OIT Newsletter

OIT Maintenance Updates

Many thanks from the OIT staff for your patience and support as we worked through the technical issues below.

DST Updates Successfully Completed - OIT was well prepared for the recent change to Daylight Savings Time (DST). The event went well and all changes were implemented quickly and without issues. The biggest issue we heard from the campus was they were tired of hearing about DST!
New DHCP Server Implemented – OIT successfully implemented a new DHCP server for the campus. This implementation will create better security and access for campus connectivity.
Exchange Server Update - During spring break, the campus encountered a significant issue with the Microsoft Exchange server which provides email to faculty and staff. This issue included not having Exchange available to the campus for certain periods of time. Frequent notices were sent out to the campus via the CANS (Campus Alert Notification System) to keep them abreast of the situation.

DSU's Banner UDC day is Set for March 8th & 9th

DSU UDC(Unified Digital Campus) day is set for March 8th and 9th in the State Room. Sungard Higher Education will be here to help us better understand how Banner integrates with the day to day operations on campus and to help us to better utilize our Banner system. More to come.

Managing your Mailbox

Do you need to manage your mailbox size or to just better organize your email? Then archiving your email is one way to go. To learn more about the steps needed to be taken to accomplish this, check out Microsoft's online audio training course.

Security Tip:

An unlocked computer allows anyone to access your information as well as leave your footprint across the digital world. They could send emails on your behalf, remove critical files, or in some instances wipe out your entire machine with only a few keystrokes. To prevent this type of activity, whenever you walk away from your desk, remember to lock your Windows XP computer using the Windows + L feature. Just click the Windows key (the flying window key at the bottom of most keyboards) and press the L key . To log back in, type Ctrl+Alt+Delete and type in your username and password. This is a small step to ensure the security of your machine and the campus network.

Dial 4155 for emergency services on campus

For emergency services on campus, you must dial 9 to get an outside line, then 911. When dialing 9-911, calls are directed to the Bolivar County Sheriff's Department not DSU police. To contact the DSU police department, dial 4155.

Issue No. 76 - March 23, 2007

Protect your Campus Identity

It is critical that you keep your username and password secure at all times. Anyone who has access to this information can quickly use this information to take advantage of your access, including sending emails out on your behalf. This applies to both faculty staff mail and student email systems. Tips to guard your identity:

Never share your username or password with anyone
Never write your username or password down
Never place your username or password under your keyboard or on your monitor (this makes it too easy for thieves)
Never leave your computer logged in or unattended (Remember: Windows + L will quickly lock your computer)
Never leave your laptop unattended or locked in your car

Warning: Microsoft Vista and Internet Explorer 7.0 (IE7.0)

OIT continues to recommend that you do not install either Vista or Internet Explorer 7 at this time. If you have installed either of these applications, you will not be able to use many of the DSU primary applications (Blackboard/WebCT, DSU Online Services, Banner, etc) .

Campus Technology Thefts on the Rise

Last fall, Housing and Residence Life with the assistance of the Office of Information Technology installed computer labs in the residential halls. Unfortunately, thieves have decided to steal equipment out of these labs and that has resulted in the closing of these facilities. For the students in the residential halls, these resources were critical in that many of them do not have access to computers in their rooms. The Delta State police department is investigating the crime and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department at 4155. For more information on the recent theft, see the February 15 article of the Delta Statement

Questions or comments ~ feel free to contact Glenn Trammel at 662-846-4840 or email at gtrammel@deltastate.edu