FAQ

If you have a question, you can look it up in the Knowledge Base or contact the Help Desk. Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions:

Q: How do I get a CAE account?

A: CAE accounts are available only to CoE students and faculty. Eligibility is based on enrollment and/or CoE payroll. These accounts provide numerous CoE computing services, including access to engineering software, the Help Desk, and hundreds of Windows and Linux desktop computers. Because CAE accounts are restricted to users within CoE, they use a different login system than the NetID.

There are some special circumstances when a CAE account may be granted by request of a faculty or staff member. See https://kb.wisc.edu/cae/page.php?id=6613 for more details.

If you are eligible for an account, you may need to activate it. You can follow the directions here: https://kb.wisc.edu/cae/page.php?id=8177.

Q: Where is the scanner?

A: Unfortunately, CAE does not maintain a scanner. The nearest scanners are at Steenbock Library, MERIT Library and the Info Lab at Union South (2nd floor).

Q: How do I make a room reservation?

A: Please see the KB article on Requesting a CAE Lab Reservation. Currently, CAE labs are not available for reservation.

Q: I received an email that my account is expiring, what do I do?!?

A: The KB article on Access to CAE Resources is Expiring should explain what is going on.

Q: What is the difference between Software Licensing VPN and CoE VPN?

A: There are several types of VPN in the College of Engineering. More information can be found here: https://kb.wisc.edu/cae/5573

Q: How do I set up my VPN?

A: This depends on which VPN needs to be set up. To set up Software VPN so you can authorize remote software, look at the KB article for Software Licensing VPN. If you are eligible for CoE VPN (generally grad students, faculty and staff), then see the KB article on Accessing the CoE VPN.

Q: I heard that CAE offers free copies of Windows, is this true?

A: Not exactly. Engineering students and faculty/ staff can get Windows as well as other software from DoIT’s Campus Software Library (software.wisc.edu). Office is not available, but you can get basic Office free by logging in through the Office 365 Portal. More information can be found here: https://kb.wisc.edu/page.php?id=43841. Another option for faculty and staff is to check with your DSP and see if the department has a license for Office!

Q: Do I need a laptop?

A: The College of Engineering requires all students to have a laptop. You should own a computer that runs Windows 10 (education or Pro). More information can be found here: https://kb.wisc.edu/cae/32851.

Q: I am having problems installing Solidworks, what can I do?

A: The first ting to do is make sure you are connected to the VPN. If you followed the KB ( https://kb.wisc.edu/cae/56013 ) for installation, and it still fails, contact the CAE Help Desk at helpdesk@cae.wisc.edu. Screenshots are very helpful!

Q: Can my CAE account really be suspended for eating in a CAE lab?

A: Yes. There are good reasons that food is not permitted in the labs. One is that crumbs, grease, and other bits of food damage computers and keyboards and create maintenance problems. Of more interest to you is the fact that keyboards and mice are dirty. Studies have shown that they can harbor more bacteria (including harmful ones) than a toilet seat! Keyboards get sneezed on in addition to the fact that not everyone washes their hands like they are supposed to after, well you know. There are hand sanitizer stations located in or near labs. Please use them often, maybe even right now!