Author Archives: mksmith

Meet the NAC

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The university now employs SafeConnect, a network access control (NAC), on the residence hall network. This ensures connecting computers have updated operating systems, run current anti-virus software, and do not engage in illegal file sharing. See the Network Access Requirements for what you need to do and Connecting to the Puget Sound Network for instructions on installing the network policy key.

The following devices are automatically recognized and supported on the network:
*Computers running Windows XP and up, Macintosh OSX 10.3.9 and above, and Linux
*Gaming consoles like the xbox360, ps3, and Wii using a wired network connection
*iPhones and certain other WiFi enabled portable devices such as Nintendo DS and Sony PSP portable game consoles

    Need Tech Help?

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    We got it! Say hello to Tech Help, our expanded service offering live technology support on a round-the-clock basis throughout the year.

    Members of the Puget Sound community can contact Tech Help at the campus extension 8585 (253.879.8585), toll free at 877.375.8585, or by e-mail at techhelp@pugetsound.edu.

    Visit Tech Help online for searchable self-help pages, to chat with a Tech Help analyst, or to track an existing Tech Help request.

    See the Tech Help project page to learn more about this new service.

    Office 2007 is Here!

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    Technology Services is deploying Microsoft Office 2007 to opt-in faculty and all staff computers beginning at 6:00 PM on Monday, July 27. The updated software will also be installed on all campus labs and e-classroom computers for the 2009-2010 academic year.

    For more information, including the training schedule and what to expect after deployment, see the Office 2007 project pages.

    Welcome, Interim CTO Mark Cain!

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    Consultant Mark Cain joined the TS staff on July 13 as interim CTO. He has extensive experience working in colleges and universities, including nearly 15 years as a chief information officer. Mark and his wife, Linda, have relocated temporarily to Tacoma from Cincinnati, where their adult son, Matthew, continues to reside (and, hopefully, mow their lawn). Mark writes fiction, plays the tuba, and is an avid runner.

    Molly Tamarkin: “Bye, y’all!”

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    Molly Tamarkin, our Chief Technology Officer, will be leaving Puget Sound for Duke University, where she will be the Associate University Librarian for Information Technology.  Please join us in wishing Molly well as she prepares for her June 30 departure.

    New Tech Help Coming August 3

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    Technology Services is pleased to announce a major expansion of our call center and technical support services.

    Beginning August 3, 2009, live support will shift to 24/7/365 coverage with our new service called Tech Help. You’ll be able to get round the clock assistance by phone, e-mail, chat, and online self-help.

    See the Tech Help project page for more information on this exciting upgrade to our services!

    System Maintenance Scheduled

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    TS conducts regular maintenance on the university’s computer systems to ensure a secure and reliable computing environment.

    This month, we will perform maintenance on Sunday, May 31, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. All services may be unavailable from 8:00 AM to Noon, including e-mail, access to personal and departmental shares, Cascade, FAMIS, Millennium, and Banner. Additionally, Cascade, FAMIS, Millennium, and Banner may continue to be unavailable until 4:00 PM.

    For more details, see our page on Scheduled Maintenance Windows.