Faqs

Who is the Graphics Workshop for?

The service is available for academic or University-related use by students and staff who wish to employ specialist graphics software in their work. The facilities cannot be used for personal or commercial projects not connected with academic work or University business.

Unlike standard pooled computer rooms, the Graphics Workshop is for users with very specific requirements, such as video editing and 3d modelling. Priority is therefore given to those who require access to software and/or hardware not available in the pooled computer rooms. This means that users will not normally be permitted to use workstations solely for activities such as word processing, checking email or surfing the Web. In such cases, users will be asked to continue working elsewhere, for example in a pooled computer room.

All users are required to log on with their staff/student number and password. Those not in possession of an active Oxford Brookes University computer account will not be permitted to use the facilities.

How do I book a session in the Graphics Workshop?

Simply contact us on extension (48)4474 or call in to book time on a machine. A session can last from one hour to half a day or more, depending on demand for our services at the time. During busy periods, such as the last few weeks of term, we may have to limit the amount of time allocated to each session. We are open from 09.00-17.00, Monday to Friday during semesters. During the vacations we are open from 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00.

What knowledge/skills do I need in order to use the Graphics Workshop?

You need to have basic computing skills, including familiarity with Windows, using a mouse etc. Some previous knowledge of the software you wish to use is helpful but not essential. We are able to provide some training to help get you started with most of the packages we offer.

Can I ask staff at the Graphics Workshop to do work for me?

The Graphics Workshop is strictly "DIY" with help and guidance provided by staff where appropriate.

What happens to the files I create?

All machines are networked so you will be able to save files to your home directory in the usual way. Alternatively, you can save to memory stick, portable hard drive or burn to CD/DVD. We regret that we cannot provide long term storage on our machines, although we are able to hold files for the duration of a project should it require more than one visit. Video files can be enormous so, unless you are capturing to your own hard drive, we normally restrict video capture to a maximum of 30 minutes - this equates to around 6 GB! Please note that users store their files on our machines at their own risk and that files left on the workstations for more than two weeks without prior arrangement may be deleted. Where practical, a back-up copy should always be made.

What are the printing options?

All the central Computer Services colour laser printers and plotters can be accessed from the Graphics Workshop via the University network. The cost of each printout is charged to your account in the normal way. In addition, the Graphics Workshop has an inkjet printer which produces high quality output on plain, coated and glossy media in a range of sizes up to A3.

Can I borrow any equipment from the Graphics Workshop?

Unfortunately, we are unable to hire out equipment. Still cameras and camcorders are available for hire from AV Services.

Will I be charged for using the Graphics Workshop?

No - all our services are free of charge. The cost of any printing is debited from your charge account in the usual way.

Need more information?

Our full Terms of Use can be downloaded in PDF format here.