got proxy?         FAQ on using the Proxy with Electronic Reserves

 

 

Q:  What is the “proxy”?

A:  The proxy is a special web server.  Your web browser can be configured so that when you browse, it takes you first to the campus proxy, and from there you go to your destination site.  This makes your computer “look like” a UCSD computer to the destination site.  In order to use the proxy you have to do two things: (1) configure your browser, and (2) provide a personal user name and password that you get when you join UCSD.

 

Q:  Why should I use the proxy?

A:  The advantages of having proxy service are many.  You will be able to use alternative Internet services other than UCSD's phone modem pool to connect to sites that are free only to UCSD computers.  This means that you can take advantage of fast connection speeds (via DSL or cable modem) AND have access to electronic reserves, electronic journals, and UC- or UCSD-only article databases.

 

Q:  How do I configure my browser to use the proxy?

A:  Full information on using the campus proxy server is available at:

http://libraries.ucsd.edu/proxy/

 

Q:  What is my proxy user name and password?

A:  It is not the same as your StudentLink PID or PAC. If you’re not sure what it is, try your campus email (person@ucsd.edu) user name and password.  If that doesn’t work, contact the Office of Network Operations (ONO), at userserv@ucsd.edu, visit them in the Applied Mathematics and Physics (AP&M) building, or call them 7am to 7pm at (858) 534-1857.

 

Q: From my home computer, I’ve gone to the electronic reserves web page at http://reserves.ucsd.edu.  I see the prompt for login and password.  I enter my campus proxy login and password, but I’m denied access.

  A:  This is because you have to configure your browser to use the proxy server before you visit a restricted site like http://reserves.ucsd.edu.  If you haven’t configured your proxy before going to http://reserves.ucsd.edu, you will see the Libraries reserves password challenge.  This special temporary password will be given by the Libraries staff to students who are ineligible to use the campus proxy. 

  If you configure your browser to use the proxy before you visit http://reserves.ucsd.edu, you will be presented with the proxy password prompt.  Enter your campus proxy login and password.    

 

 

Q.  This is my first time using the proxy.  I type in my campus user name and password, but the proxy doesn’t accept it.

A.  Check with the campus Office of Network Operations to be sure your user name and password are on record, or visit their web site at:

http://www-no.ucsd.edu/services/netusername.html

 

Q:  I used to know my user name and password, but I’ve forgotten them.

A:  Check with ONO, or go to their web page at:

http://www-no.ucsd.edu/services/netusername.html

 

Q:  I’ve checked with ONO and my user name and login are correct.  But I still get an error message.  What can I do?

A:  Some browsers or workstations do not work with the campus proxy server, or require a special configuration.   Some of the browsers/operating systems that may need special configurations, or which may not use the proxy server, are:

 

Q:  I have a browser that should work, and I’ve done everything else right.  What else could be going wrong?

A:  Check to see if you have turned off cookies and/or disabled Javascript (both are needed to use the proxy server).  You will also have problems if you are trying to use download management software, such as RealDownload (you have to disable this to use the proxy).

 

Q:  This sounds like too much trouble.  I don’t have time to read the instructions!  Can’t you just give me the password?

A:   The Libraries’ policy allows us to distribute passwords only when you are unable or ineligible to use the campus proxy server.  Because so many other valuable research resources require you to use the proxy server, we believe you will find that it is worth your time to set up your proxy access.  We would be glad to provide personal help.  Please contact:  ereshelp@ucsd.edu.

 

Q: I’m on campus in residential housing.  Why am I getting a password challenge? Do I have to use the proxy?

A:  Residents in on-campus housing need to register their computers with ResNet, at:

http://resnet.ucsd.edu/

.