FAQ Tech Support

Tech Support

LARC Lab FAQ Tech Support

Q: I’m having trouble accessing the WiFi, what can I do?

A: LARC labs’ computers are connected through SDSU Guest by default. If there is any wifi issue on SDSU Guest, try switching to eduroam via the students credentials (SDSU ID). 

If that doesn't work, then disconnect the laptop from wifi and connect it to the internet via ethernet cable. For doing this, please reach out to our lab assistant located at SH204. Ask a lab assistant where the ethernet cables are located.

Q: How can I access Adobe programs such as Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Premiere?

A: Adobe programs are free for current SDSU students to use thanks to the library. These features are available through Adobe Creative Cloud, which you can download at https://onthehub.sdsu.edu You must be logged into your @sdsu.edu email account to access this. 

Q: I’m trying to access Adobe Acrobat, but it says I have licensing issues. What should I do?

A: If there is any software licensing issue when you are trying to use lab computers, sign in to the software using your sdsu.edu credentials on the machine you are using.

Q: How do I join a Zoom meeting from my internet browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.)?

A: Go to join.zoom.us, then enter the Meeting ID provided by the host/instructor. The Meeting ID is usually about 9 to 11 digits long. For more in-depth support for Zoom, please visit support.zoom.u

Podiums - Wireless Mouse and Wireless Keyboard

Q: How do I use the wireless mouse at the podiums in SH204 and SH205?

A: Make sure the mouse is on; check the bottom and toggle the switch. Green means on. Ensure that the mouse is connected to the laptop through Bluetooth. You can check this at the top right corner of the Mac computer.


Q: How do I use the wireless keyboard at the podiums in SH204 and SH205

A: Make sure the keyboard is on; check the round panel on the side and press the button. Green means on. Ensure that the keyboard is connected to the laptop through Bluetooth. You can check this at the top right corner of the Mac computer.


Q: How do I charge the wireless mouse or wireless keyboard at the podiums in SH204 and SH205?

A: The mouse and keyboard both use batteries. These are located in the back of the break room in SH204, ask a lab assistant for assistance.


Smartboard

Q: How do I set up the screen-sharing display for the SMARTBOARD and PROJECTOR?

A: To set up the Smartboard and projector, begin by lowering the projector screen. There will be a wall plate with three buttons on the wall behind the podium. Press “down” to lower the projector screen. Then use the Extron on the podium to activate the display. Click “On” under “Both” to turn on both projectors. Close out the pop-up screen, then on the left side, select “PC.” 


Q: How do I turn off the display/projector?

A: It is important to ensure that the displays are off at the end of your session. Leaving it on for extended periods can damage the technology. Use the extron display on the podium. Click “off” under both. Close that pop-up, and then click “system off.” The screen is not perfectly calibrated, so it may take a few tries before you can click “system off.” When both the Smartboard and projector are off, put the projector screen up by pressing the “up” button on the wall behind the podium.

Headset 

Q: My headset isn’t working, or it isn’t playing sound correctly. How do I fix this?

A: This might be a system setting issue with the computer. 

If you are using a Mac laptop, you could try the following setting change: 

1) Click the Apple logo on the top left.  

2) Go to “System Preferences.”

3) Click “Sound.” 

4) Select “Output” and check if the balance is even, so that sound comes out equally from the left and right side. 

5) If it is an issue with the volume, you can also increase the output volume to make it louder by moving the output volume bar to the right.  

For PC laptop, please try the following steps, 

  1. Click the Windows symbol in the bottom left corner of the screen.
  2. Go to “Settings” on the laptop. A window will open. 
  3. Click “System,” then “Sound.”
  4. Under “Choose your output device,” make sure that the headset is selected. 
  5. If it is an issue with the volume, you can also increase the output volume to make it louder by moving the output volume bar to the right. 

If this fails to work, unplug the headset and plug it back in. If all else has failed, please notify the lab assistant and use another headset in the meantime. 

CD-DVD Player 

Q: The CD-DVD player is connected to the appropriate cord and not accepting the CD-DVD. How do I fix this? 

A: There may be a problem with the input cord that the player is connected to. Try to find an adjuster cord that would allow the CD-DVD player to plug directly into the computer that is being used. 

Q: I need to take a proficiency test for a language class, and was told to come here. How do I set up a test?

A: First, clarify with your language professor or department which kind of proficiency test you need to take. The LARC has two different tests. The one administered through Moodle emphasizes reading and writing skills (i.e., Italian and Filipino), whereas the one administered through CAST (https://larcast.sdsu.edu/servlets/cast.home) focuses on oral proficiency. In order to set up a test, contact [email protected]. In your email, include the language you want to test out of, and CC the professor. 


Q: How do I take a CAST exam?

A:  To take a CAST exam, here are steps you need to take,

  • Start at larcast.sdsu.edu
  • Choose student, then choose a language and level. 
  • Check the audio volume and record a test sample of your voice with the Microphone Check. Then select “Start a new test.” 
  • Fill out the registration form with your name and email address and submit. 

Note: CAST exams are free for instructors to administer.