Ozarks Technical 
Community College

Tech Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I use the same password for logging in on campus and through MyOTC?
   You use the same User Name and password for both. A single sign-on into MyOTC accesses all tabs avialable in MyOTC. More information is available at the MyOTC Online Help.
   
2. What is the format of the user name and password for student accounts?
   The user name format is lower-case initial of your first name, lower-case initial of your last name, and your student ID number. You must use all 7 digits of your student ID number, which can be found on your Student ID card.
   
   The default password format is upper-case initial of your first name, upper-case initial of your last name, and the last 7 digits of your Social Security Number.
   
3. What are the password guidelines?
   
   • Password must have a minimum of 8 characters
   • At least one upper-case letter
   • At least one lower-case letter
   • At least one number
   • No special characters (@, $, !)
     
   The following hints should help you create a safe password:
   • Keep it to yourself
   • Do not include your first or last name
   • Do not include your social security number or your student ID number
   • Be creative. For instance, use the first letter of each word in a phrase, or pick a word and substitute a number for certain letters: S2ccessf2l.
     
4. How do I enable my account?
   To enable your account, you'll need to watch this short flash tutorial.
   
5. What if I forget my password?*
   There are three different ways to have your password reset:
   • Visit the Student Computer Help Desk (IC Atrium), the Information Technology Help Desk (Graff Hall 203), the Open Computer lab (ICE 223A), or Student Services (ICW). Bring photo ID.
   • Call the IT Help Desk at 417-447-7548 during regular hours, or email the Help Desk after hours. Someone will respond to your request on the next business day.
   • Use the PASS system, which allows faculty, staff, and students to reset their passwords from on and off campus. In order to use the Pass system, you must create a profile. See our Online Help.
   *For security reasons, only you will be able to reset your password. A parent, spouse, relative, etc., will not have the authority to call or stop by on your behalf to take care of account issues.
   
6. How do I get antivirus protection for my laptop or home PC?
   Students may purchase Norton AntiVirus software by Symantic for $3.00. You can pick up the software at the following locations:
   • Springfield—the Cashier's Office located on the second floor of the Information Commons Building.
   • Lebanon—the Reception desk visible when you enter the Lebanon Education Center.
   • Richwood Valley—the Main Office Window located to the right in room 113
   • Branson—the Reception desk visible as you enter the Branson Education Center
     
7. How do I install the antivirus software provided by OTC?
   The Symantec anti-virus CD distribution is discontinued. We recommend using the anti-virus software listed below for all faculty, staff and students for personal laptops and home computer use. The software is available at no cost for download through these links:
• For PC computers (Windows XP SP2 and higher), we recommend Microsoft Security Essentials:
  http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/mse.aspx
• For MAC computers, we recommend Sophos:
  http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/free-mac-anti-virus/