The Summer 2008 Technology Projects document is located at http://www.aquinas.edu/computer/technology/Summer2008TechnologyProjects.htm and is updated regularly. Please access this document for status on any of the summer technology projects.

All College computers have been re-imaged and now include Office 2007.  Please see the Microsoft Office 2007 section below and check ACORN for updated information on training sessions for Office 2007.  An information sheet was attached to each computer with detailed information about the changes to the standard Aquinas configuration. Please refer to this sheet if you have any questions. The information is also available at http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dgxr9v2r_362hhh9hhb.

This summer, all College computers were upgraded from Office 2003 to Office 2007. Since this upgrade includes many enhancements and functionality changes, ITS will be offering Introductory Word 2007 training during the summer and into the fall semester. Don't forget to sign up! Call the ITS Help Desk at x2050 to reserve a seat. If you are interested in a brief peak at the new layout and some of the key feature changes, please visit http://campus.aquinas.edu/its to view some brief video demonstrations.  Also, the Online Knowledge Base has all the training handouts and quick reference guides for Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Powerpoint, that will help you make the transition from Office 2003 to Office 2007.

              Exchanging Files between different versions - Compatibility Pack

Office 2007 documents (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) are not compatible with earlier versions of Office. A free compatibility pack download is available that will allow earlier versions to open Office 2007 documents.  Keep in mind that the formatting and layout options using the new features in Office 2007 will no longer be available when opened in earlier versions of Office.

• Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack download 

This summer marks the second year of a three year implementation process for adding wireless Internet access around campus.  Wireless access points installed this summer will support 802.11 b, g, and n. To use this network, you must have a network capable laptop and an ELM (Electronic Login Manager) account.

              Supports 802.11 b and g

Academic Building (All Floors), Aquinata Hall, Cook Carriage House, Dominican Hall, Donnelly Center, Hruby Hall, Jarecki-Lacks-Grace Hauentstein Library, Ravine Apartments, Regina Hall, St. Joseph Hall, Wege Center, and program houses

              Supports 802.11 n

Academic Building 2nd Floor, Hruby Hall, Jarecki-Lacks-Grace Hauentstein Library, Regina Hall, Ravine Apartment D, and St. Joseph Hall

New Registration System

AQnet has recently been upgraded with a new registration system to provide you with better service. The registration system ensures that your computer is up-to-date with the latest security updates and anti-virus definitions. This system, powered by Bradford Networks, utilizes a small application that resides in your system tray with the sole purpose of ensuring your computer is compliant. Additionally, this new system allows bulletins to be sent out in the event of a school closing or imminent threat. The access and registration system is a run-once process. Start up your computer, launch an Internet browser, and follow the on-screen instructions.  Users will need to register each device they wish to use on AQnet (i.e., laptop, desktop, game consoles, etc.)

Aquinata Hall Registration System

The Aquinata Hall registration system has not been upgraded and still requires users to register.  Users simply start up their computer, launch an Internet browser, and follow the on-screen Quick Connect instructions.  While on the main campus, users will need to re-register with the new registration system to access Internet resources.

Students registering for the first time (Transfer, Continuing Ed, Graduate) are sent a One-Time Access Key along with instructions for retrieving their password through a web interface from any internet connection.  Incoming freshman received their One-Time Access Key at their STAR Day session. Before a password is created, students will be prompted for personal identifying information which they will be able to use later as a reminder in the event they forget their password. The Password Retrieval process will end with the option to go to Account Maintenance.  For those students who may have misplaced their instructions letter or arrive on campus without retrieving their password, Campus Safety, ITS, or the Library can print a new One-Time Access Key when the student provides a picture ID. Please Note: Since this is a new One-Time Access Key, it will supersede the previous notice. Please be aware that if a student has not completed the “Retrieve Initial Passwords” process they will not be able to reset their password online without receiving a new one-time access key. By following the instructions, students will be able to create their ELM password.  Students have the ability to reset their passwords by visiting http://www.aquinas.edu/computer/password and providing the same personal identifying information that they provided when creating their password.

During Fall Break 2008 ITS administrators will disable the accounts and delete the stored data of non-registered students and graduating students who are no longer registered for classes.  As of October 2007, all alumni will keep their Aquinas ELM account, which includes access to Aquinas email and MyAQ. However, alumni will no longer have the ability to login on-campus to the Novell network. Please note:  Stored data includes documents (files) that are stored on the F:\ drive and web browser (i.e. Internet Explorer) favorites.  If students require assistance in copying any network access files to a USB drive or CD-R, please contact the Help Desk at extension 2050.  

T.A.P. Information & Training

• Nine (9) new T.A.P. carts were installed in the AB 2nd floor classrooms, rooms 227, 229, 231, 251, 256, 257, 258, 259, and 261.
• Three (3) new T.A.P. carts were installed in the Art and Music Center, rooms 207, 209, and 212.
• One (1) new T.A.P. cart was installed in the new Apartment D.
• One (1) new T.A.P. cart was installed in the Wege Ballroom.
• The mobile Wege Center T.A.P. cart was installed in the Wege Loutit Room.
• The T.A.P. cart from Albertus 206 was moved to Albertus 317.
• One (1) new mobile T.A.P. cart was installed in Holmdene Alumni Lounge.

Elimination of VCR Players

As you may have heard, VHS technology is in the process of being phased out over the next few years.  ITS will continue to purchase VCR/DVD combos for as long as we can.  However, ITS encourages users to switch to DVD technology. If there is a particular VHS video that you would like replaced on DVD, please contact Francine Paolini at ext. 2131.

T.A.P. Training

Please call ITS (x2050) or Media (x2131) to schedule training.  This training is strongly suggested before using the technology.  Documentation is posted on the T.A.P. carts for easy reference.

Need a functioning class roster?  Well, a new class roster export has been created.  It allows a class roster to be created in MyAQ and then exported over to Excel. It does the formatting automatically for you!  To use this new tool, click Start, Programs, Colleague, MyAQ and then MyAQ – Roster Export to Excel.  Instructions are provided.

MyAQ Budget Export

Need Budget information in Excel?  Well, a new budget export has been created.  It allows a budget report to be created in MyAQ and then exported over to Excel.  It does the formatting automatically for you!  To use this new tool, click Start, Programs, Colleague, MyAQ and then MyAQ - Budget Export to Excel.  Instructions are provided.  Budget Manager is no longer available.  Please call Tim Stafford at ext. 2920 for more information.

Discipline Specific Upgrades and New Software

The following programs have been purchased or upgraded and are now available on Aquinas computers:

• Microsoft Office 2007
• Inspire Data 1.5
• Visual Studio 2008
• Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Standard Edition
• ArtSTOR Offline Image Viewer 3
• Symantec Endpoint Protection
• ArcGIS 9.3

Check out the ITS Dept. webpage (http://www.aquinas.edu/computer) for important information regarding technology at Aquinas!

Please check out Student Essentials for more information relating to:

• Computer lab hours, locations and printing
• AQnet
• AUP (Acceptable Use Policy)
• Student Computer Account Deletion
• Student Email Account Policy Information
• Forwarding Aquinas email to another email address
• Click here (http://www.aquinas.edu/computer/studentaccess.html#forward) to find out how to automatically forward all your mail from your Aquinas email account to another email address.
• And others…

Faculty and Staff Essentials are available especially to assist faculty and staff in locating information about services and technology provided by ITS.  Be sure to check it out!

• Data Storage
• Computer accounts
• Discipline specific software
• T.A.P. (Technology, Access and Presentation)
• And others…

For new employees, please check out the New Employee Essentials page to learn how to set up a New Employee Orientation Session.

ITS Help Desk is here to help you with your technology questions and concerns, please stop by AB 350, contact us at (616) 632-2050, or email techhelp@aquinas.edu.

The Aquinas Online Knowledge Base (campus.aquinas.edu) is a great resource to answer common questions and problems relating to the Aquinas network environment (i.e. Microsoft Office 2007 and Duplex and EconoMode Printing).

Equipment Reservation Process

Please visit http://www.aquinas.edu/computer and click on “Equipment/AB 319 Lab Reservations”. The direct link to the request form is http://www.aquinas.edu/computer/request_form.htm. The form should be filled out by faculty and staff and is used to request the following equipment:

1. Pack n Go System – laptop and projector (4 available)
2. Document Cameras (4 available)

3. Projectors (4 available)

4.  Laptop – Short Term Loan (Up to 30 days)

5.  Laptop – Long Term Loan (30 days to 1 semester)

Printer Cartridges and Toner Requisition

Looking for a local company to purchase printer cartridges and toners from? InfoTech, Inc. is a printer cartridge and toner supplier located here in Grand Rapids.  They provide easy on-line ordering, phone ordering and dependable delivery service.  Please contact Julie Betteley at 458-8686 for more information.

Email Mapping*

Users have the ability to map a firstname.lastname@aquinas.edu email address (ex - John.Smith@aquinas.edu, J.Smith@aquinas.edu, etc.) to their official college issued email address/login name. This email address is optional and will NOT replace your primary email address (username@aquinas.edu).  Mail sent to the mapped address will be delivered to the original email account.  It will not create a new account.  To change your Email Mapping settings:

• Login to www.aquinas.edu/elm.
• Click on Account Maintenance and then Modify Address Mapping.
• In the textbox, you can choose to enter your given first name or a recognized variant acceptable to the College.
• Click to place a checkmark next to Activate option. 
• Click Submit.

*Please note that users primary email address will need to be used when invites from Calendar and Documents and Spreadsheets powered by Google are sent.

File Security

Please be aware that any information not stored on a network drive (F:\, G:\, H:\) is vulnerable and could be accessed or removed by anyone with access to the computer.  This includes floppy disks, CDs (-R,-RWs), DVDs (-R,+R,-RW,+RW), USB drives, and files stored to the C:\ drive.

In order to protect your files, please be sure to lock your workstation any time you leave your desk unattended.  To lock your workstation, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and click on Lock Workstation.  This will prevent others from accessing your email account, personal network drive, department drive and any other sensitive/confidential information that may be open or stored on your computer.  Locking your workstation will allow you to remain logged in and to have programs and files open without the security risk associated with leaving your computer unattended.  In order to access your account again, you will need to enter your password and press Enter (or click OK) on the “Workstation Locked” screen. Please remember that locking your computer does not prevent people from using the power button to turn off the computer, which may result in data loss for any unsaved files.

Per College policy, department heads and budget managers must coordinate all hardware and software purchases for on-campus use with ITS administrators.* Please be aware that the deadline for orders placed is February 15th. This can be accomplished using the following procedure:

1. Staff/Faculty wishing to purchase hardware or software for on-campus use must fill out a request form. This form can be accessed on-campus via the Intranet at:
- Hardware - http://campus.aquinas.edu/its/forms/hardware_request.html

- Software - http://campus.aquinas.edu/its/forms/software_request.html

2. One of these forms must be completed and authorized by the department head or Vice President and submitted to the Director of Information Technology & Services for approval.

3. ITS administrators will analyze the feasibility of the request as it relates to the current hardware standards and infrastructure of the College network. A response will be issued to the requesting department, stating whether or not the request can be met and providing any alternate solutions.

4. If technically feasible, the request must undergo analysis for financial feasibility (unless funds are already available). This process will involve ITS, the department initiating the request, and possibly the Office of the Vice President for Operations/Finance. This process will assign funding sources for the request, either internal or external. Please be aware that the deadline for orders placed is February 15th.

5. Finally, a purchase order will be initiated by ITS to the selected vendor, following established college purchasing procedures. Once the hardware or software is received from the vendor, ITS administrators will coordinate its implementation with the requestor. Please be aware that the deadline for orders placed is February 15th.

*Software purchased as reference media for stand-alone (non-networked) use in the Library must be purchased following established Library purchasing and storage procedures. However, ITS must still be notified to allow for proper documentation of all Aquinas software titles.

Additional information is available at:
College Software Management Policy - http://www.aquinas.edu/computer/about/softwareman.html

Business Office Manual – H:\employee\Business Office\Policy Manual and Forms\Business Office Manual.doc

Many internet sites that you visit will place malicious software, commonly referred to as adware or spyware, on your computer. Having spyware on your computer may disrupt your ability to use your computer in a normal fashion or connect to AQnet.   There are several programs that can be used to protect your computer against spyware, pop-ups, and slow performance, such as Ad-Aware, Windows Defender and Spybot S&D, as well as other applications.  If your personal computer is not protected, a free edition of Ad-Aware is available for download at http://www.lavasoftusa.com. This link is also available on the Aquinas AQnet page (http://www.aquinas.edu/aqnet) by scrolling down to the Prevent Spyware section.