Table of Contents
(clicking on an item takes you
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Classes will begin in October. Look for them in the next issue of the Gazette. |
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If you have any questions
about training, please contact |
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Announcements: |
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Please stay on top of the number of email in your SMES mailbox. Every year, the consequence of overflowing mailboxes is slower service which can result in the mail system coming to a temporary halt until space is freed up. To avoid this, we're asking that you regularly delete unnecessary items. You can set your Outlook mailbox to automatically delete your Deleted Items folder when you close Outlook. Additionally, mail in the Inbox and Sent Items folders will only be kept for 30 days. For a step-by-step tutorial on configuring your Outlook settings so the above rules are achieved, click on the following link: |
CTAP2 is an online assessment tool that helps you determine which areas of technology are your strengths and which areas need improvement. A more complete article that describes CTAP2 can be found in the printed copy of the TechNote which was distributed earlier this week. Every faculty and staff person must complete a CTAP2 assessment by Thursday, September 30. If you've taken this assessment before, you'll be able to compare the results of both assessments to see where you've improved and where you'll need further training. Complete directions for taking the assessment can be found at: www.smes.org/technology/ctap2.htm
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Tech Tips |
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Michael Dell's Message to Dell Customers(This July, Michael Dell sent an email to Dell customers about the need for consumers to be more aware and proactive regarding computer safety. We'd like to share this information with you.) Every time you are on the Internet, your PC is at risk of being infected by insidious programs like viruses, worms and spyware. Millions of Americans now have broadband Internet access, but a lack of common firewall protection makes computers attached to these connections more vulnerable to outside threats. In addition, the “always on” nature of broadband keeps us online longer, giving malicious software more chances to harm our PCs and the data inside. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, 62 percent of computer users had not updated their anti-virus software, and a staggering 91 percent in the study had spyware on their systems which can cause extremely slow performance, excessive pop-up ads or a hijacked home page. It is critical that we address these security issues and take the necessary steps as consumers to protect our PCs. Dell is launching an aggressive PC Security awareness campaign to educate our customers about cyber threats, how to protect yourselves, and what to do if you get infected. This campaign includes:
Describing PC Security solutions in our catalog that reaches most of your homes Leveraging opt-in email updates, like this one, and other customer communications Providing updates and alerts to you via Dell Support – expected to serve more than 20 million computers by the end of this year Partnering with Symantec, the manufacturer of Norton security products, and other partners to offer you viable security solutions and make security software more affordable and robust Developing additional PC service offerings with even more security in mind Launching spyware and virus phone support to help those of you who want assistance from Dell technicians in dealing with these security issues And a partnership with the Internet Education Foundation (IEF), a consumer education organization that runs GetNetWise, to develop a robust, industry-wide spyware resource for all consumers leveraging IEF's well branded www.getnetwise.org |
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Help 101: How to Request Assistance for Equipment & Phones
What happens when you place a help request? Upon pickup, it is immediately logged and assigned to a technician. An email is sent to that technician describing the problem (so a complete description of what's happening from you is really important), the location and the name of the person making the request. Depending upon the work flow, our technicians will respond accordingly. We do ask for your patience, especially in the first couple of weeks of the school year. Technicians are here before school opens, after school ends, working into the evening hours, and sometimes working on weekends. This is what we do for you. What can you do for us? Primarily, we ask that you use the help lines and resist the temptation to email, call or flag down a technician directly. |
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Did You Know?: |
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HotspotsHotspots are places where the public can gain wireless access to the internet. If you have a laptop or notebook computer with wireless internet (Wi-Fi) you can surf the web or check email while you eat a burger or drink coffee. More and more businesses are adding hotspots. There are directories online allowing you to punch in your zip code to find one near you. One such site is Wi-Fi HotSpotList.com.[http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/] (worldstart.com). This list consists of both free and fee hotspots. A second website is The Wi-Fi Free Spot Directory that lists free hotspots in all 50 states, great for when you're on the road. You can find the information at http://www.wififreespot.com/index.html. Thanks to our very own Director of College Counseling, Roland Allen, for this recommendation!
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Technology
Assistance |
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It's the beginning of the
school year and wouldn't you know it? You can't log onto the
computer, the overhead monitor isn't working properly, the
printer doesn't print, or any number of technical difficulties
that can arise in a classroom or office. Our technology staff is
very aware of your need to have everything working as smoothly
as possible. It is for that reason that we ask that when you
need help for any tech equipment or your phone, please contact
our help lines. The help phone line is extension 697. Our e-help line is
If you need
help with
technology, call the
helpline at ext. 697 or email