From: Schneider, Bryan D
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2010 8:48 AM
To: <ALL> Staff
Subject: ITS Tips and Information
Here are some tips, ways to save money, and an introduction to new technology for you this fall:
Contact Shannon.Jeffries@mnsu.edu for more information.
Office Communicator
A
software app that works with MavCHAT but offers a more fully-featured
chat/instant messaging client than MavCHAT (part of MavMAIL).
Additional capabilities of Office Communicator:
SPSS Statistics for Faculty
· Version 18 is
available for faculty to use in their research.
SPSS has changed the way licenses work to a concurrent-user bases (the number
of computers that are using the program at any point in time). An evaluation to
determine the correct number of concurrent users is being done. Existing
licensing is for 50 concurrent users (faculty & classroom labs) maximum.
· The ACC is working on a process that would allow SPSS 18 to be accessed via the internet for use in the computer labs or for distance learners. This process (nicknamed Virtual ACC) may be ready in January.
· Contact the ITS Help Desk x6654 (or online) for an upgrade to version 18.
· MavCASH -- is part of your MavCARD and works like a debit account that's convenient for on-campus purchases:
· Use MavCASH to purchase books and clothing at Barnes and Noble campus bookstore
· Get 10% off drinks and snacks at campus vending machines
· Use copy machines,
· Pay for food at university dining locations. (NOTE: discount is no longer offered)
· Students use MavCASH to purchase additional MavPRINTs when their complementary pages have been used.
· Deposit money into your MavCASH account online using a credit card. https://mavcash.mnsu.edu Here you can also track your MavCASH purchases or deactivate your lost MavCARD.
· MavNET Wireless -- Most areas of the campus including outdoors have Wi-Fi coverage.
· If you find an area that doesn't have good coverage and you think it would get a lot of use, I'd like to hear your ideas.
- Lumension software patching (our creative team is calling this MavPATCH)
ITS has been helping to ensure computers on the campus network are patched against security vulnerabilities, other infected computers, malware and other problems for many years. Windows and Mac OS patches are either pushed to or downloaded by your computer as they become available. These software patches, bug fixes and updates fix vulnerabilities soon after they are discovered and fixed. However, many other apps and programs on your computer don't update themselves very effectively leaving your computer vulnerable. To help keep these apps and programs updated, ITS has purchased Lumension which will check for updates and install them automatically when needed. Note that you may occasionally see Lumension prompts as it protects your computer.
- Save Energy -- Go Green
Running
a computer 24x7x365 is like keeping a 100 watt light on day and night. Multiply
that by the thousands of computers throughout campus and this adds up to
expensive energy costs and carbon emissions. MSU's electric bill was $1.8M last
year.
You can do a lot to help save money by turning off lights, turning off your
computer when not in use, or setting your computer to hibernate or sleep when
it not in use. http://www.mnsu.edu/its/green/
· StarID - MnSCU
will be replacing ISRS
web application authentication with StarID in December.
NOTE: MnSCU Unifice will continue to use the username and password rather
than StarID.
· StarID-enabled web applications include eTimesheet, HR, Tuition Waver, eTranscript, Accounting, Budget, Curriculum Management, and others.
· eServices and Web Registration are coming soon.
· The theory behind StarID is a unique username and password for all faculty, staff and students that can be used across campuses.
· All employees have been assigned a StarID and yours is ready to be activated and used (if you need it).
· By June 2011, all student ISRS web applications will require StarID.
· The reason for StarID? MnSCU audit findings have shown that TechID/PIN and password are not sufficient to protect private information, so all MnSCU ISRS web applications are being augmented to use StarID.
· Potentially, other campus services will be allowed to integrate with StarID as well which will help make remembering and using your StarID easier.
· StarID Info: http://starid.mnscu.edu
StarID Project Information: http://www.its.mnscu.edu/projects/current/isrs_iamwebauth/index.html
There are two ways to dial long distance --
a) if your phone is set
to require this for security purposes -- where others could potentially use your
phone to make long distance calls
b) to make a long
distance call from another phone and have the call billed to you your own phone
-- some departmental FAX machines are set up like this.
c) If you're in a
different office and need to make a long distance call, but to have it billed
back to your number.
In the coming weeks, calls to the metro area will be routed through a different state-wide network trunk. if you dial 8+1 to the metro area, you may not be prompted to enter a LD ACCESS CODE even if your phone is set to require this.
Remember that by Minnesota State statute, long distance calls are for business use only and no personal use is permitted.
Bryan Schneider
Director of Technical Services
Office of Information and Technology Services
MN State University, Mankato
(507) 389-5993