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Western's Knowledgebase: Get Answers 24/7

On March 29, Western Illinois University University Technology (uTech) launched the new web-based Western's Knowledgebase for the WIU community.

According to Joe Rives, Vice President of Quad Cities, Planning and Technology, Western's Knowledgebase boasts an impressive bank of more than 20,000 pre-populated solutions. The knowledgebase also features a Google-style search engine that can be used to find answers to questions about Microsoft Office, WebCT, Windows, Mac OS X, mobile devices and much more. While the majority of content is technical in nature at this time, the system has the capacity to grow as more technical and non-technical knowledge is added, Rives explained. Once a user logs in with his/her ECom user name and password, the user can customize his/her experience and have access to all of the features of the system.

"Western’s Knowledgebase was added in response to student surveys on how to improve user support at Western Illinois University," Rives added. "We think it will prove itself to be a great asset to our students, faculty and staff by centralizing the right answers to the most commonly asked questions in one easily accessible location."

To access Western's Knowledgebase visit www.wiu.edu/kb

What is Western's Knowledgebase?

Western's Knowledgebase is a web-based resource for tech help for a wide variety of software including:

  • WebCT course management software (WesternOnline)
  • MS Office productivity suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Adobe Creative Suite design software
  • Mac OS X and Windows operating systems
  • Mobile devices like iPhone and Windows Mobile
  • and much more

Other features include:

  • Take advantage of 24x7 Tech help.
  • Use its Google-style search engine to find answers to questions.
  • Browse the library for some self-paced training.
  • Check back regularly to see announcements about technology @ WIU

Be sure to login with your ECom (Zimbra) user name to take full advantage of all the system's features.

Who can use Western's Knowledgebase?

Everyone has access to Western's Knowledgebase as a guest. Guests have limited search capability but, can view public announcements and peruse public FAQs and Favorites.

All WIU students, faculty and staff can search the full database; view all announcements, FAQs, and Favorites; submit a technology service request; and customize their profile to suit individual preferences.

How do I get started with Western's Knowledgebase?

Getting started with Western's Knowledgebase is easy.  Just follow these few quick steps.

First, access the Knowledgebase at www.wiu.edu/kb

Step 1: Login with your ECom user name and password for the best results. (without a login, you can only view "public" solutions)

Step 2: Type your question or search phrase into the form field in the 'Find Answers' section located in the center of the page.

Step 3: Click the 'Find Answers' button located just to the right of where you typed your question.

Step 4: Browse your results at the bottom to find the answer you need.