Infrastructure Update: ATM to Gigabit (October 2006)

The ATM core and edge networking environment, which has served this university well over the last twelve years, has been turned off. The current networking structure is composed of Cisco 6506 core switch/routers and Avaya 334 edge switches. The backbone speed at which these devices communicate is one gigabit per second per connection. All servers are connected in the core at one gigabit per second. All Dell aggregation switches in the data center enclosures trunk to the core cisco switch/routers at bonded 2 gigabit per second connections.

Dell Recalling Laptop Batteries (August/September 2006)

Dell is recalling certain laptop batteries sold between April 1, 2004 and July 18, 2006. The batteries can overheat and pose a fire risk.  First, identify whether you have one of these batteries, by visiting https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/.  You may get a security certificate alert, if so, click yes.  Go to the bottom of the page and click on the button that says “Identify Recalled Battery”.  Remove the battery from your laptop and type in its identification number as directed on the web page.  Be mindful when entering the number zero or the letter ‘O’, as they can be difficult to distinguish.

If the battery is subject to this recall you will be automatically connected to a replacement order form. Dell will also provide a means for you to return the affected battery pack(s) for proper disposal. Batteries subject to recall should not be used while awaiting a replacement battery pack from Dell. You may continue to use your laptop computer with its AC adapter power cord. Questions may be directed to your C-tech or the ITS Help Desk.

ITS Introduces New System for Requesting Support (July 2006)

In an effort to improve the way the campus community submits technical and telephone support requests, Information Technology Services (ITS) is introducing a new online support request system. It is called ITS-R (stands for Information Technology Services Request). This system replaces the current RFS system and ITSR paper forms.  To submit a request for a service that ITS provides, visit http://help.unf.edu.  Login using your UNF ID (the same ID and password that is used with myWings).

Some examples of requests you might make using this new request system include a computer problem, new telephone line, application development, new network printer set-up, software installation, change in the phone directory, or audio-visual request.  Visit http://help.unf.edu/docs/remedy/selfservice.pdf for information on using the ITS-R system.  Questions about the new request system can be directed to the ITS Help Desk at ext. 4357 (HELP) or helpdesk@unf.edu.

ITS Launches New Self Service Page (Sept 2005)

Define anti-spam options. Change a password. Select a friendly e-mail alias. Look up a SPRIDEN ID. All of these services are available in one location – the ITS Self Service page. Link: http://www.unf.edu/app/ess. Users just log in with their Network ID and password. Visit http://www.unf.edu/dept/its/support/selfservice.html for more information about using the ITS Self Service page. Questions can be directed to the ITS Help Desk at ext. 4357 (HELP)

What is new with UNF Passwords? (June 2005)

Information Technology Services (ITS) has made some changes recently that will simplify the way faculty and staff members manage their passwords. Faculty and staff now use one userID and password to login to most systems. The network userID and password is used to login to the UNF network, myWings (Banner), Osprey, dial-up, and Administrative Applications. Blackboard will be part of the same password management process by the start of the fall term.

Faculty and staff can now reset their network password without calling the ITS Help Desk or their C-tech. To reset a password, visit http://www.unf.edu/app/ess. Login using your social security number and birth date and follow the requested format. Click on the “Password” button and then the “Reset Password” button. Your password will be reset to the default value.

What is the password default value? That has recently changed also. It is now FLSSSSSSS, where 'F' stands for your first initial (capitalized), 'L' stands for your last initial (capitalized), 'S' stands for last seven digits of your Social Security Number. For example, Susie Doe with a SSN of 123-45-6789 would have a default password of SD3456789

ITS Installs Wireless Hot Spots on Campus (June 2005)

UNF has an ongoing project underway that will expand campus computing. Information Technology Services is installing wireless fidelity or Wi-Fi in various areas of the campus. This will provide students, faculty, and staff with Internet mobility, provided they are within range of a hot spot (a wireless access point that gives users network connectivity without the need for wires). ITS recently installed Wi-Fi access points in The Coggin College of Business, Science and Engineering building and Wackadoos. Additional hot spots will be installed during the summer and fall terms at the Library, residence halls and outdoor seating areas and indoor spaces of buildings in the core of the campus. Areas with Wi-Fi are designated with a “Wireless Zone” sign. For more information and a coverage map, visit http://www.unf.edu/dept/its/wireless/. Questions may be directed to the ITS Help Desk at ext. 4357 (HELP).

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Push (May 2005)

Information Technology Services will be pushing Service Pack 2 to computers running the Windows XP operating system this summer.

Service Pack 2 (SP2) offers the latest security updates and improvements for Windows XP.  SP2 will protect your computer from harmful attachments, unsafe downloads, and crashes caused by browser add-ons. It will improve your privacy when you are on the web and reduce annoying pop-ups.

1. The push takes approximately one hour to complete. During the push, your computer may run a little slower.
2. On your scheduled “push-day”, when you leave for the day, lock your computer, but do not log-out or shut down your computer. When you arrive the next day, restart your computer.
   
3. Your computer will take significantly longer to login for the first time after the SP2 push. You will see an extra blue screen that tells you to “please wait”. Subsequent logins will be normal.
   
4. The pop-up blocker may affect some of the functions in Internet Native Banner such as extracting from INB to an Excel file.  If you experience this, click here for more information.
5. If your computer is powered off on the day it is scheduled to receive the SP2 update, the push will run the next time you turn on your computer.

If your computer exhibits problems after the SP2 push, please keep your computer powered on and call the ITS Help Desk at extension 4357 (HELP).

To view the push schedule for departments supported by Jason Ottie and the Help Desk, click here.

For areas supported by other College or Departmental Technicians, please contact your C or D-Tech. For a list of C or D-techs, click here.