IT-Digest: Vol. 3
June 28, 2005
This e-newsletter is intended to inform the USM community about technology related issues, events, updates and news.
In This Issue
- Faculty Requests for Software in Labs/Classrooms and Computer Classroom Scheduling
- End Note News
- Healthy Computing & Keyboard Shortcuts
- Workstation Only Checkbox
- Search Tips
- IT Inventory
- GroupWise Tip: GW Quick-Correct
- Password Issue for Mac Users
- Safe Computing
- Raising Awareness on Online Course Accessibility
- Misc Fun!
- New IT Staff Members in LogicShop
1. Faculty Requests for Software in Labs/Classrooms and Computer Classroom Scheduling
Attention Faculty! The deadline for requesting software on USM lab and classroom machines for Fall 2005 is July 1, 2005. Our lab and classroom support technicians, David Eldridge and Chris Gould go to great lengths to insure that requested software functions properly and often need to make many configuration changes in each software package to make it work in our lab and classroom environment. Do not assume that every software package available this year will be available next year unless you request it. Computer classrooms are very busy and faculty should also schedule these rooms as soon as possible. To request software or schedule a classroom go to the request page.
2. End Note News
EndNote is an online bibliographic search tool that specializes in storing, managing and searching for bibliographic references. It also formats citations, figures and tables in MS Word as you insert them in your manuscripts. USM has purchased an annual site license for this software and it is available to the USM community for $35 per user per year. Please submit an IDT to the Logic Shop to purchase a license or contact Keith Witherell through the HelpDesk with questions. For more information on the EndNote software, see their web site.
3. Healthy Computing & Keyboard Shortcuts
Prevent repetitive stress injuries. If using a mouse causes discomfort, try using keyboard shortcuts. In addition, keyboard shortcuts may help you type faster.
Mac & PC Users
The most popular keyboard shortcuts are:
- Ctrl + Z = Undo
- Ctrl + X = Cut
- Ctrl + C = Copy
- Ctrl + V = Paste
- Ctrl + S = Save
- Ctrl + P = Print
Mac Only
- Jim Kessler, Mac Specialist, has prepared a list of Mac keyboard shortcuts.
Windows Only
- There's a key to the left of the spacebar with the Windows logo flag. Windows Logo + E = Windows Explorer file management program.
Links
4. Workstation Only Checkbox
When you log in to your PC, there's a checkbox in the lower left corner of the login box called Workstation Only. If that's checked, you won't get access to network drives or printers. Your computer "remembers" the condition of this checkbox from the last time you logged in. If there was a login error and you are asked if you want to log into Windows and you click yes, the Workstation Only box will be automatically check the next time you start your computer. Watch that checkbox!
5. Search Tips
Improve your googling skills. Many useful google tips are available at the Google.com cheatsheet. Yahoo's new search tool is in testing and worth a look at. Of course, for academic searching, check out this Library page. And the Library also has a very cool Ask A Librarian service.
6. IT Inventory
In order to better verify and track USM's computer equipment, IT User Services has been doing a detailed inventory of computer equipment. They are collecting such information as the USM Property Tag number, make and model, owner department and location, and primary user of the PC. When the data collection is completed, the HelpDesk will manage and maintain this information. Eventually, detailed reports will be available to help track the number and age of computers in a department which will assist in planning for a computer replacement cycle. Thanks for your patience.
7. GroupWise Tip: GW Quick-Correct
GroupWise has the capability to automatically correct common typing errors or shortcuts. For example, GW will change DOIT to Department of Information Technology as you type, like MS Word's AutoCorrect. In a new email, choose Tools > Quick Correct, and fill in the blanks.
8. Password Issue for Mac Users
Some Mac users are unable to change their Novell/GroupWise passwords successfully. When changing the password via the web at https://www.usm.maine.edu/computing/account/change_password.jsp, the user gets a message that the password change is successful, but the password does not work. Please call the HelpDesk 780-4029 for assistance. Networking is working to resolve the problem.
9. Safe Computing
If you are getting lots of pop-up ads or if your Internet browser homepage is changed to an advertising site, your PC may be infested with spyware. You can install Spybot by going to Start > (All) Programs > USM Apps > Install > Spybot. When running for the first time after install, have the software search for and install updates, then "Check for Problems" and then "Fix Problems". For more information about spyware, see the spyware information page.
You can set Symantec Antivirus to look for spyware when scanning by choosing Start > (All) Programs > Symantec > Symantec Anti-Virus > Scan > Options > check Scan for Expanded Threats. This is not as comprehensive as Spybot, but it's useful.
What is all this {SPAM?} There's a document that explains why email gets tagged, and how to configure GroupWise to put spam-tagged email into the junk mail folder.
10. Raising Awareness on Online Course Accessibility
Emily Hallett, Adaptive Technology Specialist, has prepared some information to help you make your Online Coursework accessible.
11. Misc Fun!
Can you spot the University in this picture?
Navigate this site to see even better detail of both campuses.
12. New IT Staff Members in LogicShop
Welcome to our two staff new members in the LogicShop. Kerry Enos is our new Administrative Associate and Sarah Mason is our new Administrative Assistant II.
