Computing Resources
The School of Computing Science (CMPT, or CS) provides many computing facilities and resources for graduate students. Please read through this document to find out more.
Please email helpdesk if your questions are not answered here.
This page is still under construction. But we could not delay the publishing due to the tremendous value of the information on this page. Please help us to enrich this page.
Table of Contents
Essentials
Where I could start as a graduate student in the School of Computing Science?
What is the basic computing network environment of SFU/CMPT?
How can I get access to a computing lab?
How can I setup my personal web page on CS web site?
I have some questions regarding the research lab I work, who should I talk with?
Where I could find information about CMPT courses for graduate studens?
How do I report problems and address CMPT related technical issues?
Copyright at the School of Computing Science
Basic computing lab Policies, Etiquette and Ethics at the School of Computing Science
Computing Environment
Can I install software on any School's computer?
I cannot find certain device/software in the grad open lab, what I should do?
Where I should NOT store my files?
The file space on network is not big enough for my research work, what should I do?
I have a portable storage unit with huge capacity; may I use it to store my research data?
My supervisor bought me a new computer in the lab, how to get it set up?
Which Operating System should I use for my research?
Should I use 64bit OS or 32bit OS?
My research lab computer does not work as I expected, what should I do?
Can I access my research workstation from home?
For my research, I really need to have full control of my own lab computer, what I can do?
How to access my SFU home folder from my research Windows workstation?
I need more computing resources for my research, any suggestions?
Special Notes for TA/TM and Sessionals
Where I should hold my office hour?
Which computers I should use for my TA/TM job?
How do I print for my TA/TM job?
I want to make hundreds of paper handouts, can someone help me?
Which web pages I could read to help me on my TA/TM job?
I am a sessional of a CMPT course, how to get the course setup?
Essentials
What rooms can I use as a graduate student in the School of Computing Science?
There are a few rooms you should get familiar with:
The SFU Library - you may always use computers in the SFU Library for web browsing and emailing.
Burnaby campus:
ASB9971 (the general office of the School), TASC1 9401 (the graduate student lounge, mailroom), TASC1 9217 (the graduate open lab), and TASC1 9204 (the meeting room).
Before logon to any computers in TASC1 9217, you need to apply for FASnet accounts. The account information and initial password will be sent to your SFU Connect email account.
Surrey campus
You may find the general office SRY 4100 and SRY4122 (the open lab for graduate students).
You can always use computers in Computing Science Grad Open Lab (Burnaby campus: room TASC1 9217, Surrey campus: SRY4122) when you start your graduate study in Computing Science. There are also campus wide wireless networks you can access once you have your SFU account. Details on SFU Wireless
Your supervisor may have assigned you space in a research lab, they will provide details.
What is the basic computing network environment of SFU/CMPT?
For starters, there are two networks you should know about: the Campus network and the FAS network.
The services of the Campus network include: the SFU Connect, WebCT, Active Directory SFU, and many many more. The IT Services people are in charge. ITS also provides the campus wide wireless network which is a member of Eduroam. You may find more details here.
The services of The FAS network include: the research labs, Active Directory FAS, and many many more. The RCG folks and CSTS are supporting the FAS. There is no FAS network on Surrey Campus.
There are other networks that may be available in your research lab, your supervisor and the lab admin will be able to to provide details.
How can I get access to a computing lab?
All the CMPT computing labs are behind card-access-only doors. You need to have an active access card and an active SFU account to use the computers in a lab.
You need to get an SFU campus network account first (this is the same account you use to access SFU amil via connect.sfu.ca). For most grad students this happens automatically and you will receive notification via the external email address you used when you registered with SFU. If you do not have an SFU account, check with your supervisor or the Graduate Program Assistant in the general office ASB9971.
After you have the SFU campus network account, you can apply for a FAS account.
For most grad students, you will be given an access card request form during your orientation day. For Burnaby campus, you can get the card from the SFU Card Access Office. For Surrey campus, you may visit the Security Desk located in the Mezzanine. Please check out the Card Access FAQ page.
Once you have your accounts and access card, you can get into the labs and start using the computers.
How can I access my email?
You can access your SFU email through SFU Connect . e.g. username@sfu.ca.
Once you have a FAS account, you will have a CS email account, which has the format username@cs.sfu.ca. All emails sent to this account are forwarded to your SFU Connect account.
Details on SFU Connect can be found here.
How can I setup my personal web page on CS web site?
Graduate students' profile pages on the CS web site are maintained by the School:
URL: http://www.cs.sfu.ca/~<username>
If you need to have details of this page changed, email helpdesk. We will maintain the page even after your graduation; so it is a good link to put on your publications. Let us know if your contact information changes in years to come and remember us when you make your first billion :)
To update your personal files:
- Access from FAS Linux/UNIX hosts: /fas-info/cs/people/GradStudents/<username>/personal
- Access from FASnet Windows hosts: \\rcg-fs1.rcg.sfu.ca\csweb\people\GradStudents\<username>\personal
- please use SFU campus network credentials to logon to this server
On the other hand, if you would like to build your own web page on SFU main web server, you may try:
URL: http://www.sfu.ca/~<username>
Access from Linux/UNIX: /home/<username>/pub_html/
You can find more instructions here. You may contact ITS for more assistance.
One very important technical reminder: please do NOT use file/folder names which contain space on any SFU web service.
Note: please do not put any copyright material, media files or any big download files on your personal web page. Your account will be revoked if illegal sharing occurs.
I have some questions regarding the research lab I work in, who should I talk with?
Each CMPT research lab has a lab admin. The lab admin should be the first person you contact if you need help in the lab.
The lab admin is a fellow graduate student works in the lab and volunteers to manage the lab equipment.
Once you have experience and want to help out other people in the lab, you could volunteer to become the lab admin. Please contact your supervisor for more information.
In case that the lab admin is not reachable, please email helpdesk for help.
Where I could find information about CMPT courses for graduate studens?
You will find all the CMPT courses information on our Course Central.
Please note this URL is under "undergraduate" section. If you believe there are better location for the Course Central, please let your voice be heard by contacing the following people:
- your supervisor
- the Manager, Administrative and Academic Services
- the Manager, Research and Instructional Computing
How do I report problems and address CMPT related technical issues?
Please contact your lab admin first.
For urgent matters, please come to CS general office (ASB9971 at Burnaby, and 4100 at Surrey).
Otherwise, please email helpdesk. Please use your SFU email account and use your lab's acronym in the subject line of your message.
Copyright at the School of Computing Science & Simon Fraser University
The School of Computing Science respects the rights of copyright holders. Copyright infringement is the theft of intellectual property. Under Canada's copyright law, it is illegal to copy most published materials without permission; therefore, you must obtain permission before recording or reproducing copyrighted materials.
SFU provides information on copyright here.
Please be aware that Canadian law and university policy may prohibit downloading or sharing of copyright protected files, media, code or documents from online sources. If you violate University policies of Canadian laws you will be held personally accountable. In particular your SFU account will be immediately locked should any complaints about copyright violations be made against it.
Basic computing lab Policies, Etiquette and Ethics at the School of Computing Science
The School of Computing Science computing laboratories are governed by Simon Fraser University's GP24 (Fair Use of Information and Communications Technology) and other policies.
Here are some of the most important DON'Ts:
- do NOT share your accounts. NO exceptions.
- do NOT hook up you own laptop to wired network. NO exceptions.
- do NOT hook up a device to more than 1 network.
- If your research is on networking, or you need to change your lab network, please consult helpdesk every time before you modify the network configurations on any production network. NO exceptions.
- If you create a network topology loop and overwhelm the network, the people that have to find and fix the problem might be very upset... please do not upset them.
- If your research is on networking, or you need to change your lab network, please consult helpdesk every time before you modify the network configurations on any production network. NO exceptions.
- No food or drink in the open labs or CSIL, this includes during TA office hours. NO exceptions.
- do NOT lock any computer in a public lab for more than 30 minutes. Exception: you may do so on the system designated for you in your assigned research lab. If the system is shared with other people, please ask them first.
And here are some pages you should read:
Computing Labs
What is the Computing Science Grad Open Lab?
The School of Computing Science Grad Open Lab is a general use lab for all CS graduate students. The computers in this lab have software packages for general email, word processing, basic programming and other tasks. Special software for your research work may not be on these systems, please contact your supervisor for your research lab information.
Currently, we have TASC1 9217 on Burnaby campus and SRY 4112 designated as the Grad Open Lab.
How can I get into the Grad Open Lab?
On Burnaby campus, you need to have a Burnaby access card issued to you.
On Surrey campus, you need to have a Surrey access card issued to you.
Note: Please do not lend your access card to anyone else; your access to the labs will be revoked if you share your card.
For more information on the access card, please read here.
Your SFU account must be active to logon to the computers.
What is the CSIL?
CSIL stands for Computing Science Instructional Lab. Most CMPT courses use resources in CSIL. You need to have an access card to gain access.
If you are not enrolled in any CMPT course and do not have TA/TM job for the semester, your access card may not allow you get in to CSIL. You may request CSIL access for the current semester by sending an email to helpdesk identifying yourself as a CS grad student and describing why you need CSIL access.
What are the Assignment Labs?
The Assignment Labs are ITS operated open computer labs in the Academic Quadrangle (AQ), Library and West Mall. These labs are open to all SFU students. There is no access card needed to use these labs. Find out more information on SFU Labs.
What are the research labs?
The Computing Science research labs are the facilities for our faculty and graduate students to do their research. Each research lab has one or more lab directors and lab admins. The lab admin will help you use the computer resources within the lab.
Click here for the information on the research labs.
Please note: all the research labs are card access only. And only the people within the research group have access to specific lab. Please discuss with your supervisor to get access to a research lab. Your supervisor can have access added to your access card by emailing helpdesk. You cannot make the request directly yourself.
How can I access SFU computers off-campus?
For accessing your home space on SFU campus network, please use an SSH client connect to fraser.sfu.ca. To logon to any SFU campus network Linux/UNIX server, you must use your SFU campus network credentials
There are 2 FAS servers you can access from home (use an SSH client and/or SFTP tool):
dumbcane.fas.sfu.ca
oak.fas.sfu.ca
To logon to any FAS Linux/UNIX server, you must use your FAS Linux credentials - the user name should be username
You may have remote access to your Windows workstations in your research lab.
If the computer is on FAS network, please use fas.sfu.ca\username as the username; or explicitly set the domain name as "fas.sfu.ca"
If the computer is on SFU Campus network, please use ad.sfu.ca\username as the username; or explicitly set the domain name as "ad.sfu.ca"
There might be other servers available for your research, please contact your supervisor for more information.
For the detailed information on the accounts, please read through this page.
Computing Accounts
What are my accounts to access a CMPT computer?
The most commonly used accounts are:
- SFU campus network account
- FAS Linux/Unix account
- FAS Windows account
You will be issued an SFU campus network account first. The other account still generally match it but have different passwords. More and more resources are using the SFU account and password as we migrate systems to the SFU authentication systems.
For your study and research in the School of Computing Science, you also need 2 FAS (Faculty of Applied Science) accounts - one for Windows and one for Linux. These accounts are created automatically for most grad students. Or you could submit a request and get them created for you.
Please note: although all your SFU accounts appear to be identical as username, they are in different domain. They will have different passwords unless you set them to match.
SFU account passwords can be changed via a link on the normal SFU login screen here. You may request to reset FAS accounts' passwords by emailing helpdesk.
You may have extra accounts on other servers for your research, please contact the support people of the specific servers.
Why can't I logon to certain computers in the lab?
There are a few common reasons.
- The most likely reason would be: the lab has access restrictions; you may not have access it. Please email helpdesk about this - and your supervisor's confirmation is required.
- The second possible reason would be: you are using the wrong account/password for the computer. E.g. to logon to Burnaby Grad Open Lab Windows computer, you should use FAS Windows account and its corresponding password.
- One of the other possibilities is: when you are logon to a Windows computer, you may have used wrong domain name. To ensure you could logon properly:
- to logon to any SFU campus network Windows workstation: please use "ad.sfu.ca\username" as the username or explicitly set the domain name as "ad.sfu.ca"
- to logon to any FASnet Windows workstation: please use "fas.sfu.ca\username" as the username or explicitly set the domain name as "fas.sfu.ca".
- to logon to any SFU campus network Windows workstation: please use "ad.sfu.ca\username" as the username or explicitly set the domain name as "ad.sfu.ca"
If none of the above help, please email helpdesk.
Important notice: we are in the process to migrate all the FASnet Windows workstations to ADSFU domain. In the mean time, please double check which domain the workstation belongs to before logon to it.
Why is my account locked out? And what I should do?
The account may be locked out for a period of time after multiple failed logon attempts. In general, the account will be unlocked automatically.
Your account may also be locked without warning for the following reasons:
- Excessive network traffic.
- Connection to high risk internet sites.
- Concurrent connections to multiple computers on the internet.
- Copyright complaints.
- Legal violations.
Your account will not be unlocked automatically in these cases. Contact ITS if you think this may apply to you. If your research will require network traffic that would ordinarily be viewed with suspicion, email helpdesk in advance so we can help make arrangements for you.
If your account gets locked out regularly or without apparent reason, please contact helpdesk asap, there might be a security breach!
Computing Environment
Can I install software on any School's computer?
No.
In general, please contact your lab admin for this. If the lab admin is not reachable in time, please email helpdesk - please put the lab's acronym on the subject line.
Here is a list of basic set of applications on a FASnet Windows workstation.
If your research involves constant system changes, please email helpdesk - with the confirmation from the lab director, other arrangement could be made.
I cannot find certain device/software in the grad open lab, what I should do?
If you think an extra piece of software and/or device should be in the Grad Open Lab, please email helpdesk.
Please note: if the software is mainly for research, please contact your supervisor to have it on your research lab computers.
What is my home space?
As a Computing Science graduate student, you have (at least) 2 home spaces.
First is your SFU home,
- when you logon (ssh) to fraser.sfu.ca, you will see it by default
- from a Windows system, you should map U: to \\home.sfu.ca\yourusername
- please use fas.sfu.ca\yourusername and your FAS Windows account password to logon.
- please use fas.sfu.ca\yourusername and your FAS Windows account password to logon.
The other one would be your FAS home,
- Logon to any FAS network Linux system, you will see it by default.
- from a Windows system (regardless of the network location), you could map Z: to \\rcg-fs1.rcg.sfu.ca\yourusername
- Please use "ad.sfu.ca\yourusername" and SFU Connect password to logon
Please save all of your study & research work on these spaces.
Where should I store my files?
You should store all of your data (especially study/research work) on a backup-enabled, secured network file space. The data on network file space are being backed up and monitored regularly by professionals.
- When you logon (SSH/SFTP) to fraser.sfu.ca, you will see the network storage space (SFU home space) which is provided by IT Services.
- When you logon (SSH/SFTP) to a FAS network host (e.g. oak.fas.sfu.ca), you will see the network storage space (FAS network home space) for FAS users.
- When you logon to any FASnet Windows computer, you will see your FAS network home space mounted as Z: (on bluebell).
- When you logon to any FASnet Linux computer, you will see your FAS network home space mounted as /cs/???/username.
- When you logon to any ADSFU Windows computer, you could map Z: to your FAS network home which is \\rcg-fs1.rcg.sfu.ca\yourusername.
- The research lab you are in may have special storage for you to use. Please confirm with helpdesk about its status before using it.
You may store shortcuts on your desktop. You may store unimportant files on local hard disk space and remove them after you've done with them. You may have to store computational results on a local drive for speedy access... read the following warnings.
Warning: regular maintenance of the lab computers may wipe out the data on local harddisk - this may happen without advance notice. So, do not store anything valuable on local hard disk.
Warning: Although not often, but the computers did occasionally get stolen at SFU. So, do not store anything valuable on local hard disk.
You should NOT store anything illegal, stolen or that you would not want your mother to see on the systems provided by SFU or the School of Computing Science. Please. We do not want to have to deal with any of that.
Where I should NOT store my files?
To ensure the best system stability and data integrity, please follow this guide:
When you logon to any FASnet Windows system, do NOT store anything on local hard disk; e.g. NOT under any of these folders:
- Any folder under C:\
- "C:\temp"
- "Desktop" (with the exception of shortcuts)
- "My Documents" folder, "Documents" folder
- "Application Data" folder, "AppData" folder
- Any folder within your profile folder
- D:; E:; ...
- portable storage
When you use any Linux system, do NOT store anything on local hard disk; e.g. NOT under any of these folders:
- /local-scratch
- /tmp
- /temp
- /data1
The file space on network is not big enough for my research work, what should I do?
(this Q&A is under review)
The School and your supervisor will try to provide sufficient space for your research.
Please contact helpdesk with questions and to ensure you are indeed saving your research data in the right place. Please provide detailed location information in your email.
Please do not use any non-networked or non-backup space for any important data or research work.
I have a portable storage unit with huge capacity; may I use it to store my research data?
At your own risk!
We have seen so many portable storage device failures that we do not consider portable storage a viable storage solution.
Portable storage is also easy to loose, steal and drop.
Portable storage may be used for transfering files (such as between home and campus, laptop and desktop) and it may be used as a local scratch space for computations that require it for speed, At your own risk!
My supervisor bought me a new computer in the lab, how do I get it set up?
Please inform the lab admin first, then please contact helpdesk to get basic system installed and configured on the network. Many commonly used software packages, like Matlab, Office suite will be installed by default.
Provide us with a detailed software list if you have specific requirements.
All of the desktop computers/workstations will be placed onto wired network (FAS network) by default. So, if the computer comes with a "Home" edition OS, it must be wiped/replaced before proceeding.
Please note: do not hook up the computer to the network before helpdesk approves doing so.
If this is a laptop, you may ask helpdesk to have it configured as well. Here are some Q&As that should help you in the long run.
Which Operating System should I use for my research?
Generally speaking, it is your choice.
Please chat with your supervisor about this.
As a rule of thumb, we recommend to use the most stable, most secure and leading edge version of a specific OS; e.g. for 2013, the choices would be Mac OS X Lion, CentOS 6 and Windows 7 w/SP1.
And the OS must be network-ready. e.g. any "Starter/Home" edition of Windows will NOT be accepted. Please note: this rule applies to laptops as well.
Due to the complexity and high maintenance cost, we do not recommend dual-boot your research workstation with Linux and Windows. In practice, virtual machine is a better choice over dual-boot.
If you choose an Operating System other than these we recommend, we may not provide sufficient support for this system due to resource constraints. And you many not be allowed to connect a system with this OS on a specific network.
Should I use 64bit OS or 32bit OS?
We highly recommend using 64bit system and applications when possible.
Some of your older research tools may run better or run only on 32bit OS. If you want to have 32bit OS installed please let us know before we setup your computer. By default we will instlal 64 bit versions.
Here is also an alternative method to be considered: Configure the base system to use 64bit OS, and have a virtual system running 32bit OS for those special tools. From our own experience, the performance loss is minimum for most applications. However, this method does not work for high-end GPU programming.
A gentle reminder: please make sure your final program runs under the 64bit system even it was developed under the 32bit OS.
My research lab computer does not work as I expected, what should I do?
You could first chat with the lab admin; s/he will diagnose the issues.
If the lab admin is not reachable, please email helpdesk - don't forget to add your lab's acronym to the subject line.
Please note: if you like to change the Operating System (e.g. from Windows to Linux),
- we need the approval from your supervisor and lab admin
- and, we would proceed only after all data on local hard disk have been backed up to network space
Can I access my research workstation from home?
Yes, in general. Please contact your lab admin for the policy.
For a Linux system in the lab, you could use SSH/SFTP.
For a Windows system in the lab, you could use Remote Desktop Connection tool. Please always use the FQDN for your computer and use proper user name (with domain name specified). See this Q&A for details.
I don't get proper desktop when I remote connect to my research Windows workstation from home. What should I do?
This is a known issue. It happens quite often when the remote system is running Windows XP. It happens rarely but still happens on Windows 7 systems.
Assume the credentials have been accepted, but screen shows as nothing - sometimes not even the cursor.
Here are some of the steps you may want to give a try (in order):
- wait for a couple of minutes; there might be it is just waking up.
- launch the Task Manager on the remote system and attempt to bring back desktop:
- maximize the remote session window
- within this window, hit "Ctrl-Shift-ESC" - this should bring up the Task Manager for the remote system.
- If the Task Manager is up, you may start a new explorer.exe and in general, your deskop will show up.
- change the connection parameter on the home computer to use less resources:
- close the current non-working remote session window.
- when launching the "Remote Desktop Connection", click "show Options"
- now, click the "Experience" tab, select "Low-speed broadband (256kbps - 2 Mbps)"
- click "Connect" button; maybe you will get better result.
- logon as another account if you have a second account on the system.
- if you have a local account on the system, you need to try "hostname\username" in the username field.
- physically logon from the console of the system when you come to the lab. Dahhh...
Well, if none of these works, you may have to reboot the system.
For my research, I really need to have full control of my own lab computer, what I can do?
Firstly, please confirm this with your supervisor and inform helpdesk.
If you want to build your system from ground up or you must have administrator access, the computer must be moved from FAS network to the Experimental Network or backbone network (part of SFU campus network). If there is no experimental network access in your lab, your supervisor will have to approve and pay for the addition of one.
Please note: once you are off FAS network, we may not be able to provide you with sufficient support, e.g. diagnose malfunction driver.
How to access my SFU home folder from my research Windows workstation?
You could easily map a network drive (we highly recommend using U: - it is the de facto SFU standard) to your SFU home:
The share: \\home.sfu.ca\username
The username: ad.sfu.ca\username
The password: (your SFU Connect password)
If you plan to use it later, please check the re-connect checkbox and save the credentials.
I need more computing resources for my research, any suggestions?
In general, please contact your supervisor for this issue.
There are other ways to get more computation power:
There are High Performance Computing clusters for researchers of FAS; please check out this wiki page for more details.
SFU ITS provides more research related servicec; please check out this page.
Other Computing Resources
How do I print?
SFU recommends transferring documents electronically. You could generate a PDF file and it will be accepted globally.
On most of the computers on SFU network, there are pseudo/virtual PDF printers installed and you can generate PDF files with ease. There is no charge for generating PDF files.
If paper printout is a must, here are some scenarios:
At Burnaby campus, in the research lab, there should be a network printer available for you to print. Please contact the lab admin to gain access. For Windows hosts, please always use printserv1.fas.sfu.ca. Printing to other servers is not recommended.
In CSIL@Burnaby and Grad Open Lab (TASC1 9217), please print to Lab_??? printer and release it - you will be charged.
At Surrey campus, contact your lab admin.
Please note: these printers only support "letter" size paper (standard 8 1/2" X 11"). Do NOT use the A4 page format.
For more information on printing issue, please read through this document; and this page may help too.
How do I burn CD/DVDs?
In Grad Open Lab, all of the computers are equipped with DVD burners. You may also use computers in CSIL.
In a specific research lab, please chat with the lab admin. Most computers are capable of burn CDs and DVDs.
Please note: you are agreeing with the Copyright at the School of Computing Science while you are using any CMPT equipment.
How do I scan paper/photos?
In Burnaby Grad Open Lab (TASC1 9217), we have a Konica/Minolta Multi-Function Device for scanning.
Please scan it to your SFU Connect email. Click here for more details.
Please note: you are agreeing with the Copyright at the School of Computing Science while you are using any CMPT equipment.
How do I photocopy?
In Burnaby Grad Open Lab (TASC1 9217), we have a Konica/Minolta Multi-Function Device for photocopying. Click here for more details.
Please note: you are agreeing with the Copyright at the School of Computing Science while you are using any CMPT equipment.
I am using a laptop for my research; where may I get help?
You should visit this page when you use the School's laptops for your research.
Please note: we do not service personal computing devices for the graduate students.
Can I get "free" software for my research on my personal computers?
Yes.
Through the Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA) program, Microsoft provides selected software packages to the academic users for free. The School of Computing Science is a long time member of this MSDNAA program. Any student enrolled in at least one CMPT or DDP course in the current semester is eligible to get selected Microsoft software for free.
Even after your graduation, you may keep using the software you obtained from CS MSDNAA program - for your non-profit personal use. Just remember: after your graduation, we CAN NOT help you regarding your past orders from MSDNAA. So, please keep the media and product keys safe and accessible.
Please purchase any MSDNAA product at $0.00 first and then get the copies. Please visit the "how to get software for CMPT courses" page for more details.
The School of Computing Science is currently partnered with VMware Academic Program (VMAP). This program provides access to licenses for select products for use in instruction and research. Full details can be found here.
About Thesis Defense, Presentations and Conferences
Where should I hold my presentation?
In general, you may use room TASC1 9204 on Burnaby campus or SRY4100 on Surrey campus.
Please contact the Graduate Program Assistant for this matter, before booking the room.
And please make the reservation early to avoid disappointment.
Could you give me some tips on setup my presentation?
Here are some of the tips may help:
- contact the Graduate Program Assistant and then book the room well in advance
- Prepare a computer which is free of malware, up-to-date.
- you may book one from helpdesk
- Consider backup plans while you plan the presentation.
- Please book equipment through the Graduate Program Assistant. A complete list of equipment and detailed procedure would be very helpful.
- Book the conference phone - the backup in case the Skype is not working.
- Book a laser pointer.
- Book a projector if necessary, most of our meeting rooms have projectors installed.
- One thing to be noted: the projectors only have VGA connector, it is your own responsibility to bring any adapters your laptop may require.
- Setup Skype for video conference with people offsite. In general, you should use your own laptop and Skype accounts. Warning: if you use Skype, there is no guarantee in quality and reliability.
- Book the conference phone - the backup in case the Skype is not working.
- Please come to the room at the previous day to test everything.
- There are multiple incidents that the user's laptop could not connect to the projector in the room.
- Arrive in the room at least 30 minutes early and test everything before the presentation.
If you are not sure about the equipment, please email helpdesk.
I want to have video recording of my presentation, what should I do?
Please book a video camcorder with LIDC in advance. There may be a charge for this service.
May I reserve a computer for presentation?
Yes, please email helpdesk to make the reservation in advance. Please state which software you may need for your presentation.
We have a very limited supply of computers, first come first served applies.
How do I make conference calls?
In Burnaby campus, you may book the Polycom telephone conference equipment (voice only) with the Graduate Program Assistant in advance if you plan to make conference calls. Here is the manual for this equipment.
If the call is long distance, please book the room TASC1 9204W and hook up the conference-call-ready phone (to wall jack 10-28). Click here for more details.
Use Skype is not recommened since the quality is not guaranteed. And we could not guarantee the wireless access either. So, please always book a specialized conference equipment in advance.
If you prefer a location out side of the School of Computing Science, here are some other choices:
Meeting rooms at the IRMACS Centre
Thesis Defence Room of SFU library which can be booked.
Special Notes for TA/TM and Sessionals
Where I should hold my office hours?
It really depends. Please contact the instructor.
In general, you would hold your office hours in CSIL. If so, please use the TA Booking system to book your time slot and room/area.
Please note: if you hold your office hours in CSIL, you need to follow all the CSIL policies; including: NO FOOD OR DRINK, NO GAMING. Please inform the students about the policies.
How do I print for my TA/TM job?
Contact the instructor or the Undergraduate Program Assistant.
Which web pages should I read to help me on my TA/TM job?
The CMPT courses heavily rely on using the CSIL. Go through all the CSIL FAQ pages will help you answer many questions.
And please guide students to read these pages; this will reduce your workload considerably.
I am a sessional of a CMPT course, how to get the course setup?
1) In general, the course web page will be linked from the Course Central, the default URL for this course will be:
http://www.cs.sfu.ca/CourseCentral/???/username
Where ??? is the course number. There is a placeholder index.html file there, which you can replace when the site is ready. One important thing to be noted here is: the file/folder names should not contain any space - otherwise, unexpeteced results will occur.
To contribute to this default course web page, you may do one of the followings or both:
- ssh/scp to oak.fas.sfu.ca, the folder would be: /fas-info/cs/CourseCentral/???/yourusername
- from a Windows system on the SFU network, map a drive to:
\\rcg-fs1.rcg.sfu.ca\csweb\CourseCentral\???\username
Please note: you may also use other web space and redirect there or ask for the link on the list of couse home pages to be changed. Please email helpdesk for assistance.
2) The maillists are set up automatically for all courses. Please see the maillist Q&A page for more details.
3) To setup the course online submission system on courses.cs.sfu.ca:
- create an activity
- then on the activity's main page, there's a "configure submission" link to use for the ones where you want students to submit online
Miscellaneous
How to capture video clips?
Please use CSIL multimedia workstation. Click here for more details.
The lighting/heating/power is not working in my lab, what should I do?
For minor issues you can contact SFU Facilites Services directly by submitting a request here: https://fmrequests.sfu.ca/
If the issue is more complex, reoccuring or not getting resolved, please contact helpdesk. You may also report in person by visiting the CS general office.
In all cases where you loose AC power to the computers, please let helpdesk know so we can investigate.
I would like to book a room for a meeting, who should I contact?
Please email the Department Secretary.
I don't have enough power outlets around my desk, what should I do?
Please email helpdesk and wait for assistance.
We understand the needs for powering up personal computing devices, but we also want to ensure the safety of you and everyone at SFU. Please allow us to find ways to safely accomodate your needs.
Special notes: the following actions are NOT permitted and will not be tolerated:
- daisy-chain power bars
- If "daisy chained" power bars are discovered during routine inspections, they will be immediately disconnected. In addition, it will be noted on the inspection form, and a followup inspection schedule may be prescribed to monitor the situation.
- If "daisy chained" power bars are discovered during routine inspections, they will be immediately disconnected. In addition, it will be noted on the inspection form, and a followup inspection schedule may be prescribed to monitor the situation.
- plug a non-computing device to the power panel (or power bar) which hosts computing devices.
- This means you must not plug heater, microwave, kettle, fan etc. into the same power bar or same power outlet or power circuit which has any computing device on it. Please note: every power outlet is clearly labeled. If two or more power outlet label numbers match, it means they are on the same circuit!
- move a power bar to a different location or attach additional power bar to any power outlet.
- use power extension cords with power bar (unless this is setup by helpdesk after reviewing the electrical load)
Please check out the official guidelines on Canadian government site.
This page is still under construction; and it needs your input. So please email helpdesk. TIA!
Last updated on 2013.05.06.