Information for New Users - Using Windows XP on the MCS

The MCS PCs are all connected to a system called the Managed Cluster Service (MCS). PCs for general use are located in rooms on the New Museums Site (Phoenix User Area and Teaching Room and Titan Teaching Rooms 1 & 2). There are MCS PCs for use by graduate students and staff in the University Centre. You need to be registered for the MCS to use the machines. If you are not already registered, go to the Computing Service Reception and fill in an application for Computing Service Resources.

This leaflet is an introductory handout designed to get you started. MCS information is available online.

The following procedure can be used for logging into Windows XP on the PCs in the rooms listed above:

• If necessary, switch on the machine and monitor. If the machine is already switched on, start the login process by holding down the [Ctrl] and [Alt] keys while pressing [Del]. A sequence of checks will then follow.
• You will now see a login dialog box. Login using your user identifier and password. Type your Username: abc1001 [Tab] or use the mouse to move to the next box (you should type in your user identifier as given in your registration letter). Type your Password: ******** [Enter] or click on OK.
  Note: If a dialog box appears saying 'The system could not log you into the network', usually it is either because you pressed the enter key after you typed your username, or because you have mistyped your password. Click OK and you will be given the opportunity to try again.
• If you have forgotten your password, go to Computing Service Reception on the second floor of the Cockcroft Building with some form of identification and request another.
• If you have logged in successfully, after a while you will see a Message of the Day window (Motd Notepad).
• Note the information in Message of the Day, it may be important to you. To close the Message of the Day box, click on the at the top right corner of its window.

Changing your Desktop Services Password in Windows XP

The initial password is issued automatically. You should change your password as soon as possible to a more memorable string, which should not be a dictionary word. Passwords on the MCS should be treated as case-sensitive (fred, Fred and FRED are all different), though in practice they are insensitive when logging in to a MCS PC.

• To change your Desktop Services password, first click on the button (bottom left of the desktop). Point to All Programs, then you will see Account Management at the top of the next list. Point to this and select Change Password.
  • In a window you are prompted to type in your old password. Type it in and press [Enter]
  • You are prompted to type in your new password. Type it in and press [Enter]
  • You are prompted to retype in your new password. Type it in again and press [Enter]

If the new password is not typed correctly, you will be prompted to try again. If it is correct, you will see a message telling you it has been accepted. Press any key to continue and you will be returned to the desktop.

Accessing MCS Windows XP applications

Applications are already installed for use. To access them, click on the button (bottom left of the desktop), click on All Programs - you will see topic-based folders for programs. Double-click on one to gain access to programs of that type, and double-click on the icon of the program you want.

See the MCS online information for further details. The Computing Service runs free courses on using PCs. You can find out more and book courses online at http://www.training.cam.ac.uk/ or at the Computing Service Reception.

Creating Personal web pages

There is a facility for publishing personal web pages from your MCS filespace. If you create the directory public_html at the top level of your filespace, all pages you put into it will be published on the web at http://people.pwf.cam.ac.uk/youruserid/. A default page and stylesheet provides you with a starting point and links for where to get more help. You are reminded that the rules and guidelines for publishing personal web pages apply (see Rules and Guidelines). Full information may be found in the MCS pages.

Logging off from Windows XP

Note: It is important that you remember to logout of the MCS PCs, failure to do so could result in another user using, deleting, or reading your files.

If no unsaved files are open, after 25 minutes of inactivity a warning message will appear on screen. If you do not cancel this message, you will be automatically logged out after a further 5 minutes. If unsaved files are open, you will be given an opportunity to save them before being logged out.

• Click on the button then click Log Off

If you have successfully logged off, a prompt to login will appear on the screen.

Further information

Computing Service documentation and MCS information may be found online.

Last updated: October 2011