Pharos FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pharos?
Who can use the system?
What are the benefits?
How do I get started?
I am visiting USF. Can I use your copier MFP to copy/print?
Where do I find the copier MFP locations?
What are the device features and capabilities?
I am faculty, how can I print using the library copier MFPs and other public copier MFPs?
How much does it cost to utilize the functions?
Where do I find the Print Drivers download page?
Do I need to connect to USF's network?
I have a personal laptop, how can I connect to USF's network?
How do I default my print jobs to double-sided (duplex)?
How long will my print job stay in the held queue?
How do I report a problem or issue?
How do I cancel a print job?

Answers

1. What is Pharos?
Pharos is the software package implemented by USF that provides a "green", university-friendly approach to printing from any location as well as authentication, copy/print accounting, print release, printing security and scan-to-usb. Students, faculty and staff can swipe their One Card ID or use their USF Connect credentials to gain access to the functions at any of the public Pharos-enabled copier MFP located in the libraries and other public locations.

2. Who can use the system?
The system is for use by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests.

3. What are the benefits?
Users will have one copier MFP interface for copying, printing, and option to scan to USB. Users will have the capability to print wirelessly from their remote location and release the print job at any Pharos enabled copier MFP.    

4. How do I get started?
As a student/faculty/staff, you will need to have an activated One Card ID or an active USF Connect log in.

5. I am visiting USF. Can I use your copier MFP to copy/print?
Yes you can as long as you have a guest card. Guest cards are issued by the One Card office. Visit usfca.edu/onecard for more information. For printing instructions, please visit http://usfca.edu/Business_and_Finance/Purchasing_Services/Pharos__How_to_Print/

6. Where do I find the copier MFP locations?
For copier locations that are Pharos enabled, please visit http://usfca.edu/Business_and_Finance/Purchasing_Services/Self-Service_Copier/MFP_Location/

7. What are the device features and capabilities?
The copier MFPs include copying, printing, and scanning to USB from any of the public locations. Please note scan-to-usb locations are in Gleeson Library Rm 134 and Zief Law Library Rm 104.

8. I am faculty, how can I print using the library copier MFPs and other public copier MFPs?
You can print as you normally would using the Pharos server pointing printer. Faculty will be able to release print jobs in the library and other public locations using their USFconnect username and password. For instructions, please refer to http://usfca.edu/Business_and_Finance/Purchasing_Services/Pharos__How_to_Print/

9. How much does it cost to utilize the functions?
Copy/Print - Single-sided impressions for B&W is $0.06 per impression; and for Color is $0.30 per impression
Copy/Print - Double-sided impressions for B&W is $0.12; and for Color is $0.60

10. Where do I find the Print Drivers download page?
Click the following link to download the print client http://usfca.edu/Business_and_Finance/Purchasing_Services/Pharos___How_to_Install_Pharos_Client/.

11. Do I need to connect to USF’s network?
Users will need to connect to the USF’s network in order to authenticate their credentials and to communicate with the print system.   

12. I have a personal laptop, how can I connect to USF’s network?
Users with personal laptops can connect and authenticate through USFWireless. Please visit the ITS website for wireless access information http://www.usfca.edu/its/network/wireless/

13. How do I default my print jobs to double-sided (duplex)?
Users can set their own printing preferences in the print dialog box Printer Properties from their computers.
If you want to keep your preferences, go to Start, then to Devices and Printers control panel applet, select the printer and mouse right click to bring up the preferences window. Set your settings and click Apply. From then on, your printing will always be the settings you just saved.

14. How long will my print job stay in the held queue?
Print jobs are held for 4 hours. Users will be able to collect their print jobs within 4 hours from any selected locations.   

15. How do I report a problem or issue?
Please report any issues to copierservices@usfca.edu

16. How do I cancel a print job?
When a user authenticates at the MFP they will be presented with a list of their print jobs being held in queue. A user may select and delete any job they do not wish to print. Once a job is selected and released for printing, it cannot be cancelled, a user’s account will be debited the amount for that print job.