We are pleased to provide campus guests with open wireless access through the PS-GuestAccess network. This network does not require a login and will not be sufficient for the type of activities pursued by campus members using the more robust Loggers network. But it does allow guests to access Internet resources such as Web-based e-mail, travel information, and any other website they might need while on campus. This service began Wednesday, August 18.
New Anti-Spam Filter in Place
On Wednesday, August 18, TS began using a new anti-spam/anti-virus e-mail gateway, Microsoft’s Forefront Protection for Exchange (FPE), to filter unwanted messages. FPE replaces the former product used for this purpose, Sophos PureMessage.
We are very pleased to make this change since it provides an easier to use, more reliable, and cost-effective solution for managing e-mail. For more information, see our page on the Anti-Spam Filter.
New Service Desk Location
The Technology Service Desk has moved from McIntyre Hall to the Tech Center in Collins Memorial Library!
With this move, Technology Services is now able to provide the campus community with a “one-stop shop” for technology assistance. In addition to the Service Desk, the Tech Center houses Educational Technology, Media Services, and the Digital Media Computer Lab, all under the leadership of Cindy Riche.
Please stop by and visit our newly-renovated location. As always, you can still reach us at 253.879.8585 or servicedesk@pugetsound.edu. We’re happy to assist in any way we can!
New Service Desk System Goes Live!
Technology Services is pleased to announce the deployment of the KACE Management Appliance, Dell’s innovative new service desk system. As of 8:00 this morning, TS began using KACE to manage Service Desk ticket activity.
For now, changes in the ticketing system will not be apparent to users contacting the Service Desk for assistance. But in the coming weeks and months, the Service Desk will roll out an exciting array of new and expanded services using KACE. These include:
- A portal for users to track tickets and submit service requests via the Web (in addition to the current phone and e-mail options)
- Greatly improved tracking of university computers and printers so TS can better manage replacements and repairs
- Quicker, more efficient deployment of software to university computers and for use by faculty and staff
- A dashboard with service announcements and a searchable knowledge base of self-help articles for users
- Enhanced power management capabilities so the university can conserve energy and promote sustainability in the use of technology resources
For more information, please contact the Service Desk at 253.879.8585 or servicedesk@pugetsound.edu.
Recent Changes to Campus Printers
Technology Services is changing the way in which networked printers are accessed by users! This conversion will provide a more contemporary solution and will improve functionality, advance integration across campus, and prepare the way for exciting printing developments to come.
In recent weeks, TS staff have visited each office with networked printers to make the necessary setting changes to these machines and any computers that access them (we are now pointing to the printer’s DNS instead of IP address).
We realize some faculty and staff might use laptops not on campus when this work was done or perhaps we were unable to access every desktop computer. For any trouble with printing, please contact the Service Desk at 253.879.8585 or servicedesk@pugetsound.edu.
We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience as we proceed with this important endeavor.
Windows 7 & Office 2010 Demonstrations
Technology Services is pleased to offer demonstrations of the newest features and most important changes in Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system and the Office 2010 programs, Word and Outlook.
The demonstrations will take place in Library 020 and will run from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on July 20 and from 10:00 AM to Noon on July 22. These sessions are primarily for university faculty and staff receiving new computers, but others may attend as well. For more information, contact Lauren Nicandri at 253.879.3261.
New Director of Database Services Announced
Technology Services is pleased to announce that Stephen Renker will become Director of Database Services as of June 14, 2010.
Stephen served previously in positions at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA, and the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, also in Atlanta. He has strong experience in programming, project management, database management and planning, and a keen understanding of the liberal arts college environment.
Stephen joins Database Services at an exciting time, as the team will play a key role in leading the university’s efforts over the next few years to take its business technology tools and processes to a new level of effectiveness and efficiency.
Welcome, Stephen!
Extended Hours for Reading Period and Finals
The hours for ResNet Student Services and the Technology Service Desk during the university’s reading period and finals are:
Thursday, May 6 – 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday, May 7 – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, May 8 to Sunday, May 9 – Noon to 4:00 PM
Monday, May 10 to Thursday, May 13 – 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday, May 14 – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
See the extended hours for the Digital Media Lab.
ResNet and the Digital Media Lab are located in the Tech Center in Collins Memorial Library. The Service Desk is in McIntyre 008 and can be reached at 253.879.8585 or servicedesk@pugetsound.edu.
Update on 4/29/10 Power Outage
Following the major power outage experienced on campus yesterday, all key computing services were restored by 10:00 PM last night.
If you experience any issues, please contact the Service Desk at 253.879.8585 or servicedesk@pugetsound.edu.
Thank you for your patience!
Welcome, Admitted Students and Parents!
Technology Services will participate in the Campus Resource Fair from Noon to 1:30 PM in the Trimble Forum during Admitted Student Days on Saturday, April 10, Friday, April 16, and Monday, April 19.
Stop by our table to visit and pick up free goodies and handouts on Technology Services at Puget Sound (PDF) and Purchasing Recommendations for Students (PDF). We can answer any questions you might have about the technology you’ll need, use, and want as a college student.
We look forward to seeing you there and back on campus this fall!