Technology Newsbytes - Back to School Edition
August 24, 2009

Where did our summer go? We're already back to school! Wow.
If you've been gone...welcome back! Please know that things did not slow down for the Information Technology Services department. We've been working on a number of things since June so I thought I'd provide you with a brief update and a few reminders:

Passwords
Do you remember your passwords? We have a self-service password reset at your log-on screen and our helpdesk can help you reset if necessary. Your computer and Notes should be sync 'd up. But if you're like me, you have several other apps and web sites that you've set passwords for. Maybe it's time for a password strategy...
Please remember to keep your passwords secure and not posted on a sticky on your monitor or under the keyboard! Also, do not share your passwords with anyone, there's too much at risk.

Refresh
The order is in for this year. Once it is received we'll do our best to get the computers out to you in a timely manner. We're going to have to make all the equipment we have last a bit longer given the budget situation. Please take exceptional care of your machines...it may be awhile before we can do the refresh again...but at least we'll all be on the same version of office now! Read more here ...

Eonline and Your Paystub
Starting August 31, your check stub will be available through Eonline. You might want to log in now to verify you remember your password so you are ready at the end of the month. I'm sure the helpdesk (7-9595) will have their hands full resetting for people who waited until the last minute. PS: there's a kiosk computer set up in District Office West, main lobby for those who may not have access to a computer and want to print out your stub.

Email Archive
Don't turn off your Notes archive feature yet, but we've successfully tested an automated archive system called Gaggle. New mandates require districts to archive email for several years. We will be rolling out information shortly on how you can access your archive. Your email communications are property of the District and may become public record. Don't forget to review the Board policies on email in section D of AR7203.

Team Work
We've pulled cable, fixed broken ports, re-configured networks, updated servers, repaired computers and printers, and there's no shortage of work still to be done. If you find an issue at your site, put in a helpdesk ticket so we can get the job scheduled. Great work tech team!!

PDB Lab
If you haven't seen it in awhile, sign up for a training or come by and take a look. We've taken out the center pole, added smart technology and some new computers. It looks great and we're very proud of it. Help us take good care of it.

New Web Filter
Our new web filter will provide more access for staff and better reporting for us. Bear in mind, while we've tried to balance access with security, tweaking is an ongoing process. If you find an educational site that is blocked, put in a ticket request to open it up. Read more about the web filter here ...

New Packet Shaper
With a relatively small connection to the Internet, it is important to know what kind of network traffic we are dealing with before incurring the expense of a larger connection. We also need to give priority to the educational and business data needs of the district. Our new packet shaper is helping us do just that. Check real-time district Internet traffic here ...

Data Center Modernization
Our district's data is important and the data center needs some work. In order to make it through the heat of June, July, and August, and in preparation for a modernization of power and cooling, the network team has been consolidating and moving servers all summer. No easy task...especially since downtime is not an option.

Thanks for taking the time to read this during the crush...we'll leave it at that for now...plenty more to come later. Have a great start and a great school year!!

Dan Resciniti
Chief Technology Officer, CUSD