McMaster University

Computer FAQs

  • Opening Files
  • Printing & Photocopying
  • Other Questions
How do I open a Word (Powerpoint, Excel, etc.) document on the public computers?

If your file is on a USB key:

  • Go to the Start menu button in the bottom left of the screen
  • Open Programs and then Microsoft Office. Choose the application that matches the document you want to open.
  • When the application opens, go to File >> Open and then click on My Computer on the left hand side of the page. Select Removeable Disc E: and your file should appear. Double-click it to open.
How can I access a file off of my USB key?
  • Put your USB key into the USB slot on the front of the computer.
  • Go to the Start menu button in the bottom left of the computer screen.
  • Open the application that matches the file you want to open (MS Word, Acrobat Reader, Excel, etc.)
  • Go to File >> Open and browse for your document in Removeable Drive E:

 

Please Note: the document can only be opened if it is a file created by a program that exists on our public computers. Read a complete list of programs on the library's computers.

What software is available on Learning Commons computers?

See Computers & Software.

Can I run a program from a CD or DVD?

Due to security issues, you cannot install a program from a CD or DVD onto a computer in the library, but you ARE able to view files that are saved on a CD or DVD. Open the file the same way you would if it was on a USB key (see above). If you modify a file on a disc, you will have to save it to a USB key as you will not be able to burn it back onto the disc.

How do I print?
  • Select PRINT from within your application, then follow the on-screen instructions
  • You will be asked to assign your print job a ID and PASSWORD
    • The ID name is your MAC id or Guest Account ID
    • The password is your MAC id password or Guest Account password
  • Go to a PrintSmart device, enter your MAC ID/Password and select the job(s) you wish to print
  • The fee will automatically be deducted from your balance
  • Print jobs stay in the queue until printed -- up to a maximum of 8 hours

For more information, visit PrintSmart Printer/Copier FAQs

Where are the photocopiers and printers?

Two printer/copier devices are located in room HSC 1B12 on the lower level, and one in the Reserve/Multimedia area on the upper level.

Two print-only devices are located in the Learning Commons on the upper floor of the library

How do I pay to print/photocopy?

The Pay Station in the Health Sciences Library is located across from the Circulation Desk at the main entrance

How much does it cost to photocopy or print?

If you are a:

Student - Price List

Staff / Faculty - Price List

General Public - Price List

 

Adding money to your PrintSmart account.

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS on the machine when adding money to your account.

  • Add funds at the PrintSmart Pay Stations located in all the univerisy libraries.
  • The Pay Station in the Health Sciences Library is located across from the Circulation Desk at the main entrance.
  • The Pay Stations accepts loonies, toonies, $5, $10 $20 bills, up to a value of $75. They do not provide change.
  • Funds can also be added at Media Shop located inside the Health Sciences Bookstore (HSC 1G, at the foot of the stairs in the Red area of the Health Sciences Centre).
  • Visit PrintSmart further details.

Note: there are no coin operated printer/copier devices on campus.

No refunds are available on ununsed balances.

Where can I get change for the PrintSmart Pay Station?

The Health Sciences Library does not provide change. There are numerous places on campus and in the hospital where users can get change.

The printer or photocopier is jammed/out of ink/out of service-- what do I do?

Please notify a staff member at one of the service desks. If a red 'Out of Order' sign is on the printer/photocopier, you can use another device. Printer/Copiers are located in the HSC 1B12 downstairs, and in the Reserve/Multimedia area on the mail floor. Two print-only devices are located in the Learning Commons on the upper floor of the library. When you send a document to the printer, it can be retrieved from any printer/copier in the library, upto 8 hours.

Is there colour printing? How do I print in colour?

All library printers and printer/copier devices support colour printing

How do I print double-sided?

Double sided printing is the default setting in the PrintSmart setting.

What size paper can I print or copy on?

Only 8.5 X 11 size paper options is available in the Health Sciences Library.

The Printer/copier located outside of Maps Library, on first floor in Mills Library will support printing on 8.5 X 14 size paper. This device and the printer/copier located on the third floor in Mills Library will also offer printing on 11 X 17 size paper.

It is very important that you check ALL print settings to prevent jobs being lost and value being charged for that error. The library is not responsible for errors made by the user. Always check the print/copy settings, particularly, proper paper size, B&W vs Colour, single-sided vs double-sided features.

Can I borrow headphones?

The Health Sciences Library has a limited number of headphones which we loan out. Please bring your Library card to the Circulation desk and Library staff will sign out a set to you. You can also bring your own, or purchase headphones in the bookstore or from the Mills Library vending machine.

Can I save a Word document as a PDF document?

Yes. Saving a Word 2007 document as a PDF file is a new feature of Word 2007. The option to do so is under the "Save As" menu.

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