Software Update

Many of you have been using WS-FTP, and perhaps have the instructions for students to use. We will be phasing WS-FTP out now that we have SmartFTP. The new FTP program doesn't require users to have to select binary or ASCII----so this cuts down on problems! Please try it out, and modify your student instructions to match the new SmartFTP.

OfficeXP is still a "Go"! This conversion will begin May 15th. Since many of you will be leaving for the next several weeks, it's critical that you leave your PC's turned on and logged off. Also, we would like people from different departments that have different Office Suite needs to help us test the software. Please send Steven Frey mail if you are willing to be one of our testers.

Since we're moving to Office XP, we will be removing Outlook Express before the Fall 2002 semester. Outlook XP is a much more robust product; it has added capabilities and has eliminated several problems. We'll update you soon with the details of how you can switch from Outlook Express to Outlook XP.

Security

As mentioned above remember to log off each evening. This helps protect your information by not allowing anyone else to access it. However, this reminder is not just for the security reason; it's also a way to help your PC run more efficiently. The added benefit is that you will ensure your profile saves properly, and that you receive the login messages. You should also reboot your machine once a week.

Many of you have been frustrated with the number of strange e-mails that you've received recently. You can help reduce this number of virus-generated messages. Please update your virus scanner for your home PC. We are disabling accounts when we get complaints about home machines sending a virus. The klez virus has been spread from people dialing in, the residence halls, and from laptops.

On-campus, we currently scan incoming mail. In May, we will be updating the mail server to scan outbound mail also, but many of the new viruses (including klez) have smtp engines in them so they bypass the mail server. So we can't catch everything! We need your help! Run a virus scanner regularly on your home PC. McAfee is a possible source for this purchase.

Grade Entry

Reminder: You're going to need your PIN to enter your grades. You should have received the note from the Registrar's Office with your new PIN last week.

You can use the SHSU Menu option on your PC desktop to enter your grades----and you won't have to remember your Nell password! You may also download this SHSU Menu option to use from home---so you don't even have to be in your on-campus office.

Macintosh users: You will still need your Nell password to use the Nell version. If you cannot recall what it is, come by the Computer Services Helpdesk (room 147 of the AB1) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. with your SHSU ID. We can reset it for you then.

Computer Purchases & Upgrades

SHSU is now considered by Dell Computer to be a "premier access client." The University's membership in this program will allow the University to leverage its overall volume purchasing to pass along cost savings to individual departments. Dell will provide SHSU with a personalized web site for the purchase of Dell products. The web site will provide purchase options for a base laptop and desktop computer configuration at considerable savings over the traditional state higher education pricing structure. Additionally the University may use this site to purchase any products offered by Dell at lower pricing level than has previously been possible.

Currently you may request a base configuration with the Workstation Request Form and an upgrade with the Workstation Upgrade Request Form from the Computer Services web site. Computer Services is currently working with the University Purchasing department and Dell to provide you with further instructions on the use of this new partnership. In the interim you may use the Dell Higher Education web site to gather quotes for your computers. You can then print and fax the quote to Computer Services (x41231) to request that we requote the configuration through the Dell/SHSU web site. Hopefully, we'll have this process streamlined very soon!

Technology Training

On-campus one-on-one and class sessions are posted on the training calendar for May. Enroll in a course or suggest other ideas for classes that you would like offered.

We realize that May is a difficult month to schedule time for training, so feel free to use our Training-By-Appointment form to schedule a training session at your leisure.

Blackboard

Faculty: The end of semester break is upon us, and what better time to have your Blackboard classes created. Use our Blackboard Course Creation form to get your courses on-line.

Does your book's publisher have course material that can be put in your Blackboard class? Let us know and we will have your publisher's materials added to your course.

Institutional Research

Need University Statistical Data? Check out the IR Website for online statistical data. You will find the Mini Profiles covering fall semester information such as enrollment, graduation and retention rates, and faculty and staff data; The Institutional Fact Book, providing descriptive information about the various aspects of the institution, such as student trends, fiscal year enrollment, faculty and staff data, and Coordinating Board public university comparisons; The Registrar's Report, a semester report containing semester enrollment data, degrees awarded, grade distribution, and distribution of lecture and laboratory classes; and links to other useful resources.

Telephone Services

If you'd like advice and assistance in setting up departmental voice mail systems, please give Betty Brewer a call at 43777. Betty can also work with you to determine various techniques to transfer calls to different staff members during peak hours.

Mail Services

We have a new Postal Clerk arriving May 1st in the Post Office. This is Rowe Creaeger. Rowe was the Manager of the Post Office back in the late seventies. He graduated from SHSU, went into the teaching field and has recently retired. Drop by the Mail Service center and welcome him back to SHSU.