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UBC Mathematics: MathNet FAQ [Thin Client Problems]



UBC Mathematics: MathNet FAQ [Thin Client Problems]




Question: My terminal/thin client is not working. What should I do?
Author: Joseph Tam
Date: May 6, 2010

Before you ask the IT staff for help, try these remedial measures since they will often fix the problem.

  1. Reboot the thin client: if there is a network outage, some thin clients will not recover all network functions but will remain in a stupor. A symptom is that when choosing a public computer to connect to, it will fail to connect and eventually bring you back to the chooser screen. To reboot, select this menu item from the chooser window:
    Connection -> Session -> Restart
    You can also depress the power switch for 3 second or until the LED goes off, then press again to turn on. Or pull out the plug, and replug it in, but try the other options first.
  2. Power cycle the network switch: if the thin client is connected to a small network switch (rather than a wall receptacle), try turning off, then powering back on the switch. Occasionally, these switches get stuck.
  3. Keyboard/mouse problems: unplugging and replugging in the USB connection may fix a non-responsive keyboard or mouse. If that does not work, power cycle the terminal as above.
  4. Video problems: make sure the cable connections from the monitor is well seated, that the monitor is on (really!), and that the power connection is also well seated. Move the mouse and press a few keys to make sure a screenblank program is not blacking out the screen. Check for keyboard/mouse problem as well. Power cycle the monitor (disconnect from power source by unplugging from wall, then replugging it in).

If these measures do not revive the terminal, contact the IT staff.