Technology Newsbytes - November 2, 2009

Greetings,
Some new stuff and some updates to ongoing things...all to help keep you informed. I'm glad you are taking the time to read this. You can't believe the number of people who ask questions that have been answered in previous newsletters! Hmmm. That's ok, as long as we have the answers. If you want fast access to all newsletters and updates, click here and bookmark the page that comes up. I've added some quick links to previous topics in the right side menu bar. So, away we go...

Exchange Mail and Microsoft Outlook Announcement
The district has begun a strategic move to a new communications platform that will integrate with our core operating systems and meet our needs
for the foreseeable future. Phase 1 of this project will be to migrate to a new email and calendaring system. Currently we use Lotus Notes as our email platform. Over the next several months, we will be preparing to move users to the Microsoft Exchange Mail system. I've set up a project folder in Docushare where we will be keeping updates, FAQS, and project information accessible to you as we move forward on this project. Be sure to check it out by clicking here to get to Docushare. BTW, that's an internal link only...meaning you can only get to it from within the CUSD network.

Technology Humor
There are only 10 kinds of people in this world: those who know binary and those who don’t. (yeah I know...not funny...keep the day job)

Energy Survey Results

788 responses were collected as part of the computer energy use survey last month…that's a good sample...thank you!!! We obtained information that will be helpful  in our energy management strategy for technology. We found that a majority of users are already shutting down the computer when not in use (thereby saving $$). Also, more than half of laptop and desktop users aren't aware of the power setting control panel - an important utility in power management and prolonging the life of your laptop's battery - we've got some work to do in spreading the word on this. In some cases the results were rather surprising - over 60% of users surveyed don't lock their computer when the walk away from it...that's risky...click here to find out how to secure your computer. If you'd like to read the complete survey results, click here. We'll put this information to good use in our educational strategy so thanks for taking part in the survey.

VoIP Phone Update
As I write this, Voice Over IP phones are being deployed at Alta Sierra. We are scheduled to configure the Clovis High network for VoIP over the Thanksgiving break. Once that is done, we will begin the deployment of their phone system. The Technology Service Center was completed last week so you'll notice an improved phone menu tree when you call the helpdesk.

Update - Wireless Network Access Control NAC
The activation of our wireless network access control has been pushed out a bit further in order to replace a number of older access points that won't work when we turn the system on. If you're still not sure what NAC is, we've put together an info page to help you better understand...click here to know more. More questions with answers as we near NAC.

Battery Care

Since the exploding laptop battery incidents a few years back, new laptop batteries seem to die off sooner than expected…or is that my imagination?  Based loosely on the battery complaints we are getting - it's not my imagination. Maybe they're not making them as robust to avoid recalls and  lawsuits.  Either way, batteries are expensive and users should be aware of how to take care of their laptop battery and extend it's life as long as possible. To that end, I'm including a link to Battery University's "Do and don't battery table".  http://batteryuniversity.com/partone-21.htm  Our laptops use Li-ion batteries. Use this handy table to learn about charging and proper handling…then squeeze every last volt out of that thing. BTW... because of the recent issues with some of our batteries, we have some special pricing through Compuwave on T60 (part # 40Y6799 )batteries -roughly 1/2 off the regular price. Call Korry at Compuwave, 276-7081. You've got to act soon as this special expires in the next few weeks.

Thanks for taking the time to read this...until next time...!!

Dan Resciniti
Chief Technology Officer, CUSD