Network Update

It has been a busy month filled with setting up new computers, cleaning up virus/worm attacks on our servers, restoring files that have been destroyed, and handling one crises after another, as well as the day to day problems that always seem to crop up. 

Most of the new computers have been setup and installed in their offices.  Because BSU and PeopleSoft now supports Microsoft Office 2000, I will attempt to upgrade all faculty to this version of Word/Excel/PowerPoint as soon as I can.  Those who got new computers have it installed already.  I will be sending out an email survey for the rest of you to let me know that you need the upgrade.

REMINDER:

I cannot repeat too many times,  update your virus protection (Norton Corporate Edition) often and scan your computer often. Workstations as well as servers have been targets of the viruses that are going around.  Save your data often and be sure you have a backup on the server (your 'H' or 'I' folders) as I have restored a lot of data lately that would have been lost permanently had it not been on the server and backed up regularly.  

Windows 98 Users:  One issue with Windows 98 is the shut-down problem that is consistent with that operating system.  This is a known problem with Windows 98 and there are several probable causes and several proposed solutions - many of which will work for a short while, but do not permanently solve the problem.  If your Win98 PC takes forever to shut down, just hold down the power button for 8-10 seconds until it turns off.  This will not hurt the computer and a scan disk will probably occur upon the next start-up.  I suspect that the probable culprit is our virus-scan software and I would rather you have problems shutting down your computer than have it become infected with a destructive virus that may render your computer useless.

If you need to contact either Susan or me, our phone numbers are listed at the right.

Reba McMillan, Network Administrator     X 2657

Cell phone #  850-9315

Susan Emerson, SSPA Lab Coordinator     X 3816

 

 

A MESSAGE FROM OUR NEW LAB COORDINATOR

Open lab hours are posted at each site.  If you wish to reserve either computer lab for instructional use, or have questions or requests, please contact Susan Emerson, SSPA Lab Coordinator at 426-3816, or via e-mail, semerson@boisestate.edu.