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CaTS Blog

Reminder: Classroom VHS Players Being Phased Out-May 2, 2012

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

*Please Note: This message applies to VHS capability only* *DVD capability will remain available after this transition*

On June 6, 2011 the Faculty IT Senate approved the recommendation to phase out the VHS player in the electronic classrooms as proposed by CaTS. The university will no longer provide VHS players due to manufacturing constraints on this type of equipment, as well as the aging media format. The University Library is working to convert VHS requests to a DVD format and will no longer purchase media on the VHS format.

Effective June 1, 2012, any new electronic classroom installation will only include a Blu-Ray/DVD player for use with DVD and CD audio and video media. In any existing electronic classroom that is upgraded after this date, the VCR/DVD combo unit will be removed and a Blu-Ray/DVD player installed in its place as the renovation cycle dictates.

The impact to the faculty will be limited to faculty members that have their instructional media on VHS format. In order to ensure a timely transition, please begin assessing the faculty needs within your college as we develop a process for VHS media conversion.

Keep in mind that this transition will be spread out over time. However, we recommend that you transition your instructional media to DVD format as soon as possible to avoid potential conflicts in the classroom. The easiest solution may be to contact the appropriate vendors and obtain a DVD copy of the media that you are now using on a VHS format.

In order to do a one-time media conversion from VHS to DVD, you must obtain written copyright permission from the media publisher. Please refer to Wright Way Policy #2303.03, the Copyright Revision Act of 1976 and the 1980 Amendments relating to the reproduction of materials. Once the proper written permission has been acquired, CaTS will work with you to facilitate the media conversion.

CaTS will work with the University Library and faculty members to ensure a smooth transition as we begin the process of phasing VHS players out of the electronic classrooms. Any questions or concerns about the VHS removal process or the media conversion process should be directed to the CaTS Help Desk. You can contact the Help Desk by phone at (937) 775-4827 or toll free at 1-888-775-4827.

Important Information Concerning Computer Encryption-April 18, 2012

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

The protection of sensitive data is a concern for the university, so CaTS would like to take this opportunity to remind you of our Full Disk Encryption project that we originally announced in October of last year.

If a university-owned computer is lost or stolen, and if that computer is storing legally protected sensitive data (social security numbers, credit card information, grades, transcripts, etc.), the university may be held liable for this loss. To combat this situation, CaTS has been installing a software program called CheckPoint Full Disk Encryption on university-owned laptops. This software stores data in an unreadable format unless the proper credentials are provided. By using this software, the university can identify which computers have been encrypted and can help avoid potential legal and financial risk.

The Full Disk Encryption software is included with the purchase price of each new HP laptop you buy through Pomeroy. However, the software is not installed until you call the Help Desk to arrange for setup of the new laptop. When a CaTS Desktop Technician is setting up your new laptop, they will ask you if they can install the software. Under certain circumstances, exceptions can be granted. There is an exception form available which allows you to request that the software not be installed. This form is available at Forms Website.

For the following types of laptops, there is a $25 charge for installation of the encryption software. To have the software installed on these systems, please call the Help Desk at (937) 775-4827.

1) University-owned Windows laptop (any brand) that was purchased before 10/1/11
2) All Macintosh laptops
3) All new laptops not purchased through Pomeroy

For more information about the encryption process, see the CaTS PC Encryption website, located at Encryption Website. You can also call the Help Desk at (937) 775-4827.
 

Help Desk Closed Saturday, April 14

Thursday, April 12, 2012

The CaTS Help Desk will be closed all day Saturday, April 14, due to a water shut-off in the Dunbar Library and nearby buildings. Telephone and walk-in assistance will not be available during this time.

The Help Desk will re-open on Sunday, April 15, at Noon.
 

CaTS News for Students: Spring Quarter 2012

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

As we begin the final quarter of the regular academic year, many of you may be considering the purchase of new computer systems and software. CaTS would like to make you aware of some of the programs we have especially for students and employees.


*CaTS Software Store*


https://www.wright.edu/software/

CaTS provides low-cost or free licenses for many software programs from companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Adobe and others. One of the most popular choices is Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2010 for only $60. Office features Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher. There’s even software programs such as anti-virus and spyware removal programs available free of charge! Check out the software website listed above.

We've recently added a number of new applications to the Home Software Store, including:
- Adobe PhotoShop & Premiere Elements - Windows/Mac simple photo and video editing
- Dragon Naturally Speaking for Windows & Dragon Dictate for Mac
- SPSS Statistical Suite for Students - Windows/Mac

SOFTWARE PRICES WILL BE GOING UP LATER THIS SUMMER, so get the best deals by purchasing soon.


*AT&T Wireless Discounts for WSU*


Wright State University has been working with AT&T to offer discounts on personal cell phone plans for faculty, staff, and now students. This discount is for personal cell phone plans for Wright State students and employees. Contact the Help Desk for more information, or see the AT&T flyer outside of CaTS Home Base, 032 Dunbar Library.


*HP Student Store*


http://www.hpdirect.com/academy/wrightstate

HP now offers WSU students special discounts on computers, printers, accessories and more. You'll find the full spectrum of HP & Compaq products at discounts up to 10% below normal web/retail pricing and most products come with free shipping. If you're in the market for a new notebook or a printer to create that perfect resume, check out the new HP Academy Store for Wright State.


*HomeBase - Advanced Computer Service & Support*


https://www.wright.edu/cats/homebase

All WSU students can take advantage of the free support offered by the CaTS Help Desk. For advanced services, check out CaTS Home Base, offering in-depth support, advanced virus and spyware removal, equipment upgrade assistance and more. CaTS Home Base is, "a whole lot cheaper than those other geeks!" Home Base will be open during Spring quarter, Mon. - Thursday 9am - 7pm and Fridays 9am - 5pm.


*CaTS Help Desk Spring Quarter Hours*


Mon-Thu: 8am – 10pm
Friday: 8am – 6pm
Saturday: Noon – 6pm
Sunday: Noon – 9pm


*Questions or Comments?*


The CaTS Help Desk is your support resource. You can contact us by e-mail at helpdesk@wright.edu, by phone at (937) 775-4827, or by stopping by our main office in 025 Library Annex. You can also visit the CaTS website for information about our many services.
 

Classroom VHS Players Being Phased Out

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

On June 6, 2011 the Faculty IT Senate approved the recommendation to phase out the VHS player in the electronic classrooms as proposed by CaTS. The university will no longer provide VHS players due to manufacturing constraints on this type of equipment, as well as the aging media format. The University Library is working to convert VHS requests to a DVD format and will no longer purchase media on the VHS format.

Effective June 1, 2012, any new electronic classroom installation will only include a Blu-Ray player for use with DVD and CD audio and video media. In any existing electronic classroom that is upgraded after this date, the VCR/DVD combo unit will be removed and a Blu-Ray player installed in its place as the renovation cycle dictates.

The impact to the faculty will be limited to faculty members that have their instructional media on VHS format. In order to ensure a timely transition, please begin assessing the faculty needs within your college as we develop a process for VHS media conversion.

Keep in mind that this transition will be spread out over time. However, we recommend that you transition your instructional media to DVD format as soon as possible to avoid possible conflicts in the classroom. The following information may make this process easier:

1) CaTS will keep a limited supply of VHS/DVD combo units in its checkout pool. These units can be obtained from Classroom Technology Support (CTS) for as long as the equipment can be maintained in good working condition. Once they no longer work, they will not be replaced.

2) In order to do a one-time media conversion from VHS to DVD, you must obtain written copyright permission from the media publisher. Please refer to Wright Way Policy #2303.03, the Copyright Revision Act of 1976 and the 1980 Amendments relating to the reproduction of materials. Once the proper written permission has been acquired, CaTS will work with you to facilitate the media conversion.

3) The easiest solution may be to contact the appropriate vendors and obtain a DVD copy of the media that you are now using on a VHS format.

CaTS will work with the University Library and faculty members to ensure a smooth transition as we begin the process of phasing VHS players out of the electronic classrooms. Any questions or concerns about the VHS removal process or the media conversion process should be directed to the CaTS Help Desk. You can contact the Help Desk by phone at (937) 775-4827 or toll free at 1-888-775-4827.
 

Emergency Maintenance: WSU Email System

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

CaTS will be conducting emergency maintenance on our email system this Wednesday, April 4, from 5:30am - 5:45am. During this time, access to your WSU email will be unavailable. If you have questions, please contact the Help Desk at (937) 775-4827.

Urgent: Phishing Scam Notice-March 28, 2012

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Attention WSU Faculty, Staff, and Students:
CaTS wants you to be aware of another phishing scam that's targeting university faculty, staff, and students. Please read the below description of this scam.

*Increase Email Storage*

This scam tells you that you can get your email inbox storage increased if you go to the included link and enter your login information. You should not visit this link, as you will be asked to enter your username and password, which could give scammers access to your email and other personal information.

Always remember: If you get ANY email that asks you to click on a link to enter your username and password, DON'T click on it. This is a scam. If you have questions about whether or not a message is a phishing scam, contact the Help Desk at (937) 775-4827.

Urgent: Phishing Scam Notices-March 21, 2012

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Attention WSU Faculty, Staff, and Students:
CaTS wants you to be aware of two new phishing scams that are targeting university faculty, staff, and students. Please read the below descriptions of these scams.

*Over Quota*


This scam tells you that your email is over quota and that you need to copy and paste a link into your web browser to avoid losing your account. You should not copy and paste this link, as you will be asked to enter your username and password, which could give scammers access to your email and other personal information.

*American Airlines Order Confirmation*


This scam gives you information about a supposed ticket order you placed with American Airlines. The message directs you to open the attached zip file to view your order information. You should not download or open the zip file, as it likely contains a virus which could damage your computer or steal your personal information.

Always remember: If you get ANY email that asks you to click on a link to enter your username and password, DON'T click on it. This is a scam. If you have questions about whether or not a message is a phishing scam, contact the Help Desk at (937) 775-4827.
 

Final Reminder: Active Directory Transition

Thursday, March 15, 2012
*Final Reminder*
Active Directory Transition


This message is being sent to remind you that CaTS is entering the final stages of the Active Directory transition project. To finalize this project, all Novell users must be converted to Active Directory by March 20, 2012. At that time, Novell will be retired on WSU’s campus, and you will not be able to access your files and printers if your workstation hasn’t been converted. If you do not recall having your computer converted from Novell to Active Directory, please call the Help Desk at (937) 775-4827 as soon as possible so that a technician can come to your office and do the conversion.
 

Important Information Concerning WINGS Calendar Notifications

Thursday, March 8, 2012

CaTS wants you to know that email notifications/reminders for WINGS Calendar events that are scheduled during the period of March 11 – April 1, 2012, will appear to be one hour behind the scheduled meeting time. Also, the notifications will display the wrong time zone identifier (e.g. EST instead of EDT).

Please be sure to verify all scheduled meetings during this period on your calendar instead of relying on reminders. The event time listed on your calendar will be correct.

Should you have further questions concerning this, feel free to contact the Help Desk by calling (937) 775-4827, or by sending an email to helpdesk@wright.edu.

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Computing and Telecommunications Services (CaTS)

Location: 
025 Library Annex
Phone: 
937-775-4827
Toll-free Number: 
1-888-775-4827
Email: 

helpdesk@wright.edu

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