Wireless Connections
Computer Services has plans to set up wireless LAN connections on campus this year. In the future, faculty will be able to wheel in a laptop and move freely within their classroom---no wires! Or perhaps students will work anywhere in the Library on laptops connected to our LAN. The potential is exciting, but will require careful planning and coordination for security reasons.

Please e-mail Nina Cooper at ucs_ngc@shsu.edu before purchasing and installing any wireless devices for your department. We must configure it correctly to run on our network. Otherwise other users can connect through your device and interfere with other equipment.

Training
The September schedule is now posted. One special event on this month's calendar is a session being presented by Dr. Tom Chasteen. This session will give you a first look at Blackboard. Blackboard will be the replacement system for the old Web Course in a Box. Tom will be adding his own tips about ways to augment an online or lecture-enhanced class.

ElementK is still a viable option for training on your own time. Whatever your learning style, ElementK offers a method for you. You may take interactive self-paced classes, instructor-led classes, or utilize the library. You may repeat the classes as often as you need. This online training is available for the entire year at no cost to you---other than the textbook, if required. There are hundreds of courses available for you. Check out the course catalog, and if you're interested in any of the classes, e-mail Jacob at ucs_jws@shsu.edu and he'll get you signed up for ElementK. You can then sign up for classes whenever you'd like.

Reminder
PC users: If you've set up your account with several shortcuts, or if you've tried to bookmark all the really important sites for your life, remember to back up your profile! There is a special utility just for this purpose. Click Start; Programs; SHSU Utilities; Backup; Backup Profile, Bookmarks, Address Book. If anything then happens to your account, the Helpdesk can restore your profile for you.

IP Numbers
Workstations on the University's network require a unique IP address in order to function properly. Addresses for new workstations must be assigned by Computer Services to avoid duplication. If a Computer Services technician installed your system, it should be fine. If you or someone in your department set up your machine, please check with us to ensure it's a properly recorded address. Using an IP address not assigned by Computer Services is a violation of the Computer Acceptable Use Policy and may result in loss of computer privileges.

New Staff
Bill Thomas joins our department September 1st. Bill received a bachelor's degree here at SHSU and is currently working toward his Master's degree in Computing Science. He is transferring from the Physical Plant. Bill will be managing the student labs. His username is ucs_wnt and his phone extension is 44494.

Student Connections
Over 750 students in the Residence halls will be using Ethernet connections this fall from their rooms. The wiring project is complete now for all the halls. Students can connect to the Internet with their personal computers without having to dial in to the modem bank. This should help free up modem lines for our off-campus users.