Computing

University IT Services

The University's IT Help and Support web pages are your first place to visit to find information on any computing issues you may be experiencing. The can help with everything from Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to printing, and from accessing the Virtual Private Network (VPN) to problems with your University of Sheffield account.

A good place to start is the University's My Digital Induction course. Learn how to get online, manage your emails, access course materials, and get the most out of your studies in this guide for new and existing students.

Hardware Requirements

Some learning and teaching may be delivered digitally. To fully engage with teaching materials online, students will require access to the following:

• Computer

• Internet access

• Microphone and webcam - for use in Blackboard Collaborate sessions, Google Meet sessions, or other forms forms of webinar or virtual meeting

If you don't have access to the IT equipment that you need to engage with your course, you could be eligible for support. For more information, please see the University's Access Sheffield web page.

Remote Access

All of our online services, including Blackboard, Turnitin and library e-resources, are available through MUSE (My University of Sheffield Environment wherever you are.

You may also require access to the Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access some university-restricted resources. Using a VPN is also recommended for students when working for home or public spaces, to ensure a safe connection. Please see the University's web page for setting up a Remote Access VPN. 

You can also find more information on the University's web page on Studying From Home or Off Campus.

Accessing Specialist Software

Student Remote Desktop Access is a way to remotely access computers located on campus. Accessing these computers allows you to access specialist software and the computing resource required to run software from wherever you are working. 

You can also get a range of software for free to use on your own computer while studying with us. The Software Downloads Service is accessible through MUSE.

Digital Accessibility Statements

Please make sure you are familiar with both The University's Digital Accessibility Statement, and the School of Psychology's Digital Accessibility Statement, particularly if you are a user of assistive technology. These statements provide practical information on how to successfully access the website and digital learning tools used both across the University and within the School specifically.

Computer Misuse and Etiquette

Computer misuse is a criminal offence. Computer misuse includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• using another person’s computer account, even if they are a close friend and/or you have permission

• trying to access someone else’s directories, either here or elsewhere over the Internet

• using unauthorised software such as games

• copying software without explicit permission - especially commercial, licensed software

• trying to damage the system and equipment in any way

A continual problem that any network faces is the introduction of computer viruses - either accidentally or deliberately. Various virus detection systems are in place and offer some protection. It should be realised that viruses can damage everybody’s work in unpredictable ways and this could lead to serious results for all concerned. Be particularly careful when using other people’s machines and disks. More advice on avoiding viruses can be found on the University's Advice on Safe Computing and Antivirus Information web pages.

Advice from the School of Psychology:

• Take care when sending e-mail messages. It is easy to send a message in the heat of the moment and regret it at your leisure when the damage is done. Abusive mail sent to people or groups, or ‘electronic harassment’ of individuals will result in severe disciplinary action.

• If serious abuse of the laboratory facilities is identified the culprits will normally have their computer accounts suspended. This will affect their coursework and consequently their examination performance. The University disciplinary processes will also be implemented.

• It is important that some restraint is exercised when using the Internet. Not only can it be an effortless way to waste a lot of time but you may also find yourself in breach of the law or University regulations if you try to download pornographic, racist or terrorist material.