Introduction to Staff Computing

support for staff

Before you can use iSolutions ( iSolutions. facilities, you need to create your computing account using the web self-registration system Subscribe. Once you have subscribed and obtained your username and password you will have access to your University email account and be able to log onto the computing network which is located on all University campuses as well as a range of other services provided by iSolutions.

iSolutions offers general advice on IT related and telephony queries to all staff within the University via Serviceline (serviceline@soton.ac.uk ext:25656.) Additional technical and maintenance support is provided for staff PCs within Professional Services and some University Schools through the University Desktop Environment or UDE (previously MDE). Supported users are provided with a fully managed service which includes PC/laptop, printer and peripheral procurement, support and data management. UDE offers users a PC build for their office computer that includes security settings and managed anti-virus software as well as a range of pre-installed core software that is packaged and managed centrally by iSolutions, thus ensuring that all settings are consistent and the applications run correctly. There is also a library of additional software available via an easy installation mechanism. Any software that is not currently managed will be converted in a timely manner.

Facilities such as the following can also be requested by Schools to support the activities of their staff:

  • Additional data networking connections for staff offices
  • Additional telephone extensions and voicemail services
  • Diary and email management through the Exchange service can be provided as part of a complete School or Service network. This includes access (directly or via the SUSSED Portal) to a web version of Outlook that can be accessed anywhere in the world.
  • Desk side coaching service that offers training at your PC
  • Training courses
  • Enterprise applications like Banner, Prophecy, Delphi and HR systems

You will also be able to use SUSSED (Southampton University Staff/student Social & Educational Directory) which is the University's Web portal. The portal provides a personalised view of the web resources that are available to you as a member of the University. The content that you see when you log on to the portal is tailored according to your role whether student or member of staff within the University. You can login to the SUSSED portal from any internet enabled PC and see exactly the same content. As well as the default information provided for you when you first login you are able to customise your view of the portal to add other items you use frequently or to remove items you do not use.