Getting Started

OU Computing Services

You should already have received a letter from the Open University informing you of your Open University Computer Username and password.

To find out what server your FirstClass account (email and conferencing) is situated on you need to look at your personalised list of computing services available from your OU home page

Students need to visit the Student Home web site:

http://www.open.ac.uk/students/

Associate Lecturers need to visit the Tutor Home web site:

http://www.open.ac.uk/tutorhome/

Your home page will offer you access to a number of computing services, in addition to FirstClass.

To find out on which server your FirstClass account is located, you will need to 'sign in' to the home page web site with the username and password provided on your confirmation letter and view your menu of computing services.

If you have never used the online services previously, the first time you sign on you will be asked to provide some personal details, security information and a new password.

By completing this process you will be able to view your menu of computing services. You can also change your FirstClass preferred name (i.e. the name you wish to be known as on the system) via your home page.

On your list of computing services you should see a link titled FirstClass Desktop or FirstClass Mailbox. There will be some information next to the FirstClass Desktop or Mailbox link including the name of the FirstClass server you will connect to.

Note down the FirstClass Server number as you will need this server number to set up your connection to FirstClass.

Some aspects of your FirstClass account, such as access to course-specific conferences, may start a later date. The service open and close dates will also be displayed on your menu of computing services.

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