Frequently asked questions about Internet Issues. If you have a question that you would like to be added to this list, let us know your suggestion by filling out the online form.

Internet Issues
• What is the maximum size of my Online Storage space in my MyCourses account?
• Is MedLine accessible from a Web browser?
• My course director wants to install a software program on the workstations. What do we need to do to make this happen?
• How do I create and add someone to my share folder such as My Collaborations in MyCourses?
• What is a Harvard University Personal Identification Number (PIN)?
• How do I obtain a Harvard University Personal Identification Number (PIN)?
• I am being prompted to change my expiring password for MyCourses/eCommons. How do I change it?
• Who has access to the Digital Library?
• I disabled cookies and blocked pop-ups, and now my MyCourses account is not working properly. What do I need to do?
• Where are all of the wireless access points throughout the HMS quad?
• Does HMS provide free internet access for students living off-campus?
• Does Student Computing have any recommendations on obtaining internet access for students living off-campus in non-Harvard affliated housing?

Internet Issues

What is the maximum size of my Online Storage space in my MyCourses account?

You are allowed a maximum of 2GB of online storage space.

[Return to top]

Is MedLine accessible from a Web browser?

Harvard offers several views of MEDLINE, including the National Library of Medicine's "PubMed" and Ovid's MEDLINE. Both PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE is accessible from the MyCourses, eCommons, or the Countway Library.

Log in to MyCourses. Under MyPortal and in the Educational Links window are direct links to the Countway Digital Library, the Digital Library, and Electronic Journals. To add more resources to the Educational Links window, click on the link, view more Educational links.

[Return to top]

My course director wants to install a software program on the workstations. What do we need to do to make this happen?

Please read the following regarding Medical Education Sofware.

[Return to top]

How do I create and add someone to my share folder such as My Collaborations in MyCourses?

1. Log into your MyCourses account.
2. Click on the Applications link in the upper left corner.
3. Scroll down and click on the link, Online Storage.
4. Click on the button, Get Help and follow the directions of the appropriate "How do I...?.

[Return to top]

What is a Harvard University Personal Identification Number (PIN)?

The goal of the Harvard University Personal Identification Number (PIN) is to provide a student with one number that he/she can use to access many different university systems and services. Among systems students can access with their PIN are:
1. Student Billing (www.termbill.harvard.edu)
2. Online Cross Registration Information (crossreg.harvard.edu)

[Return to top]

How do I obtain a Harvard University Personal Identification Number (PIN)?

Go to http://www.pin.harvard.edu/ to obtain or change your student PIN number.

[Return to top]

I am being prompted to change my expiring password for MyCourses/eCommons. How do I change it?

Yes, you need to change your password if you are prompted to do so. Your new password needs to follow the syntax rules. It cannot have your name or MyCourses password in it, and it must be different from your previous password. See Changing Your OWA Password via MyCourses.

NOTE: Your password is used for eCommons, MyCourses, OWA, and the student workstations.

[Return to top]

Who has access to the Digital Library?

Electronic resources are licensed by the Harvard University Libraries for the use of current faculty, students and staff of Harvard University. To use e-resources, individuals from this population must hold a valid Harvard University ID. In order to identify themselves to the Library's online systems, users must also obtain a Harvard University PIN or a HMS eCommons username and password (available to faculty, students and staff of the Harvard Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Public Health).

Licensed electronic resources may not be accessed by retirees, retired associate professors, causal employees, holders of library special borrower cards, or individuals with guest access to Harvard online courseware (such as MyCourses or iCommons). Students who have chosen not to register for the current term are ineligible to access licensed resources; students on leave of absence from a Harvard degree program for non-academic activities are also ineligible.

Countway Library Policies for non-HMS students:
See Countway Library's policies at Access and Connection Issues under the Help and FAQ section. For more information, Ask a Countway Librarian.

[Return to top]

I disabled cookies and blocked pop-ups, and now my MyCourses account is not working properly. What do I need to do?

Cookies are required for using MyCourses. If you are having trouble logging into MyCourses or eCommons, cookies may be disabled or blocked for this site. Make sure cookies are enabled and allowed for the site http://mycourses.med.harvard.edu or http://eCommons.med.harvard.edu.

There are a number of pop-up blocking mechanisms built into connection software (offered by internet service providers), browsers, and third-party software. These interfere with certain features in MyCourses including access to resources. It is recommened that you turn the pop-up blocking software off while in MyCourses to avoid such issues. If you experience a link that appears to do absolutely nothing, you should make sure your pop-up blocking software/options are turned off and try again.

As there are a number of options and software packages that provide this feature, we cannot provide instructions on all of them. We recommend that you contact your internet service provider if you require assistance. However, below we are providing links on some common software packages that block pop ups.

Google Toolbar: http://toolbar.google.com/popup_help.html
Earthlink Pop Up Blocker Support Site: http://www.earthlink.net/software/free/popupblocker/
Netscape 7.x:
1. Go to MyCourses website.
2. Go into Tools menu and choose Popup Manager.



3. Select Manage Pop-Ups and enter the text: mycourses.med.harvard.edu. Click Add and then OK.

[Return to top]

Where are all of the wireless access points on the HMS quad?

See the map listing of wireless access points.

[Return to top]

Does HMS provide free internet access for students living off-campus?

No, HMS does not provide internet access for students living off-campus. You will need to call an Internet Service Provider such as Comcast or RCN to receive internet access. See the next question below for more information about obtaining internet access for off-campus residences.
For students living in Harvard at Trilogy apartments, read the following FAQ about Harvard RESnet.

[Return to top]

Does Student Computing have any recommendations on obtaining internet access for students who live off-campus in non-Harvard affiliated housing?

Yes, see the following information..

[Return to top]