Thursday, January 31, 2019

ITS Service Catalog is Full of Features

In addition to tracking any tickets you submit to the ITS HelpDesk the TeamDynamix Service Catalog has a variety of useful services.

The ITS Service Catalog screen offers a variety of productive applications.  This screen provides a snapshot of IT Services: from Equipment loan, to A/V & Event SetUp and Support, to customized Google Email and Calendar services:


Another useful feature: if you follow highlighted instructions, the "Ticket Request" tab offers a quick way to check on your outstanding ITS tickets:


Monday, January 28, 2019

Google Jamboard Feedback Request

Google Jamboard is a digital whiteboard that can be used by students, professors and staff. It has a range of features from digital whiteboard to remote collaboration to video conferencing and more. ITS introduced them on campus during Summer of 2017 and they are currently located in:

O'Malley - 401
Thomas - Center for Academic Success

Please take this 4-5 minute survey to tell us about your experience with Google Jamboard and help us learn more about where, when, why and how you are using it.

Web Print Feedback Request

Web Print (powered by PaperCut) is a web-based printing service that allows quick printing on campus from your own laptop to any public computer lab printer without the need to install any software. ITS has taken the initiative to implement Web Print in the following computer labs:

DLS - 309, 314
LEO - 102
OMAL - 1FL, 206, 410, 506, Kiosk
RLC - 102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 208

Please take this 2-3 minute survey to tell us about your experience with Web Print and help us learn more about how we can improve this service.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Data Privacy in an Era of Compliance

January 28 is Data Privacy Day. Data privacy for individuals means reviewing privacy settings on social media, being mindful of entering data into websites, and taking ownership of one's online identity. Data privacy for higher education institutions extends these principles to caring for other people's data, from collection, processing, sharing, and storing to destruction. 
The internet is full of data about you. Whenever you play a game, shop, browse websites, or use any of numerous apps, your activity and some of your personal information may be collected and shared.
Similarly, the business of higher education requires us to collect, process, and store the digital information of others. Whenever we handle such information, we need to think about how we want our own information treated and treat other people's data with the same care and respect.
Protect yourself by following these tips:
  • Know what you are sharing. Check the privacy settings on all of your social media accounts; some even include a wizard to walk you through the settings. Always be cautious about what you post publicly.
  • Guard your date of birth and telephone number. These are key pieces of information used for identity and account verification, and you should not share them publicly. If an online service or site asks you to share this critical information, consider whether it is important enough to warrant it.
  • Keep your work and personal presences separate. Your employer has the right to access your email account, so you should use an outside service for private emails. This also helps you ensure uninterrupted access to your private email and other services if you switch employers.
Protect the information, identity, and privacy of others by following these tips:
  • Know what policies are in place at your institution. A privacy policy governs how the institution collects, processes, stores, and deletes the personal data of constituents; a data classification policy governs how the institution organizes the data it interacts with and what rules are in place for processing it; and an information security policy articulates how the institution governs and prioritizes information security activities. For reference please review the Manhattan College Data Security Policy
  • Keep constituents' personal information confidential and limit access to the data.
  • Only use data for its intended purpose. If you need to use data for another reason, always check relevant resources and policies first for guidance.
  • Destroy or de-identify private information when you no longer need it.


Partially reposted from: Educause Blog January 2019: Data Privacy in an Era of Compliance

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Access Lynda.com with a New York Public Library Card

Lynda.com  is an online educational site that includes over 5,000 courses (and over 130,000 videos) in popular fields like web design, web development, IT, education/instruction, media production, and business. Experts create and deliver all courses as well as provide supplemental materials like exercise files and relevant work samples.  These courses allow anyone to achieve personal and professional goals.  Users will need to create accounts in order to track course progress, create playlists of potential coursework, and keep course notes.
This is a valuable subscription based resource that is available for free with your New York Library Card or your local library to access Lynda.com.

Please note that you can only access course content through the New York Public Library's Lynda.com login page, and not by directly visiting the Lynda.com homepage.


Representatives from the NY Public Library will be on campus to distribute NYPL cards:
February 5 from 11 am-1 pm 
February 6 from 5-7pm
Location: O'Malley 5th floor entrance.
Students must bring Manhattan College Student ID's. 

If you are not available at the above mentioned times:
Please review this KBA on  Applying for a New York Public Library Card

Please review this KBA on Accessing Lynda.com with a New York Public Library Card

This short video which gives an overview of what Lynda.com has to offer:


Introduction to Lynda.com


partially reposted from Apply for a NYPL Library Card & Introduction to Lynda.com


Tuesday, January 22, 2019

COMPLETE: Memorial Hall Maintenance 1/23 7am

UPDATE: As of 7:36am, this scheduled maintenance was completed successfully.

ITS will be conducting network maintenance in Memorial Hall on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 7am.

In order to replace some equipment, ITS will be conducting some network maintenance in the first floor of Memorial Hall. This maintenance will only affect College Advancement offices and will affect both of the wired and wireless networks.

We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions, please reach out to ITS at extension x-7973 or via email at its@manhattan.edu.

COMPLETE: Horan Hall Wired Network Issues

UPDATE: ITS received the replacement equipment and have resolved this issue as of 1:45pm on January 25, 2019. We apologize for the delay in getting this equipment replaced and for any inconvenience that this may have caused.

ITS is aware of some wired network issues affecting the first 6 floors of the south side of Horan Hall.

A piece of networking equipment has failed and we are awaiting the replacement. This is not affecting wireless throughout the building, nor is it affecting the north side or the upper floors of the building.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this is causing. We are trying to replace this piece of equipment as fast as we can. We appreciate your patience in this matter.

If you have any questions, please reach out to ITS at extension x-7973 or via email at its@manhattan.edu.

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Schedule Meetings More Efficiently this Semester with Google Calendar or Doodle

Google Calendar Information:
As part of our ongoing effort to spread knowledge about productive new Google Calendar Features, want to let our clients know they are able to be very efficient when using Google Calendar to schedule meetings.  

The easiest way to access Google Calendar is to click on the Google Calendar app from your Google Apps launcher at the top right of your Google Desktop Home screen:

Click here for detailed instructions from the G Suite Learning Center Get Started with Calendar.
The following instructions include how to quickly and easily schedule a meeting with a group of colleagues who are using Google Calendar:

** Be sure to explore the "Find a meeting time" section **
If the other guests have shared their calendar with you, you can use the "Find a time" feature to schedule an event at a time that works for everyone. You can compare up to 20 schedules at one time.
  1. Create a new event, or open an existing event (you may need to click Edit event first).
  2. Click the Find a time tab. If the other guests' calendars are shared with you, you'll see their schedules.
  3. Find a time. Use the arrows at the top to navigate between days.
  4. Once you've found a time, click the area within the calendar grid. The time will update at the top of the page.
  5. Click Save.
Note: You can only edit the event if you created the event yourself, or if the event organizer gave guests permission to modify the event.
All-day events: All-day events are shown at the top of the calendar grid. If a guest has an all-day event, they will appear available in the "Find a time" tab unless their event is set to show as "Busy." To schedule an all-day event, click the Week button and then click the area at the top of a day column.


Doodle: Another Excellent Scheduling App
Great idea to use as an alternative to Google Calendar


What is Doodle?

Doodle is an online scheduling tool that can be used quickly and easily to find a date and time to meet with multiple people.  First you suggest dates and times for your event participants to choose from, then Doodle creates a polling calendar that can be sent to participants for feedback.  As each participant selects the dates and times from the polling calendar that he or she is free, Doodle aggregates the responses and tells you which option works best for everyone.
Getting everyone on the same page is hard enough with just five other coworkers, let alone fifty new volunteers you may have never met.  Doodle can be a valuable tool for coordinating a large event like volunteer training as well as a small event like a monthly meeting with the board.


Doodle in Action

Part of Doodle’s appeal is that it’s so easy to use.  The site walks you through the four steps of creating a polling calendar:
  1. Schedule an Event
  2. Propose Times
  3. Choose Settings
  4. Invite Participants


Each step of the way there are options to make the whole process easier for you and the people you’re trying to meet with.
1. Schedule an Event
The first step in scheduling an event with Doodle is to fill out a simple form with the title, location, and description of the event.  This information will be visible on the poll, letting participants know exactly what the event is.  On this page you will also enter your name as administrator and your e-mail address so that you can receive the link to view, update, or edit the poll.
Notable Features:
  • Easy Directions: The location automatically links to Google Maps, making getting directions a breeze.
  • Your Own Doodle Account: Although you are free to use the site without creating an account, signing in makes checking up on your scheduling polls a lot easier (especially if you have several out at a time).
2. Propose Times
The next screen asks you to choose days and times that you are considering for the event.
Wizard
Notable Features:
  • Time-Zone Support: If you’re scheduling an online event, such as a Twitter chat or a video conference, you can enable time-zone support to keep participants across the country or across the world on the same page.
3. Choose Settings
In this third step, Doodle offers some options so that you can modify the basic poll to suit your specific needs.  These customizable settings allow you to tailor your Doodle scheduling poll to each event.  Among other things, you can use these different settings to transform your scheduling poll into a registration sheet, or to offer extra options to your event participants such as greater privacy.
Notable Features:
  • Yes-No-If need be Poll: In a basic poll, the people you invite can only respond “Yes” or “No.”  This option adds a third possible response, “If need be,” to give you more detailed information on participants’ availability and flexibility.
  • Hidden Poll: Perhaps you are looking to schedule times to meet with donors.  This option allows you to keep each donor’s schedule and availability confidential from the other donors.
  • Limit Number of Participants per Option: For example, setting the group limit to ten people per time slot would be handy if you are looking to conduct feedback meetings with past volunteers.  Once a timeslot has ten names, it will stop being shown as an option.
  • Participant Can Only Choose One Option: This option coupled with limiting the number of participants per option turns the poll into a registration sheet, allowing each participant to sign up for a timeslot on a first-come-first-served basis.
4. Invite Participants
The final step is to send out the invitations.  Doodle has three methods of delivering your poll to participants: email, Facebook, and Twitter.
For smaller or internal meetings, email is the way to go.  But if you are putting together a larger event, like a cookout to thank your volunteers, then a social media platform might be a better choice.  By posting the Doodle poll link on Facebook or Twitter, you can simultaneously advertise your event and find a good day for it.
Notable Features:
Import Contacts: Link your Doodle account to your email account to easily import the email addresses of the participants you’re interested in inviting.
The Poll
For the people you have invited, the finished basic poll will look something like this:
Participation
The people that you invite will enter their name or an ID number in the field that says “Your name” and check the boxes in the time slots when they are free.  In the image above, the best time to meet would clearly be Monday at 1:00pm.
Notable Features:
  • Load Your Calendar: If you do open a Doodle account, you can sync your Google, Outlook, or iCal calendar to Doodle.  This lets you avoid switching between calendars, making it easier to respond quickly to scheduling requests.
  • Comments: There is even a comment section at the bottom of the poll where participants can note dates that they would prefer over others or ask questions about the event.
  • Different Viewing Options: The image shown above is the table view, which allows your participants to see which dates and times are popular.  There’s also an option to look at the schedule on a calendar view, shown below.  The calendar view is helpful if you have loaded your own calendar to Doodle for comparison.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Training for the new Kramer VIA GO

Training for the new Kramer VIA GO Wireless Presentation System:

Weds.   1/16  12-2:00 pm Miguel 305
Fri.      1/18  10-12:00 pm Leo Hall 237
Please stop by these classrooms to find out how to connect using Kramer VIA GO. This is the new version of AirPlay.

Kramer Via Go Home Screen
Kramer Via GO Home Screen

Classroom Technology:  If you are in a new classroom this semester or need a refresher in the classroom technology we have available please review attached  Podium Guide KBA.  
Kramer VIA KBA's provide instructions and videos for connecting wirelessly using the Kramer system. AirParrot is no longer being supported for wireless connections.
Most classrooms on campus have been upgraded to the new Kramer VIA Go wireless system. For a complete list of all new classrooms using the new Kramer system review this list

Feel free to contact ITS to set up an appointment to go over connecting wirelessly with Kramer VIA in your classroom:
Email:  ITS@manhattan.edu
Telephone:  718-862-7973 

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Windows 7 End of Life Schedule

Every Windows product has a life cycle. The life cycle begins when a product is released and ends when it's no longer supported. Knowing key dates in this life cycle helps you make informed decisions about when to update, upgrade or make other changes to your software. 
Windows 7 Support will end January 14, 2020.
Microsoft Support Reference to determine: Which Windows operating system am I running?

Solution

Manhattan College ITS loads Windows 10 on all ITS supported compatible devices.

Next Steps

If you happen to have a computer with Windows 7 please upgrade your computer before January 14, 2020.  You can contact ITS for assistance.

Further details:  Windows 7 End of Life Schedule 

Windows 8.1 End of Life Schedule


Every Windows product has a life cycle. The life cycle begins when a product is released and ends when it's no longer supported. Knowing key dates in this life cycle helps you make informed decisions about when to update, upgrade or make other changes to your software. 
Windows 8.1 Mainstream support will end January 9, 2018
Windows 8.1 Extended support will end January 10, 2023
Microsoft Support Reference to determine: Which Windows operating system am I running?

Solution

Manhattan College ITS loads Windows 10 on all ITS supported compatible devices.

Next Steps

If you happen to have a computer with Windows 8.1 please upgrade your computer to Windows 10 before January 9, 2018.  You can contact ITS for assistance.
Further details:  Microsoft Support Windows LifeCycle Fact Sheet.

Windows 8.1 End of Life Schedule KBA.

15, January 2019 - Partial network outage.

ITS is troubleshooting a hardware failure affecting some services such as Banner. We are working to resolve the issue as fast as possible.

Monday, January 14, 2019

Kramer Via Site Manager (VSM) Bug

Note that this does not in anyway affect functionality or connection to AirPlay Version 2 devices.

Today we discovered a bug with the VSM Server.  The status on https://kramer.manhattan.edu/ is
currently not showing the correct status of Kramer devices.  Kramer is working on a fix and we will
push it out as soon as we get it.  The fix is expected in March 2019.

In the meantime, if your device is showing as off on the site, please follow the alternate instructions.  
Alternate instructions are also provided in the room.  

This bug only affects the status on the site and the ability to join from the site.  You can still fully
utilize the devices with the Alternate connection method.

Wireless Printing Using Web Print

Manhattan College has incorporated a new feature that allows clients to print wirelessly from their own laptops anywhere on campus. PaperCut's Web Print allows you to upload PDF files  and print them at any computer lab on campus.



1. In your browser window enter

2.  For Username and Password, enter  your Jaspernet Credentials.  

Click on Log in

Note that this only works when connected to the campus network.

3.  Once you’re logged in, you will automatically be brought to Web Print. Click on Submit a Job to begin choosing the file to print. Here you may also check up on your printing allowance and recent print jobs. 
image depicting web print tab
  
 4. From there, select the printer you want to use, the number of copies you would like to print, and then upload the files you want to print. The supported files are:
  • PDF’s 
  • Most programs allow conversion to PDF 
   5.  Click Upload & Complete and it will begin to upload the files and render them. Once it has done that, it will place you on the print queue and process your job.


   6.  Log Out when you have completed your printing.

Friday, January 11, 2019

ITS Training Schedule for the new Kramer VIA GO Wireless Presentation System


Training for the new Kramer VIA GO Wireless Presentation System:
Mon.     1/14  12-2:00 pm De La Salle 212
Tues.   1/15    3-4:30 pm Hayden 201
Weds.   1/16  12-2:00 pm Miguel 305
Fri.      1/18  10-12:00 pm RLC 208
Please stop by these classrooms to find out how to connect using Kramer VIA GO. This is the new version of AirPlay.

Kramer Via Go Home Screen
Kramer Via GO Home Screen

Classroom Technology:  If you are in a new classroom this semester or need a refresher in the classroom technology we have available please review attached  Podium Guide KBA.  Many of the guides have video tutorials embedded in them which will give you an overview of how to operate the podium or technology in each classroom. Kramer VIA KBA's provide instructions for connecting wirelessly using the Kramer system. AirParrot is no longer being supported for wireless connections.

Feel free to contact ITS to set up an appointment to go over connecting wirelessly with Kramer VIA in your classroom:
Email:  ITS@manhattan.edu
Telephone:  718-862-7973 

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Welcome Back! Spring Semester IT Services Announcements

Happy New Year on behalf of Information Technology Services! We look forward to the Spring semester and are ready to assist you in any way you may need.

ITS Updates
Client Services and Operations would like to share some of our updates and accomplishments as we strive to be a strategic partner and provide exceptional customer service to the entire Manhattan College Community:


ITS tested out two new products during the Fall '18 semester. One is a new wireless presentation device called Kramer VIA Go and the other is a Crestron Multihead cable. We installed these  in several classrooms on campus.

Due to positive survey feedback and general success with the products we have decided to move forward and replace all currently installed Apple TV's on campus with the Kramer VIA Go wireless presentation device. It has much more functionality than the Apple TV such as supporting all platforms (Android, Chrome OS, iOS, Mac and Windows) as well as being more reliable and other benefits. IT Services has also decided to install the Crestron Multihead cable in all rooms with a Crestron control unit at the beginning of the new semester.

Kramer Via Go Home Screen
Kramer Via GO Home Screen
Crestron Multihead cable
Crestron Multihead Cable


Classroom Technology:  
If you are in a new classroom this semester or need a refresher in the classroom technology we have available please review attached  Podium Guide KBA.  Many of the guides have video tutorials embedded in them which will give you an overview of how to operate the podium or technology in each classroom.


Training for the new Kramer VIA GO Wireless Presentation System:
Mon.     1/14  12-2:00 pm DLS 212
Tues.    1/15    3-4:30 pm   HAY 201
Weds.   1/16  12-2:00 pm MGL 305
    Fri.      1/18  10-12:00 pm RLC 208

ITS Service Report link takes you to a series of links to reports generated by our ticketing and project management system. It includes data with regard to our service delivery statistics but also contains information with regard to rooms that are currently facing technology issues.
Know before you go! Check here for an up to date  Room Issues Report Complete with details on current status of each room that has an issue.
If you are a new employee and need resources for how to navigate ITS services on campus review: College Web Resources Links for New Employees

Campus Wireless Upgrade

We, here at Manhattan College IT Services Department, strive to meet the growing demand for wireless accessibility. We do our best to be at the forefront of technology throughout campus. Our goal is to provide students, faculty, and staff with the best tools to facilitate learning. This includes updated computer labs, learning classrooms, and wireless throughout all buildings, both academic and dorm rooms. One way we are meeting this goal is to deploy a robust wireless network providing enough reliability and stability throughout campus.

The Networking Department within ITS will be working diligently to upgrade all wireless access points across campus starting the week of November 12th. We will complete this work with as little down time as possible, but please be patient as some down time may be inevitable. The upgrade process will be completed in the following order. Please note, this may be subject to change based off of building, classroom, and office availability:


  • Hayden Hall - Complete
  • Thomas Hall - Complete
  • Alumni Hall - Complete
  • Leo Engineering Building - Complete
  • Research and Learning Center - Complete
  • De La Salle Hall - Complete
  • Memorial Hall - Complete
  • Miguel Hall- In Progress
  • Smith Hall
  • O'Malley Library
  • Kelly Student Commons

We will be working closely with Resident Life to upgrade the wireless access points in the dorms. Most of the access points are located in students' rooms, so in order to upgrade, we will need access to these rooms. Work in the dorms will commence during winter break according to the following tentative schedule:

  • Overlook Manor - Complete
  • Jasper Hall - Complete
  • Horan Hall - In Progress
  • Chrysostom Hall
  • Lee Hall

In order to improve both wired and wireless network reliability in Jasper Hall, ITS will be conducting network maintenance on the equipment that services Jasper Hall. This maintenance will cause disruption to both the wired and wireless networks throughout Jasper Hall, including Public Safety and Jasper Client Service offices. This maintenance will not affect the rest of campus.


We have also been able to upgrade some of our buildings to a higher bandwidth connection.

Leo Engineering was upgraded during the last semester and Jasper Hall will be upgraded this Friday, Jan. 11. This higher bandwidth will allow larger transfer capabilities and faster speeds while connected to both wired and wireless in these buildings. Though most buildings already have the larger bandwidth capability, there are still a handful of buildings that do not. We are hoping to upgrade these buildings as soon as we can, though there is no timeline as of right now. With the cooperation of the Manhattan College community, IT Services hopes to meet our goal of making seamless wireless connectivity the goal throughout campus.

ITS STARS Update:
A Student Technology And Resource Specialist (STARS) is a Manhattan College student who exemplifies Lasallian values by utilizing their unique skill set to assist members of the Manhattan College community. A STAR has a combination of excellent interpersonal communication skills and technology knowledge. STARS show compassion when working with members of the community who are having technical difficulties. STARS will be going through ongoing training this Spring and upgrading their technical skills in order to offer even stronger support to the Manhattan College community.


Reminders

____________________________________________________________________

Have a question?  Check out our Knowledge Base first.


The best way to get in touch with a Client Services representative is an email to
its@manhattan.edu
or a phone call to: x7973 (718-862-7973)
Note that email and voicemail for this line go to our ticketing system so we encourage you to leave a message.


Remember that we will never ask you for your password. We encourage you all to please reset your computer and provide the temporary password to ITS prior to dropping it off at Client Services. If you do not do this prior, please allocate an extra 5 minutes to work with a Client Services representative so that they can assist you in changing your password when working with us. Upon completion of work on your computer, please allocate another 5 minutes so that a Client Services representative can assist you in changing your password back to its original state. This is necessary in order to safeguard your password. Remember that you should never give your password out to anyone under any circumstances. Note that the same procedure holds true when you are requesting assistance with one of your Manhattan College accounts.


Client Services can NOT lend out equipment to students. If a student needs equipment for a project, they must have a Manhattan College employee sign out equipment on their behalf. Note that the Manhattan College employee is responsible for that equipment.


Client Services can provide short-term loaner equipment such as laptops and projectors by reservation. Note that if equipment is needed long term, it should be purchased via your department.  Adjunct Professors may request equipment for the whole semester.  Equipment must be returned at the end of the semester.


In lieu of loaning certain cables and remotes, Client Services has installed commonly used VGA and Audio cables as well as projector remotes in all yet-to-be-renovated classrooms. Network cables will be provided to faculty upon request. Faculty requiring other specialty cables or adapters (such as Apple VGA adapters) should contact Client Services for assistance purchasing this equipment as they are not stocked or provided by Client Services.


The Client Services office does not work on personal computers. We will train employees and students and instruct them on how to fix their computers, but personal computers cannot be dropped off for service. No personal items should ever be left in any of the Client Services offices.


Please remember to plan event setups in advance. We work with limited resources so we cannot always complete last minute requests.  
Client Services currently has 3 convenient locations:
Jasper Hall, Ground Floor, North Side
O'Malley Library Circulation Desk
RLC 103C
Please stop by the location closest to you. We encourage you to call first to be sure that someone is available as we are constantly assisting the Manhattan College community.


Client Services Hours of Operations can be found here.


Computer Lab Hours can be found here.


Campus-owned computers are purchased with hardware support provided by the manufacturer. ITS will diagnose and determine whether manufacturer hardware support is needed. For the fastest service, users are also able to contact the manufacturer directly to access hardware support and replacement.


Your feedback helps us improve our service and should be sent to: manhattan.edu/tellits


Don't forget to add us to your Google+ circles +ITS and follow us on Twitter @MC_ITS


Check out our ITS Blog


Do you think wifi is down in your department? Check out our Known Issues page


Thank you for your attention and enjoy the Spring semester!