Using your own computer

iSolutions provides services and facilities to help and support your use of your own computer both on and off campus. Please use the menu on the left hand side for more information about the services below.

On-campus access (Self-Service)

Self-service access is available to all University members via the wired and wireless network at many of the main university campuses.

Once connected to a University Self-Service Ethernet network points you will be able to access the Internet, your email, the iSolutions Software Distribution Service and the files in your home filestore.

Self-Service Wireless access provides access to the internet and externally available University resources. You will need to use the wireless VPN login method to get full access to additional services.

It is not possible to print from your own computer to iSolutions printers.

Self-service Ethernet and Wireless connections are also provided in Lecture Theatres for the use of teaching staff.

  • More information about VPN can be found in the related menu to the left.
  • More information about eduroam see the menu item on the right.

Off-campus access

Some services such as Email and SUSSED can be accessed while not on campus from any suitable device with internet access. However, the majority of services e.g. Some library databases, the Software Download service and access to your filestore, are secured and can only be used while connected to the wired campus network or via the use of the VPN service.

VPN can be used wherever an internet connection is available i.e. a home broadband connection, public WiFi or the eduroam service on campus and at other supported locations world wide.

Halls of residence access

Students can connect their PC to the University network from the comfort of their own halls room. This service is available in almost all halls of residence at no extra cost and requires only a network cable to connect.

Office access (Staff only)

For staff and post graduate students working in offices, access is gained by using the network points where, via their web browser, can quickly DHCP register their PC for the connection. You will be presented with the DHCP Service website and will have to login with a Staff or Post Grad Research username and password.

Software for your use

Software products can be downloaded directly to your PC and are listed on the iSolutions Software Distribution Service web site. Some products are available to all members of the University, others are restricted to staff or research students while others require licensing codes that are renewed annually. http://www.software.soton.ac.uk is accessible by any university user from on campus, and only via VPN from off campus.

Restrictions on support for your own computer

If you are trying to access a University resource from your own home computer or laptop we will try to resolve your problem or point you in the right direction for help but cannot guarantee a solution or fix.

Because of the large number of computer configurations and variables that are beyond our control, iSolutions do not have the resources available to provide support in some areas. Some problems may be due to configuration incompatibilities or hardware failures, and in these cases contacting your service provider or computer retailer is advisable.

iSolutions will not advise, repair, fix, diagnose or fault test IT or AV (audio-visual) equipment that is not owned and provided by the University of Southampton.

Please note iSolutions presently does not fully support Microsoft Windows Vista, or Office 2007. If you are using Office 2007 at home and your document is to be used on a University computer, please ensure that you use the "Save as" option when saving your document / file, and selecting a earlier version (for example Word 97 - 2003).

ServiceLine can be contacted on 023 8059 5656 or email serviceline@soton.ac.uk.