Below are some of the upcoming projects CaTS is working on to enhance the classroom environment. If you have questions about any of these projects, feel free to contact the Help Desk at (937) 775-4827 or 1-888-775-4827.
1) Office 2010 for Windows & Adobe Creative Suite CS5 for Windows & Mac
As previously announced, all CaTS-managed classrooms and labs will be upgraded to Office 2010 for Windows in time for winter quarter. Microsoft Office 2010 Pro Plus features Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher and OneNote and replaces Office 2007. File formats have not changed, so documents can easily be shared between the two versions. Faculty and staff that wish to upgrade their departmental PC to Office 2010 can request a free upgrade through the Help Desk.
The Adobe Creative Suite used in CaTS-managed facilities will also be upgraded in December. Creative Suite CS5 Design Premium includes Photoshop Extended, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, Flash Professional and Dreamweaver. Design Premium CS5 replaces the older CS3 suite in the Windows PC labs. The 058L Macintosh lab that formerly ran Master Suite CS3 will also move to Design Premium CS5.
2) Virus Protection
Earlier this summer, McAfee virus and spyware protection software was installed in computer classrooms and labs. As always, when any of these computers are restarted, they are returned to a standard, clean configuration. By adding the anti-virus software, the computers will be further protected while they are in use.
The most common viruses we find in the public labs are spread through the use of USB thumb drives and portable hard disks. We strongly urge you to scan your flash/thumb drives regularly. Whenever you open a file from a USB drive, the computer will automatically scan the document and warn you if it finds a virus infection. Do not ignore these messages. If you need assistance in removing a virus, please contact the Help Desk.
One last tip – please allow the Windows PC or Mac enough time to fully boot and start up before inserting your USB drive. This gives the anti-virus software time to load. Once the icons appear on the desktop it is safe to insert your USB device.
3) Patches and Updates
CaTS will apply several patches and updates to all managed workstations in preparation for winter quarter 2011. These patches typically include relevant Microsoft updates to core applications such as media players, productivity applications, commonly used utilities and some department/discipline specific applications. Some of the items that will be patched or updated are as follows (this is not a complete list, but it represents some of the most commonly used items):
- Microsoft Windows (system updates and patches will be installed)
- Statistical Applications (SAS, PASW, STATA and R)
- Media Players (Real Player, QuickTime, Windows Media Player)
- Adobe Applications and Plug-Ins (Flash, Adobe Reader and Shockwave)
4) Reporting Issues in Electronic and Computer Classrooms
All CaTS-managed teaching facilities are equipped with a telephone which can be used to contact the Help Desk at x4827. All calls from these locations receive priority status and handling to minimize the impact on instruction. If you prefer to report a problem online, go to the Report Classroom Problems link under Labs and Classrooms on the CaTS homepage.
5) Requesting New Software
All classroom PCs are set up with a wide variety of software. Applications can also be installed on an as-needed basis by the user, as long as the installation does not require a reboot of the computer. In the event that an application needed for instruction is too complicated or too large to install on an as-needed basis, instructors can request that the application be made available throughout the quarter. For more information on software request procedures, please review the document located at https://www.wright.edu/cats/policy/labs/cats_procedures.pdf . A list of currently available software is published on the CaTS website under the Labs & Classrooms link.
6) Windows 7 Testing
CaTS is evaluating the deployment of Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8 in campus computing facilities. Two labs are now available for testing software running under Windows 7. CaTS asks that instructors test their applications in either the 026 or 016 Library Annex labs and let the Help Desk know of any problems or software compatibility issues. Based on current plans, Windows 7 will be deployed to all Windows systems in labs and classrooms for fall quarter 2011.
7) Projector Tip: Display Mute
Projection equipment located in the electronic classrooms and computer classrooms (teaching labs) has the ability to have the screen blanked, allowing the instructor to temporarily block display of their screen to the class. The projector is still powered on, but nothing is displayed. Screen blanking can be quickly activated and DE-activated by pressing the Display MUTE button on the video-switching panel located in the classrooms. Please remember to UN-mute the display and power off the projection equipment when you are finished using an electronic or computer classroom. The projector and lamp are still powered on and running when in display mute mode, and if run for extended periods will shorten the life of the equipment.
Questions or Comments?
If you have questions or concerns about any of the topics presented here, please contact the CaTS Help Desk through email at helpdesk@wright.edu or by phone at (937) 775.4827.
