Frequently Asked Questions
Lab General
Are the GIScience Labs open during holidays or weekends?
The GIScience Labs are accessible 24/7 throughout each academic semester, including weekends and holidays. Please note that staff support hours may vary - refer to the Support Hours page for details. Between semesters, the labs are closed for maintenance. For specific closure dates, please check the News and Notices section.
My account is locked after entering the wrong password multiple times. What should I do?
For security reasons, SFU IT Services temporarily locks accounts after multiple failed login attempts. Please wait 20 minutes before trying again with the correct password. GIScience Lab Support staff cannot unlock accounts. For assistance, contact SFU IT Services at its-help@sfu.ca or call 778-782-8888.
File and Space Management
Which drives are available for use in the GIScience Labs?
- D: Drive – This is your primary local workspace. You have full read/write/delete access. Use this drive for all lab-related work.
- S: Drive – A network drive with read-only access. Instructors may share course materials here.
- Microsoft OneDrive – Students have access to Microsoft cloud storage. On lab computers, access OneDrive via a web browser. For setup and usage details, visit MS OneDrive Info.
What are the recommended file management practices in the GIScience Labs?
- Delete residual files upon login – The D: drive may contain leftover files from previous users. Clear these before starting your session.
- Work locally – Copy necessary files to the D: drive and set it as your workspace. Avoid working directly from cloud storage or USB drives.
- Backup before logout – Save your work to external storage (e.g., OneDrive or USB) before logging off.
- Clean up before logout – Delete all files from the D: drive to protect your data. Files left behind may be accessed by others or deleted without notice.
Printing
How many printing credits do I need?
For current printing rates, please visit the Printing Costs page.
How do I add printing credits to my account?
Instructions for adding credits are available on the Printing Credits page.
Where can I find more information about printing services?
Visit the SFU ITS Student Printing Service page for details on printing policies, refund procedures, and technical support.