Initializing the connection. However, after a while, I am simply back at the connection screen where I get a disconnected message. Why does this happen?
A: From the configuration screen, ensure that the portal address value is set to vpn.csun.edu. If you continue to have difficulties, contact the IT Help Center.

Q: How can I protect my CSUN campus account?
A: The number one way to keep your CSUN account safe is to never give your CSUN password to anyone, including family and friends. Second, when using public computers to connect to campus services such as email or the myNorthridge Portal, always log off the computer before walking away. Finally, never download and install software from unknown/un-trusted sources, and only visit trusted web sites. If you believe that your CSUN password has been compromised, immediately change your password and contact the IT Help Center.

Q: How do I obtain Antivirus software for my computer?
A: Symantec Anti-Virus is available for students, faculty and staff at no additional cost. Visit the CSUN Software Downloads page and sign in with your CSUN user ID and password. Download Symantec Anti-Virus Corporate Edition for your computer.

Q: Which software programs help combat spyware?
A: We recommend installing Spybot–S&D or Lavasoft Ad–Aware.

Q: What is a STOP security plate and how do I obtain one for my laptop?
A: For $10.00, a STOP security plate is the most cost–effective, anti–theft and recovery product available. Whether your laptop is lost or stolen, a STOP plate may increase the chances of your laptop being returned to you. For more information, view the Personal Electronics Security page.

Q: Will CSUN ever ask me for personal information via email?
A: No. Any email message asking for personal information such as user IDs, passwords, birthdates, and social security numbers is likely to be a phishing scam. Often, phishing scams will look like they're from banking institutions and other trusted organizations (such as the CSU). If you receive one of these messages, delete it immediately and never respond. Learn more.

Q: What is IT's maintenance window?
A: Wednesdays from 8:00pm through midnight and once a month on Sundays from 12:00am through 6:00am. During these times, access may be intermittently unavailable. Any services that may be impacted are posted on Fridays under Status.

Q: What if a service is interrupted outside of the maintenance window?
A: If a service should become unavailable outside of the maintenance window, a notice will be posted under Status.

Q: What kind of software/hardware discounts are available to CSUN staff?
A: There are several options available to staff for obtaining software and hardware for professional and personal use. View the Faculty & Staff – Software/Hardware Purchasing Options page.

Q: Where can I find how-to guides on using SOLAR? 
A: Visit SOLAR Support.

Q: Where can I find user guides, tutorials and other resources for software/applications used at CSUN? 
A: Visit the IT Training Guides and Resources page. LinkedIn Learning is also available to you. To access the library for free, log in with your CSUN user ID and password. 
 

LOG IN TO LINKEDIN LEARNING

Q: Does IT offer any on-site training? 
A: Yes. View the IT Workshop Calendar.

Q: How do I find my CSUN User ID and Password? 
A: Your CSUN User ID and Password will be issued when you sign–in with Human Resources. If you have not already done so, bring your completed New Employee Sign–In Form to the Human Resources office located in Room 165 of the University Hall building. The sign–in hours at Human Resources are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Q: How do I change my CSUN password?
A: Go to Forgot My Password. If this does not work, contact the IT Help Center by phone at (818) 677-1400, online at (https://csun.topdesk.net/) or in person in (Oviatt Library, First Floor, Learning Commons). For security reasons, the Help Center is unable to reset your password via email.

Q. Is there a guide to walk me through the password reset process?
A. Yes. Please review the Portal Password Reset guide (PDF). 

For information about web conferencing, visit the Zoom page.

Q: How do I access CSUN wireless?
A: Connect to CSUN's encrypted wireless network, eduroam. This network will require a one-time login using your CSUN email address and will not require a VPN connection for additional security. Learn more.

Q: Where can I access CSUN Wireless?
A: CSUN's wireless connection works throughout the campus. Connections in the parking lots and away from academic or residential buildings my be intermittent.

Q: Which devices are compatible with CSUN's wireless network?
A: Most Wi-Fi capable devices purchased since the last quarter of 2006 are compatible; however, Gaming devices (e.g. Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox etc.) are not compatible. 

Q: Can I access the wireless network from more than one computer at the same time?
A: Yes.