Computer Provision Scheme: Help Information

1. Helpful Contacts
Delivery help All delivery enquiries relating to the Computer Provision Scheme are dealt with directly by the OUs computer supplier Getech. Please contact Carl or Geraldine: Carl Gibbs Getech Education Account Manager Phone: 01473 243435 Email: cgibbs@getech.co.uk Geraldine Day Getech Education Account Manager Phone: 01473 243417 Email: gday@getech.co.uk

Open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, closed on public holidays. www.getech.co.uk

Computer and printer help The Computer Provision Scheme has a dedicated helpdesk provided by the OUs computing supplier Getech. The Getech Helpdesk can answer any questions or problems you have with the computer and printer you received via the Computer Provision Scheme. Getech Helpdesk Phone: 01473 243 488 Email: helpdesk@getech.co.uk Open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, closed on public holidays. www.getech.co.uk OU course software and website help The OU Computing Helpdesk provides technical support for OU students, including OU applications and online conferencing systems, usernames and passwords, access to course websites and online facilities, but not study or internet connection queries or general computing issues. Open University Computing Helpdesk Phone: 01908 653 972 Email: Send an email via Contact Us on www.open.ac.uk/students/helpdesk Open 8.00am to 9.30pm, 7 days a week (except Wednesdays 3.00pm to 4.00pm). Open most Bank Holidays 10.00am to 4.00pm. www.open.ac.uk/students/helpdesk

2. Frequently Asked Questions

Computer questions How do I get help with my computer? Refer to the Users Manual that arrived with the computer. If you need further assistance call the Getech Helpdesk phone number given above. Your laptop is covered by a 3-year warranty service provided by Getech. Getech recommends securely backing up your data onto an external storage device, such as a USB memory stick or re/writeable-CD/DVD, before requesting service, as Getech and the OU cannot accept liability for any data loss that may occur during the diagnosis and repair process. How can I purchase additional hardware, such as external keyboards? Additional hardware can be purchased from high street stores or online, such as at Getechs StudentStore at www.studentstore.co.uk/open What is my computers specification? Toshiba Satellite Pro C660-111 Laptop: Intel Core2 Duo T6670 Processor (2.20GHz, L2 cache), 250GB Hard Disk, 15.6" screen, 2GB RAM Memory, Mobile Intel 4500MHD graphics chip. Pre-installed with Adobe Reader, FirstClass, StarOffice, Flash, Shockwave, Java and Anti-virus and Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (includes Firewall protection and Internet Explorer). Built-in USB, Ethernet and headphone ports, DVD writer/re-writer, web camera, modem, wireless network adapter, microphone and speakers.

Printer questions What is my printers specification? Hewlett-Packard (HP) DeskJet: A4 colour inkjet printer, provided with initial ink cartridges. How do I connect my printer to my laptop? Plug your printer into your laptop using the USB cable provided and follow the onscreen instructions. If you need further assistance contact the Getech helpdesk on the number above. How do I get help with my printer? Read the instructions provided with your printer. If you need further assistance contact the Getech helpdesk on the phone number above, they may advise you about how to contact the manufacturer directly as the printer is covered by a 3-year manufacturers warranty. How can I purchase replacement consumables such as printing ink? You will be able to buy printer ink and paper from high street stationery suppliers or online. For example you can buy printer ink from Getechs Student Store at www.studentstore.co.uk/open Internet access questions How do I connect to the internet? Choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Internet equipment and connections can be purchased from many different companies, such as landline and mobile phone companies, cable TV and satellite TV companies, and some offer free-of-charge or discounted internet use to existing customers. Your laptop has the necessary internet and USB ports to insert the internet equipment. Your laptop has a built-in wireless network adapter, so you can use your laptop to access the internet at locations with wireless (Wi-Fi) networks, such as Wi-Fi enabled cafes or public libraries. Access may be free of charge. To connect to the internet, either via a wireless (Wi -Fi) network or via the connection you have purchased from an Internet Service Provider, click on the Start button at the bottom left of your screen, select Welcome Centre and click on Connect to the Internet. The web browser on your laptop is Internet Explorer, this gives you access the World Wide Web. How do I get help with my internet connection? Contact your chosen Internet Service Provider directly. OU course software & website questions How do I get help with OU websites and OU course software and applications? The OU Computing Helpdesk is available to help OU Students install course software. They also offer support and assistance with other OU-provided IT services and applications, including online forums, problems with usernames or passwords, and access to course websites and other online facilities. They cannot provide assistance with general computing issues. They can be contacted on the phone number above. Your Tutor may be able to help if you have problems using the course software for your study. Insurance questions What do I do if my computer is damaged, lost or stolen? The limited funding means we can only issue one computer and one printer per student. If the equipment is damaged, lost or stolen we cannot provide or sell replacement computing equipment to you. It is advisable to insure your computer. How do I insure my computer? The OU formally retains ownership of the computing equipment, but the safeguarding of the equipment is your responsibility. If you already have home contents insurance you may wish to contact your insurance company to enquire about insuring your computer under your existing agreement, in accordance with their terms and conditions. Alternatively you may wish to insure the computer separately by purchasing insurance directly from the computer supplier Getech via their Student Store at www.studentstore.co.uk/open
Please note the information above is correct and up to date at the time of writing (Sept 09) but may be subject to change. The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302).