ITS Blog

Your Binghamton University GO-TO for Tech FAQs and Easy Answers


Your Binghamton University GO-TO for Tech FAQs and Easy Answers - UPDATED SEPT 2022

We know you’re busy, and who has time for technical detours? Below is a list of frequently asked questions followed by quick solutions/links to some of the most common tech-related issues we’ve been receiving at the ITS Help Desk. Our goal is to help save you time and frustration so make sure you bookmark this page for future reference, as you may find the help you need right here!


TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)

Best practices for information security include more than one level of proof that a user is who they say they are before being allowed to log into a system, referred to as two-factor authentication, sometimes also referred to as multi-factor authentication. With the approval of SOG+ (the expanded University’s Senior Officers Group), Binghamton University recently moved to this two-factor authentication (2FA) for those using the Secure VPN to access the University's network from remote locations, and the University is now expanding use of 2FA to best protect all information stored on University servers.

Beginning July 13, 2021 both CAS and Secure VPN will use the same 2FA One Time Password as CAS.

Find instructions for how to download and use 2FA using Google Authenticator or Authy, as well as frequently asked questions, on this website.

ALSO - GOOGLE 2-STEP INSTRUCTIONS | GOOGLE 2-STEP FOR TRAVELERS

General Tech Help

  1. Where do I go for tech help?

    For Secure VPN information go here.

  • Tech Checklist and Self Help — Just starting out on campus? This is a great initial help resource.

  • TeamDynamiixAn online database where you can search for answers to your tech questions, report problems, request help and more. 

  • ITS website — Central point for information about ITS, and to find the current IT system status updates

  • ResCons — Tech specialists in each dorm building

  • Help Desk — Located in the Tech Hub, this is your central contact point for tech help. Contact us at 607-777-6420 or helpdesk@binghamton.edu. Please be advised that the Help Desk is operating by appointment only due to COVID distancing restrictions. 

  • Follow @binghamtonits on Twitter and Instagram to stay on top of the latest phishing scams and other important tech info posted daily.


Wi-Fi and Network Connection


1. What is eduroam and how do I connect to it?


Eduroam is the university’s Wi-Fi network. To properly connect to eduroam for the first time, choose welcome2bing in the list of available networks then use the JoinNow tool to connect to eduroam. For more information, click here.


NOTE: welcome2bing only needs to be selected the first time a device is connecting to Binghamton University Wi-Fi. After that, you can automatically connect to eduroam.


2. Why is my Wi-Fi sluggish and/or does not seem to be working? 

Make sure you follow the above steps in order to successfully connect to eduroam. If you didn’t connect to welcome2bing first, that might be why you’re having trouble. If you’re sure that you’ve registered your device properly and are still having issues, please contact the Help Desk.


3. How do I connect my gaming devices to the internet?

Students can register their gaming devices, smart TVs, etc by logging into MyDevices using their BU Domain (old PODs) username/password. Once the device is registered, it can connect to mydevicesbing for wireless internet access. NOTE: Your device can’t connect unless it’s been registered with mydevicesbing.


4. Does Binghamton University have outdoor Wi-Fi?

Yes! With the increase in social distancing requirements, ITS has expanded its outdoor Wi-Fi coverage to include commuter parking lots G-1, M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4 and M-5, as well as some of the most popular locations with outdoor seating, such as "the spine," the Harpur Quad, the UU MarketPlace, the John Arthur Café, the patio at the Nelson A Rockefeller Center, the UU Bus Stop and the Hinman Quad (which is currently offline due to construction). For a detailed map of our outdoor Wi-Fi coverage, click here.


There are Wi-Fi signs to indicate those outdoor spaces that have been purposefully covered by ITS with Wi-Fi signals. Keep in mind, Wi-Fi technology uses radio waves as its transmission medium, so even though an area is not marked with a sign or on our map, it may still have incidental signal available from a nearby building, and you can feel free to make use of it!


Common Computer Issues


1. Help! My computer is slow and lagging. I can’t access software I need to use...what should I do?


It’s best to restart your computer periodically, especially if you encounter problems with accessing a system. A wide range of issues can be solved with a restart, such as problems with audio, video and several software glitches. Always try this first to save time and frustration.


In general, if you are suddenly unable to log into a system that usually works, try clearing the browser cache (do a Google search for clearing the cache in Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge). Be sure to delete the cache for all time. Also, try logging in using an Incognito or Private browser window. If these choices don’t work, switch browsers and try to log in.


2. My computer won’t start! What steps should I take?


If your computer isn’t turning on at all, you probably have a power problem. First, make sure your charger is connected to the right port in your laptop. Then, plug the charger directly into a wall outlet that you know is working, instead of a power strip that could be failing itself. To make sure your charger works, check whether the power indicator (if there is one) lights up when you plug it in. 


If this doesn’t work, your laptop might be suffering from other problems. Contact the Help Desk for more assistance.


3. My computer is frozen! Why is this happening?


More often than not, this can be fixed with a simple reboot. If this doesn’t work, or you’re experiencing computer freezes all the time, this might be a sign of other issues like insufficient memory, registry problems, corrupt files or spyware. Contact the Help Desk for more assistance.


4. My laptop is overheating and/or my fans sound louder than normal! What should I do?


First, elevate your laptop. Most laptops ventilate through their bottoms, so the surface underneath it might be the culprit. Make sure you keep your laptop on a hard, flat surface like a table. Don’t keep it on uneven surfaces like blankets or pillows. 


You also might need to clean your laptop’s cooling fans (dust buildup and other gunk might prevent them from working). For step-by-step instructions on how to do this, click here.


Lastly, your laptop might be overheating because of power-hungry programs or just because you’ve been using it for extended periods of time. Periodically let your laptop rest, and only use compatible programs. We recommend shutting down between heavy uses.


BMail and BMail Security


1. What is BMail?


BMail is the university’s email system. Be sure to check your email regularly, as this is the university’s primary means of communication.


2.I’ve been getting a lot of job and phishing scam emails. What do I need to know about email safety?

  • Unsolicited job offers received via email are a scam. Do not reply and NEVER send any personal information or money.

  • Check the sender. If you’re unsure about an email, check the sender first. Legitimate job offers will come from official email addresses only.

  • Never click on suspicious links or attachments.

  • Keep a strong password and be sure to change it regularly.

  • Forward all suspicious emails to security@binghamton.edu.

  • For more info, check out the ITS Phishing Page and ITS Phish Tank to stay current with the latest scams, job hoaxes and anything related to phishing. 


3. How do I find my professor’s email address?


To find your professor’s email address and/or phone number, use the following directory: https://directory.binghamton.edu/


4. Why can’t I log into BMail? Why is Google telling me to contact my administrator?


Log into the self-service password reset page at https://password.binghamton.edu. If you know your current BU DOMAIN (computer account) credentials you can just log in and do a password reset to reset your BU Domain/Google passwords all at the same time. 


Is your password not working? Select the option for “I forgot my password” and use your personal email address or cell phone number to get a temporary code to reset the password yourself. More information…


MY.BINGHAMTON.EDU Portal and Brightspace

ITS recommends that you make an effort to check your my.binghamton.edu dashboard daily. The portal is your University center point for all important information and major links including BMail, Brightspace, the Academic Calendar, BU Brain, Course Bulletin, HireBing, LabFind and more… Binghamton University also posts important current information for your attention here. 


1. Help! I forgot or don’t know my username/password. How do I find it?


If you need to change your password for security reasons or simply because you can’t remember it, visit https://password.binghamton.edu. More information...


2. Why am I getting a login prompt when I try to open a file in myCourses?


Many students have reported seeing a login prompt when opening a file in myCourses but not being able to login. There is an issue with opening PDF files in myCourses in the Chrome browser caused by a change in the Chrome PDF viewer. Quick option: download the PDF instead of opening or use a different browser. Longer option: click here.


3. Why can’t I view Panopto videos in myCourses?


When trying to open a Panopto video in myCourses, there is a prompt to “Click to sign in and play” which doesn’t work. To fix the problem, enable third party cookies in a supported browser. Click here for more information.


Printing


1. How do I print?


All ITS Lab and classroom computers are configured to print directly to the 

Print@Binghamton system. To release your print job, go to the most convenient student printer and wave your ID card over the black ID card reader. Any print jobs in your queue will be released and printed. Click here for more information. For information on how to print from your own device, see #4.


2. Where can I print?


Printers are available in the Bartle, UDC and Science Library Info Commons. They’re also available in AA G6, AA G14 and the following residence/dining halls: 

  • Brandywine (in Susquehanna)

  • C4 101

  • CIW Dining Hall (on the second floor)

  • Hillside Commons

  • Hinman Student Success Center

  • Appalachian Dining Hall (AP 101)


3. What’s my printing quota?


At the beginning of each semester, all registered students are given a print quota of $43.50. If your account is out of quota, you can use BUC$ to pay for additional printing services.


4. Can I print to university printers from my personal machine?


Yes! There are 2 ways to print from a personal device.


  1. Email to print

  • Attach the file you want to print and email it to print@binghamton.edu (supported file types: pdf, bmp, dib, gif, jfif, jif, jpe, jpeg, jpg, png, tif, tiff)

  • You will receive an email back with a link that must be clicked in order to submit the print job.

  • After clicking the link, go to a student printer and wave your ID card over the black ID card reader.

  • Your print job will be released and printed.


  1.  Web Print

  • Log into Print@Binghamton using your BU Domain (PODs) credentials.

  • Select “Web Print” and upload the files you want to print (supported file types: pdf, bmp, dib, gif, jfif, jif, jpe, jpeg, jpg, png, tif, tiff)

  • Go to a student printer and wave your ID card over the black ID card reader.

  • Your print job will be released and printed.


Computer Labs


1. How can I find an open station in the computer labs/Info Commons?

  • Download the LabFind app to find available computers and software.

  • You can also use the Live Maps tool to see computer usage and activity in real time.


Software


1. What software is available to me as a Binghamton University student?


Zoom Help


1. How do I access/log into Zoom?


Log into the Binghamton University Zoom license through binghamton.zoom.us and then select the option for SSO (Single Sign On through CAS). Many people are unknowingly signing into the free version of Zoom with their Binghamton email address, which means they are missing out on features like longer meeting times and the ability to be an alternative host. More information…


2. I need help with Zoom. How do I find help?


Storage


1. Is there a safe place I can save documents other than on my computer


Google Documents is a service provided through your BMail account, which provides 1GB of storage in the cloud. Keep in mind: these files are only accessible if you have internet access. A flash drive/external hard drive is always a safe way to back up your files.


2. Where can I save my documents while working on public university computers?

  • Google Drive

  • U-Drive

  • External hard drive/flash drive


    3. How do I backup my work/computer?