Electronic Transfers

We have upgraded our EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Software to the new 4010 version. This upgrade will increase the number of schools with which we can trade Electronic Transcripts. This will allow us to complete the admissions procedures and accept students more quickly. It will also speed up the process for our students going on to graduate schools throughout the country.

Web for the Classroom

April 10th will be the next meeting of the Blackboard Users Group. Even if you haven't yet started using BB, this get-together may give you ideas for next semester. This Users group will be meeting each month on the second Tuesday at 3:30. The meeting will be held in Austin Hall.

On Thursday, April 12th, Ann Holder, Interim Director of the NGL, will be presenting a seminar on the copyright issues of placing material on the Internet. This will be at 3:30 in the Smith-Hutson Mafrige Auditorium.

Security

To help reduce the virus damage, the University is scanning incoming e-mail. Computer Services recommends the following actions you can take to help protect your system and others. Scan your local and network storage areas at least once a week. The virus software can be found under the SHSU Utilities option on the Program menu for PCs. University Macintosh users may install the virus software from the Applications volume. Always scan your floppy/Zip/CD/DVD before initial use on your computer.

Training

This month's training schedule is now posted. ElementK is also still an option for the University community. You can view this online training center, and check out their catalogue. If you'd like to sign up for a class, e-mail the Helpdesk. The Computer Services department will pay the annual subscription fee for you to take as many classes as you'd like in the next year.

Passwords

It will soon be time to enter grades for the Spring Semester. If you haven't used your Nell password lately, test it. Make sure you are able to log in. You may change this password yourself at the VMS prompt. Type SET PASSWORD. You'll be prompted for your current password, then asked to enter your new password twice. You must come in person to the Helpdesk in AB1, 147 to change it if you let it expire. We know that's an inconvenience! However, since these are student grades, we also know how critical it is that only you access your account. Bring your I.D. with you so we'll know you're you!

You'll get your mailer from the Registrar's office in May with your new personal identification number (PIN).

Windows 2000 Conversion

The University is scheduled to upgrade the campus PC environment from Windows NT to Windows 2000 at the end of May 2001. Windows 2000 will require the use of more disk space on the workstation than Windows NT. Some workstations will require that the current version of Windows NT be reinstalled so that the available disk space may be expanded.

During this reinstallation all data on your local disk drive will be erased. This will include any local disk drives you have such as C:\ and D:\. If you have any information stored on your system that you would like to keep, back it up to an alternate storage area such as your S:\ drive. You will only need to back up your personal programs and documents. Computer Services will ensure that all University applications (installed through the SHSU Installation Menu) are operational after the install. If you have installed personal programs on your PC, you will have to reinstall these afterwards.

The conversion will start in May, but the Windows NT system will still be available until the end of September for a limited number of machines. If your administrative department cannot support upgrading all your workstations this fiscal year, you may use 2002 funds.