Staff Links:

• Boise State staff
• User Account Request Forms
• BSU Help Desk
• SSPA Network Administrator's Page

Faculty Links:

• Academic Technologies - Blackboard, workshops, services
• SSPA student labs

Keeping Your Operating System Current:

Whether you use Windows or Macintosh, you'll find a constant stream of bug fixes, security updates and new features for your operating system. That's why it is important to keep your system up-to-date. Because Microsoft has the largest software market share, its OS is a target for people looking to compromise your system. Fortunately the updates are free and getting them is easy. Sign on to the internet and go to Microsoft's Windows Update Site. There Windows Update scans your computer and provides a selection of updates tailored just for you. Apple (www.apple.com) also provides updates for OS X, its operating system. You can set OS X to check for updates automatically, or you can do it manually.

I've been asked to outline how I prioritize user calls and determine response times. The following is a good representation of my priority list (always of course with exceptions) with examples but not an inclusive list of calls:

Highest priority–immediate response:

• Server down

• Staff or faculty computer not starting

High priority–quick response:

• Staff or faculty unable to connect to network

• Network printer not connecting

Medium priority–within a few hours response:

• Staff or faculty with computer virus
• Workstudy/GradAssistant workstation not connecting or having problems

Low priority–within a day response:

• User unable to print to network printer ( but has deskjet at workstation)

Lowest priority - either request user to contact help desk or will find answer and return call:

• GroupWise issues
• PeopleSoft questions or issues
• Software questions or issues (how to stop Word from numbering your paragraphs, for example)

Virus Information:

* Virus Report
* Symantec Note: Please check here when you receive a warning about a new virus. You can tell whether it is a hoax or whether it is a true virus and how you can protect yourself against it.

Web Browsers:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer
• Netscape Navigator
• Opera
• Mozilla
• ICab (Macintosh)
• Camino (formerly Chimera -Macintosh)
• 1X

Search Engines:

* AltaVista
* Excite
* HotBot
* Lycos
* Search Engines Worldwide
* Webbrain
* Yahoo
* Dogpile

How to Use Search Engines:

* How to Find What You Want on the WWW
* Search Engine Watch

Internet Service Provider Information Sites:

* The List
* Free ISP Directory
* 4InternetService.com
* Cable Modem Help
* DSLReports.com

For those who like a challenge–
Help with your Computer:

* PC911
* DriverZone
* PC Drivers Headquarters
* Rane Professional Audio Reference
* ComputerProblems.com
* Laptoptravel.com & Igo.com
* DriverGuide.com
* File Extensions
* The FreeSite.com
* Motherboard Home World