Technology Newsletter

In this Issue:

• New Version of Anti-Virus Software
• Streaming Video From the Internet
• Spring Semester Classroom Software Planning
• Classroom Technology Training
• Computer Support Work Order System - New Self Service Option!

Computer Resale Special

Receive 15% off all desktops at the Computer Equipment Resale store on October 26th & 27th, 2009 when you enter the promotion code ‘Autumn’ on the Payment Methods page. Item availability is limited.

Click here to access the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning web site to see what technology training is available.

Click below to access the

Links to past articles of interest:

• Request a CPS Kit for your Office


• Alternative to Adobe Acrobat Pro


• Request Service on Checkout Laptops
• Updating Media Used for Instruction

by Ben Chambers and Scott Claerhout

Symantec has released a new anti-virus and anti-spyware client called Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) that will be installed on all faculty and staff computers within the next few months. The new icon on the taskbar will look like this after SEP has been installed on the computer. This new version has gone through testing in various locations around campus and has proven to have more advanced capabilities than the Symantec Anti-virus software previously used.

In addition to virus protection, SEP also provides anti-spyware protection and protection against network threats. All three of these features scan the computer in real-time as it is used in order to keep the system free from malicious attack.

Once SEP has been installed on your computer, you may occasionally see a Network Threat Protection pop-up window. If this window appears, Symantec is informing you that a program is trying to access the network and needs permission from you to continue. By selecting the “Yes” button, the program will continue working normally. Clicking “No” will block the program from the network, keeping potentially harmful content from damaging the computer or the Ferris network.

In order to fully understand how you might respond to these types of prompts, click here for a comprehensive overview of network threat protection.

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by Mike Johnson

Streaming video from the Internet is a new and different way of presenting material in a classroom environment. There are a few things that you need to know in order to stream successfully. The image on the right is an example of a video that is being streamed from the Internet (YouTube.com) to provide a graphic representation. Arrow #1 is pointing at the portion of the video that has already been played. Arrow #2 is the current point in the video in respect to the timeline. Arrow #3 is pointing at the portion of buffered (already downloaded) video content. Please note that in order for the video to play without interruption or skipping it is best practice to let the video buffer completely. To do so you will need to first start the video, then pause the video using the play/pause button located to the left of arrow #1. Then allow #3 to reach the end of the timeline. Once this has occurred, the video should play seamlessly. In some cases this can take a couple minutes, so plan for a couple minutes of preparation when streaming video in a classroom environment.

by Randy Shanks

Now is the time to start planning for classroom software needs for the Spring semester.

Next semester may seem a long ways away, but it is approaching fast. The sooner we start working together to ensure classroom software needs are addressed for Spring semester, the better it will be for all.

Please contact the TAC at 231-591-4822 and create a work order for your CTS support team to contact you about software planning for Spring semester. This will ensure everything is ready to make class a success!

by Jody Gardei

Most faculty do not have the luxury of using the same classroom for all of their classes. Unfortunately, the technology in one classroom may not mirror that of another. The use of dated and newer technologies between rooms can be frustrating, but training is available to assist you.

The CTS and Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning host sessions on how to use the equipment available in the classrooms. These sessions are advertised through email in the University Wide Notices. Technology support staff members are also available upon request to provide group and/or one-on-one classroom technology training in a particular room to assist you with understanding the functionality of the technology in that particular room.

Please contact the TAC at 231-591-4822 to set up a classroom technology training session and improve your experience with technology in the classroom.

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by Susan Cherry

Information Technology Services is pleased to announce we have launched two new services for faculty and staff. You can now enter new work orders yourself, and you can review your work order history, right from within MyFSU!

After logging into MyFSU, just navigate to the Help Tab, and look for the channel titled, "Computer Support Requests." Just click on the link in that box and you will be in the self service portal. You will see a list of all your work orders, newest to oldest. Clicking on the work order number will show details about the work order. You can view the technician's notes as the work order progresses, too.

To enter a work order, click on, "New Work Order." The work order will be put in under your name. Please be as descriptive as possible in the incident description, and include your contact information if you are not in your office.

If you have a high priority situation that you need immediate assistance with, please call the TAC at 231-591-4822, or toll free at 877-779-4822, instead of entering in the on-line system.

If you have any questions or comments, give us a call.