Guest accounts provide temporary computer access for visitors, community members, and others without IC credentials at designated public computer labs on campus. These accounts offer basic computing functionality with important limitations regarding data storage and available features.
Audience
This article is intended for visitors, community members, prospective students, and anyone without IC credentials who needs temporary computer access at designated Ithaca College computer labs.
Platform
Microsoft Windows 11
Contents
Overview of Guest Accounts
Guest accounts are available on select public computers across campus, providing temporary access to computing resources. These accounts are designed for users who do not have Ithaca College credentials but need to use a computer for basic tasks such as web browsing, document creation, or accessing online resources.
Guest accounts are:
- Created automatically when you log in
- Available at specific campus locations (see below)
- Completely wiped clean after each session
- No Access to IC resources (printers, network shares, some licensed software)
Current Guest Account Locations
- Library Public Lab Computers - All public computers in the Library
- Esports Room - Designated Guest access computers
- Friends 103 Lab Computers - All public computers in the lab
Note: Guest account availability may expand to additional computer labs in the future. Contact the Service Desk to confirm current locations.
Important Limitations
Critical: Guest accounts do NOT save any data. All files, downloads, and settings are permanently deleted when you sign out or when the computer restarts. You MUST save important work to external storage or cloud services before signing out.
Additional limitations include:
- No access to the IC network drives or printers
- Limited software availability compared to IC account access
- No ability to install software or change system settings
- Internet access is filtered according to IC policies
How to Access the Guest Account
- Wake up the computer by moving the mouse or pressing any key, or power on the computer if it's turned off.
- At the Windows sign-in screen, look for and click Guest in the bottom-left corner.
- On the Guest account screen, click Sign in.
- The Windows desktop will appear after a brief loading period. You can now use the computer.
Available Features and Software
Guest accounts have access to:
- Web browsers: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Office 365 (Device Based License issued by IC): Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint in the application list in the Start Menu
- Basic Windows applications: Calculator, Notepad, Paint
- Internet access: For research, email, and general web browsing
- Ithaca College pre-installed applications: Any application installed in a system context will be available to the Guest and will be listed in the Applications tab in the Start Menu.
Tip: For full software access, including Adobe Creative Cloud, SPSS, and specialized academic software, you'll need to log in with IC credentials. Contact the Service Desk if you need temporary IC account access.
Saving Your Work
Since Guest accounts don't retain any data after logout, you must save your work using one of these methods:
- Cloud Storage Services
- USB Storage Device
- Insert your USB flash drive or external storage device
- Save files directly to the removable drive
- Safely eject the device before removing it
- Email to Yourself
- Attach documents to an email
- Send to your personal email address
Signing Out
When you're finished using the Guest account:
- Ensure all your work is saved to external storage or cloud services.
- Close all open applications and browser windows.
- Click the Start button.
- Click the Guest name.
- Select Sign out.
Remember: All data, downloads, and settings will be permanently deleted immediately upon sign out.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The Guest option is not visible
- Not all campus computers have Guest access enabled. Guest accounts are only available at designated locations:
- Library public lab computers
- Esports room (select computers)
- FR 103 public lab computers
- If you don't see the Guest option, try a different computer or confirm you're in a Guest-enabled location.
- Contact the Service Desk to verify current Guest account locations.
Need access to IC-specific resources
- Guest accounts cannot access IC network drives, printers, or licensed software.
- Contact the Service Desk for information about obtaining temporary IC credentials if needed.
Getting Help
For assistance with Guest account access, please reach out to the Ithaca College Service Desk.