Naming Files

• Don't space out! Have you noticed that filenames may default to the first line of the document when you're initially saving? That default option will take the initial line and save it as the file's name. That means a number of spaces are included. Virus scanners recognize a large number of spaces as a red warning flag. The "bad guys" frequently name a file and then deceive the recipients by having an *.exe at the end of all those spaces. Therefore, the University mail scanner will quarantine your attachment if it has too many spaces.
  
• Do not use periods in your filename. Since the naming convention adds a period with the file extension, make that the only period in the name. The University's mail scanners also quarantine attachments that have multiple periods in the name. Again, this is a safety measure to ensure a harmful file isn't being allowed through where it can damage your system, your Contacts' systems, or the University system.
  
• Faculty: If you're having papers submitted through e-mail, please inform your students of these name security safeguards.

New PC Software

You can now install AutoCAD 2004 on your networked PC. Click Start, Programs, SHSU Program Installation Menu, Architecture, AutoCAD 2004. Dr. Billy Mac Moore will provide a one-hour introduction to AutoCAD on January 23rd at 2 p.m. Sign up now.

The newest version of Dreamweaver, Flash, and Photoshop are on order. These applications will be installed this month, and classes will be scheduled as soon as the programs are online.

Sam Menu

The program ALID01R (SamID/SSN/Username) is available to all faculty and staff. It's an option on the Sam Menu under Student Records. You can search for a person's information using the last name, their SamID, their social security number, their username, OR their alias.

• If you enter the last name, the drop-down list will give you choices of people with that last name to click to select.
• If you know an alias but don't know the official username, you can enter the alias in the Username field and the usernames that person has will display.
• It's a good method to use to find out if you have any other accounts that are assigned to you. Your primary username will display, as well as, the secondary accounts. If you notice you have accounts assigned to you that are no longer yours, please notify the Helpdesk and we'll de-assign those.

Blackboard

Attention:  We will be removing your Spring 2003 courses from the system at noon on January 13, 2004.

Please remember to archive any needed courses or copy any information you might need for future Blackboard course development.  Remember your Archive Course link is in the Course Options section of your control panel.  You can also find information on how to copy courses in the FAQ section of the Blackboard Instructor Center.  If you need any assistance in archiving/copying your Spring 2003 courses, please contact the Blackboard team.

Monitors, Anyone?

Computer Services has a few 21" monitors available free for departmental use. These are regular monitors, not flat-screen, sorry! If you'd like to request one for your office, just phone the Helpdesk at 41950.

Lab News

The process of upgrading the labs is continuing. During FY04, we have installed all new workstations in CJC, LDB 407, NGL and AB2 110. These are 2.26 GHz with 512 MB of RAM and 17" LCD monitors. These new machines do not have floppy drives. So faculty: please don't request your students submit a floppy to you with their homework. Although we are providing a floppy drive that a student can check out, it's no longer easily available. Please use either e-mail or Blackboard for digital paper submissions.

Flash drives (memory sticks) are a great recommendation for your students for backing up their work on their S: drives. All lab machines also have either zip drives or CDRW's

Home Security

The good news is that 2004 is here, so the Welchia worm has basically expired---as long as you've rebooted your machine. However, it's critical that you continually keep your home Windows workstation and/or laptops updated with the latest Microsoft patches. The best way to do that is by visiting Windows update: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com or http://www.windowsupdate.com.

Training

We are offering just the courses you may need to prepare for the Spring semester.  Enroll in the "Blackboard Brush-Up" course and get your Spring Bb course(s) ready.  You may also want to sign up for the "Blackboard: How do I copy my course info?" training session to keep your tired fingers from re-typing your course content.  As always, feel free to sign up for any training by appointment if the times and courses don't suit your needs.

Review the Training Calendar for details on other sessions. 

Tech Tip

If you are using a Windows XP machine and want to quickly lock your computer, press the Windows key, plus the letter L (for lock). You may have accidentally done this in the past and not known what happened! However, it's an easy way to protect confidential information that may be on your screen when you have someone drop by your desk.

New www.shsu.edu

Hope you like the new main University web page! Blackboard now has a more predominant space on the page since over 46% of faculty are now using it within their courses. Additionally, under Academics, each of the colleges is now listed to give our current and prospective students immediate access to the academic programs available.

Garett Gowens was the primary designer for the new page. He and his student team are available to help you update and redesign your departmental pages--at no charge. They can ensure your page is ADA compliant, as well as up-to-date, fast-loading, and attractive.

During 2003, the University's main web page continued the trend of setting a dramatic new record each year. This year's total was 7,272,355 visitors, a 36% increase from 2002.

Send us your best guess by January 19th what the final number will be for 2004. We'll post these entries, and in January of 2005, we'll announce the winner. We'll even give a prize---but considering how technology is constantly changing---we'll wait till then to decide what the gift should be.

Please give us feedback if anything is missing from the new page---or any other comments you may have. We plan on redesigning the main page twice a year to keep it fresh; send us your ideas now.