The Computer Centre operates numerous computer systems for supporting the University's IT facilities and services. Each of these systems has its own set of authorised users. To use any of these systems and services, one must apply for the appropriate computer account for that system.
What types of accounts are there?
The most common computer accounts are the email account and the PPP account for dialup networking from home. Every HKU member (with a valid HKU staff- or student-number) is entitled to an email account. A unique computer account name (i.e. username) is assigned to each HKU member and the same username will be used for all subsequent computer accounts administered by the Computer Centre (including the email account and the PPP account). Staff email accounts are normally created on the HKUCC server while student email accounts are mainly created on the HKUSUA server.
The HKUSUA account has the advantage that it allows the user to use the PC systems and facilities in the PC laboratories operated by the Computer Centre and personal homepages can also be put up on the HKUSUA server. If staff members would like to use these facilities, they can apply for an additional HKUSUA account.
Staff members should also apply for a UIS account which gives them access to the Intranet Systems for Staff, which provides various useful information and services. The numerous services provided by the Computer Centre under the HKU Intranet for staff include PC tender prices (for hardware and software), computer course registration, request a technician's visit for your PC or network problem, changing your email or PPP passwords, registering your network card for using the ACEnet, Hallnet or the wireless LAN, submitting a request for bulk-email, and the latest option is the application for the HKU digital signature. There are also other information relating to Finance, Personnel, Students and Estates in the Intranet for staff.
For students, the HKUSUA account is needed for gaining access to the Intranet Systems for Students and the Student Connect system. The Student Connect system manages student affairs including registration, course selection, exam results etc. The password for the Student Connect system is often confused with the password for the HKUSUA system. These two passwords are set to be the same by the Computer Centre at initial registration time for undergraduates while for postgraduate students, their passwords may be different. However, these two passwords would be different when either the HKUSUA password or the Student Connect password is changed by the students themselves.
How can I obtain a computer account?
New undergraduates will have their email account and PPP account created for them. When they receive their registration material from the Registry, they should find their computer account name and password included on a piece of paper together with the rest of the registration material.
Other HKU members (transfer or post graduate students, teaching or non-teaching staff etc.) will have to create their own computer accounts after arriving in the University. A computer account can be created on the web at
http://www.itservices.hku.hk/services/forms.htm
This web form can only be accessed from the HKU internal network for security reasons. That means, if you are using an external network service, you cannot access this web form to create your first account.
Maintaining or changing your passwords
Every account has its own associated password. The passwords are maintained by the separate system owners. When you have a few computer accounts, it is easy to mix them up or forget your passwords. It is quite a hassle to change your passwords as you have to go to the "system owner" to change your password.
For example, for the Student Connect system, the password is maintained by the Registry. Students have to go the Registry's office (Knowles Building, Room UG-05) to change their passwords. For systems maintained by the Computer Centre, you have to go to the general office (Run Run Shaw Building, Room 223) to change your password (e.g. passwords for HKUSUA, HKUAP3, HKUOA, UIS systems etc.).
To allow for more flexibility for users to change their passwords, the
"change password" service for the email and PPP accounts is also available
in the HKU Intranet Systems. To enter the Staff Intranet, the UIS account
is needed, while for the Student Intranet, the HKUSUA account is needed.
When will my account expire?
Our computer accounts are updated automatically (without human intervention) by the computer system based on staff/student records passed on to us from the Registry. When the Registry record indicates an individual is leaving the University (graduating student, contract expiry etc.), all his computer accounts will be marked for deletion.
For the email and PPP accounts, there is a one-month grace period before expiring accounts are actually closed. This grace period is provided for you to prepare for a new email address and copy all your wanted files and email addresses to bring to your new computer account elsewhere.
Sometimes, you may have a need to extend your computer account while your application for re-appointment or study is being processed by the University. Then you need to send in a letter of request addressed to our Accounts Manager at the Computer Centre requesting that your account be extended for a specified period of time. This request needs to be endorsed by your department head or supervisor.
I cannot login my account. What is wrong?
If you find that you cannot login your computer account, it is most probably due to one of the following reasons:
Mabel Chau
Tel: 2859 8934
Email: chaumabc@hku.hk