First steps to using myCalendar
What it is
myCalendar is an electronic group calendar. You can access it:
- from anywhere via the internet
- from a CiCS Managed PC
- through a downloadable client to use on your own (unmanaged) PC
- from a suitably enabled mobile device like a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
Why there are different names
- myCalendar is the name for the web version
- Oracle Calendar is the name of the client version
- Corporate Time is the old name for the client
In these pages, it will be referred to as myCalendar, but any differences between the web and client versions will be pointed out.
Uses
myCalendar will help you to:
- organise your diary
- arrange meetings with others easily and conveniently
- schedule personal tasks
- set reminders
- see when colleagues are free for discussions
- have your diary managed by your secretary or PA
- block time out but keep the purpose confidential
How to get it
Both staff and postgraduate research students are registered to use myCalendar. Postgraduates can only use the web version. Staff can choose whether they wish to use the web version or download the client.
The staff and postgraduate accounts are held in different databases. This means that students can’t access staff diaries, and vice versa.
On the web
This is the simplest access. Log onto your MUSE account and click on the myCalendar icon.
Getting the desktop client
If you haven't got a previous version of Oracle Calendar on your computer; skip to the next paragraph. If you have a previous version, you must remove it before installing the new one (this doesn't delete your meetings data which is stored on a central machine). Do this through Add/Remove Programs on a windows PC – follow the See Also link if you need instructions - or simply delete the program on a macintosh. If you have created shortcuts on your desktop, select them and press the delete key to remove them as well.
Download and install the client for your PC or Macintosh. Full instructions on how to do this are available from the top of the page, but in brief:
- Accept the default setup, clicking the Next and Yes buttons in the appropriate places and restart your computer.
When you log in for the first time, you will need the following details:
- username – your username
- password – your password
- server – diary.shef.ac.uk
- node – 101
First time settings
Before you start using myCalendar, there are a few settings you should change.
- Name format – Change to the format Smith, John C. This is to help you differentiate between people with the same surname (family name).
- Date format – Change the short and long date formats to DMY.
These settings are found under Tools, then Options in the downloadable client and through the Preferences icon in the web version. Full details on how to change these settings can be found in the user guide (client) and the online help system (web).
Guidelines
To maintain consistency of use, the University has set out a number of guidelines for tasks such as indicating Annual Leave and setting access rights. See the link at the top of the page.
Web or client?
Postgraduates can only use the web version. Staff can use either. The differences are listed below to help you choose.
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