Farewell to 2000

It really is going to happen. As of December 21st, 2004, PCs on the University network can no longer have the Windows 2000 operating system. PCs that cannot be upgraded to XP will have to be removed from the local area network (LAN).

The original schedule for this change was Summer 2003---as was highlighted in the January 2003 Update. We mentioned it again October 2003, June 2004, and October 2004. We have delayed it repeatedly to make the transition easier for people and departmental budgets.

Please insure your department will not be adversely affected by this change. Review the list of computers by node number that are still using the Windows 2000 operating system. The first three letters of the node indicate the building. If any are in your building, please check with your department. Users---please notify your supervisors if your machine is considered EOL (End of Life) and will not work after this semester. Supervisors: please check with your faculty, staff, and graduate students now so that you can have the new equipment (if necessary) in place before Spring.

Software: Coming and Going

SPSS: In response to the high demand for SPSS, the University recently negotiated a new license for the statistical software suite, SPSS 13. The modules included in this license are Base, Advanced, and Regression. The software can now be installed on any University-owned computers, INCLUDING laptops. However, it cannot be installed on personally-owned computers.

We are currently working on an installation package for University desktops and will be deploying this over the network as soon as it is tested. Help us speed up the process by offering to be a tester. Just call the Helpdesk if you are willing to check for bugs.

If you would like to have SPSS 13 installed on your University-owned laptop or stand-alone University workstation, please contact the Helpdesk at 41950 and arrange to sign out the installation CDs. Standalone installation instructions are available for download. CD installation is not necessary for University desktops or laptops with a full SHSU Computer Services installation.

Our license no longer covers the modules: Tables, Trends, Categories, or AMOS. If you are using one of these and your department would like to pick up the cost to continue this module, contact the Helpdesk.

Mathematica: In contrast, there has been very low demand for Mathematica. Since it is not being heavily used and it is very pricey, the license for Mathematica will not be renewed. Mathematica will be taken off the network at the end of the site license period in August 2005. If you are using this software and your department would like to cover the cost of the license, contact the Helpdesk.

Classroom Software: The deadline is here for notifying us of the network software that you plan to use for classroom purposes for Spring 2005.

Have a Safe Trip!

What are you doing to ensure the security of the information on your laptop when you are traveling? The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team offers these reminders.

• Use Passwords. If someone else picks up your laptop in the airport when you go through security, will they be able to easily read your confidential information?
• Store your data separately. Even if your laptop dies or is stolen, you will still have your information.
• Backup your data to other devices. Same as above---with the extra concept that if it matters, you should secure it in more than one place.
• Install anti-virus software. If you are going to use your laptop on the Internet, this is a must.

Enhance Your Classes: Use Bb

Spring '05 courses are now available for Blackboard faculty. You will be able to copy from your Spring 04 courses up until the first day of Spring Classes, when they will be removed from the system.

Import your test questions directly from a word document saved in RTF (rich-text format). With Respondus you can embed graphics, audio, video, and add mathematical symbols all without knowing any HTML. You can set up your test and deploy it within your course without entering Blackboard. For more information check out the Respondus software Guides.

Learn Something New

Be sure to check out this month's training offerings. We are adding a Microsoft Outlook Archiving course for PC users. This course will show Outlook users on PC how to keep the size of their inboxes small and help them manage the clutter of their Inbox. Outlook for Macintosh works differently, so we will schedule one-on-one training for you. Contact Jacob Spradlin (43929) and you can reduce the size and clutter of your e-mail tidal wave!

We are offering more Respondus Training for Blackboard faculty as well as Blackboard Course Building courses which are geared toward helping you copy your Spring '04 courses into your Spring '05 Bb listings.

You will notice a new section in our Software Guides. We have added a Getting Started section for those students who are new to SHSU. So, if you have students who are having trouble setting up their computer account, registering for classes or other issues, you can suggest they Get Started!

Try Something New

Consider switching browsers. Firefox is now available on campus for networked PCs and Macintoshes.

Firefox is getting rave reviews. USA Today recommends this newly improved browser as a great way to thwart spyware. Forbes says Firefox is better than Internet Explorer by "leaps and bounds." The extremely enthusiastic recommendation in Forbes came from a user of both Windows and Macintosh workstations. One desirable feature of the Firefox browser is that it includes popup-blocking and strong privacy controls. Also Firefox can automatically import your favorites and bookmarks from Internet Explorer so the transition is convenient.

For Macs, click MacHd, Applications, and Firefox. For PCs, click Start, All Programs, SHSU Program Installation Menu, Browsers, Firefox 1.0.

Approved for campus-wide e-mail distribution by Associate Vice President Jim Stevens