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Frequently Asked Questions |
San Antonio College Library: Off-Campus Database Access
Requirements For Accessing the Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements For Accessing The Databases Who may access the databases from off-campus? Currently enrolled San Antonio College students, faculty under contract, and staff may access the databases from off-campus. To ensure that only authorized people access the subscription databases, you need to "authenticate" yourself to the proxy service. Most users will use the same username and password they use to access the PALS portal. Other special classes of users will use their Social Security Number, which acts as the Username, and their PIN, which is the Password. The PIN is the two digits of your birth month and the last two digits of your birth year. For example, if you were born in March of 1984, your PIN would be 0384. How do I get my Username and Password? If you aren't sure what your Username is, you can get it by going to https://hermes.sac.accd.edu/proxy/find_proxy.html and follow the instructions. Your Password is formed by combining the first two letters of your last name, capitalized, and the last six numbers of your SSN. If you have changed your last name, you may need to form your Password based on your other name. What are the minimum requirements to access the databases with my home computer? Any currently available browser will work. We strongly encourage users to use the most current version of their favorite browser. Will using a web accelerator affect access to the databases? You will have problems if you use a web accelerator, such as the one from Google. It may work initially but you will eventually find yourself unable to do many things, such as print or follow links to resources. The only solution is to disable the web accelerator. Can I access the databases from behind a firewall? Probably not. A firewall is designed to restrict access. Many companies have firewalls to prevent outsiders from accessing their intranet. Some ISPs also make use of firewalls. You can even have a personal firewall and it is probably recommended you do if you access through a cable modem or DSL. If you have a personal firewall, you may be able to change the settings to allow access to the databases. Don't forget to change them back after you have finished. What kind of resources do I have access to? In general, any electronic resources licensed by the San Antonio College Library are available. This includes resources from TexShare. Please note: only web-based resources are available through the proxy service. Return to top Browser Configuration How do I configure my browser to access the databases? No configuration is required. If you use a proprietary service, such as AOL, MSN, Prodigy, etc., you may not be able to access the databases using the browser that came with the service. In that case, you will need to access your service using the browser that came with the service, and then use a different browser to access to databases. How do I find out what browser version I have? In the browser's menu bar, click on Help and then select About. This will bring up a screen that will tell you what version you are running. Where do I obtain a copy of a supported browser? All current browsers are supported. These include Mozilla (complete suite) or Firefox (browser only), Internet Explorer, and Opera. Browsers on the Mac are also supported. If two people share one computer, would the other person be able to access the databases too? Only if the other user is also a current San Antonio College faculty, student, or staff member. Just make sure that you close or exit your browser when you're finished. If you don't, the other person will be able to access licensed materials logged in as you. Return to top Accessing the Databases When I try to access a website, I get prompted for a Username and Password. What do I use?
If I have AOL or MSN, will I still be able to access the databases? Yes. However, AOL and MSN use a proprietary browser that is not able to use the proxy service. You must download a browser version that has not been modified. @Home or RoadRunner supplies you with a proprietary browser that is configured automatically to use their proxy service. You might try downloading a new version of your browser to eliminate this problem. If you are using Internet Explorer 6.x and still cannot connect after setting up the browser, check your security settings. Click on Tools -> Internet Options -> Security and click on Default Level, or click on Custom Level and reset to Medium or lower. How do I find out if a resource can be accessed? In general, any electronic resources licensed by the San Antonio College Library are available. This includes resources from TexShare. Please note: only web-based resources are available through the proxy service. Which resources are unavailable? Resources which may be accessed only at the Library reference area, such as resources on the LAN. Return to top Problems Accessing The Databases I use Internet Explorer and nothing happens after I log in. Why? Internet Explorer handles cookies in a different way than previously. All cookies be enabled to use the databases. Select Tools -> Internet Options -> Privacy -> Advanced and make sure of the following: Override automatic Cookie Handling = checked, First Party Cookies = "Accept", Third Party Cookies = "Accept", and Always Allow session Cookies = checked. If you still are not able to access the databases, check on the Privacy Tab and make sure the setting is on "low." My Username and Password doesn't seem to work. What do I do? Authentication usually fails for the following reasons:
If you're sure it's a problem with your Username or Password, you need to go to the Reference Desk located on the Second Floor of the Moody Learning Center or call 733-2477 to determine your status. To report a problem use the Database Access Problem Resolution Form. Only current San Antonio College students, faculty, and staff may access the databases from off-campus. I still get prompted for a Username and Password. Why? If you didn't get prompted for a Username and Password and you are unable to access other licensed materials, you either did not enter the requested information correctly or you are not an authorized user. If that is not the problem, see the Troubleshooting Checklist. If you still have problems, send us email by filling out the Problem Resolution Form. The website I'm trying to access tells me I'm not authorized to use it. Why? If you didn't get prompted for a Username and Password and you are unable to access other licensed materials, you either did not enter the requested information correctly or you are not an authorized user. If that is not the problem, see the Troubleshooting Checklist. If you still have problems, send us email by filling out the Problem Resolution Form. Also see the Troubleshooting Checklist. Return to top
Last update 02/12/2007. webmaster@hermes.sac.accd.edu
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