If your computer’s desktop has lost its icons, or you would like to add more, just follow these easy steps:

1. Open up computers and then open program files
2. You should see folders of software installed on your computer such as iTunes, Adobe, and Microsoft Office.  For this example we’ll make a Microsoft word icon.
3. Open the Microsoft Office folder and open the folder Office14.
4. Scroll through the list until you see a Microsoft Word symbol and the name WORDICON. All programs must have an EXE. extension.
5. Right click on the program and click Send to – Desktop (create shortcut)
6. The Icon should now be on your desktop!

*Note: These instructions are used on a Windows 7 machine.  However, the directions should be similar on older operating systems.

 

Hello everyone! This is just a reminder that the University of Missouri is asking employees to change their passwords by April 15, 2011. Changing your password is easy and ensures your security.  To change your password click https://webapps.missouri.edu/revamp/wizards/passwordManager/passwordManager.jsp. To learn more click here http://doit.missouri.edu/.

–LTS

 

Trojans and Viruses are both programs that can cause harm to your computer. However, there are some differences between the two. For instance, most viruses are attached to an executable file and can only be spread by a human action. They are most usually shared through documents or emails with infected attachments. Trojans are programs that look like legitimate software, however, their true intention is to cause harm to your computer.

When in doubt, avoid opening up email attachments, clicking on unrecognized software updates, or unidentified emails that tell you to download programs.  Use care when surfing the internet and choose to visit sites you know are legitimate and infection free. Don’t hesitate to contact LTS if you ever have any questions!

Many of you are using the Symantec antivirus at home.  Your home version will also expire at the end of the month.  You will want to remove the Symantec program from your computer before installing a new program.

Microsoft’s program for home use is called Microsoft Security Essentials. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/?mkt=en-us

It is a free program and is updated along with your Microsoft Windows products.  It is comparable to the Forefront client we are running on campus.

There are also other good, free antivirus products.  If you are using one of them, there is no need to change.  Just be sure that your are getting regular updates; without them, you may not be protected from new virus strains.

To prevent the installation of malware on your computer, consider following these precautions:

1. Never open an attachment in a forwarded message unless you are positive you know what the attachment is. Never assume it is okay because you know the person. They could unknowingly be forwarding infected malware.
2. Never click inside of a pop up when on the internet. Always close out of it by pressing the “X” in the corner or cancel or close.
3. If your computer sends you a message that it has been infected by malware and you need to download a random program to get rid of it, always opt out.  This could be a sign that you are already infected. By downloading an obscure program, you could only make it worse. Note: Some malware can look very professional and legitimate. Always use caution with anti-virus programs.
4. Avoid downloading games, or other free software packages.

For office workers in need of some helpful computer tips to be more efficient, nothing is better than learning a few keyboard shortcuts.

•CTRL+C (Copy) Highlight the text or picture you want to copy. While simultaneously holding down the control button, press C.

•CTRL+X (Cut) Highlight the area you wish to cut and then press control and X at the same time.

•CTRL+V (Paste) To paste, select the area you wish to paste into, and simultaneously hold down control and then press V.

•CTRL+Z (Undo)  Possibly the most useful tool ever.  To undo a mistake, hold down control and then press Z.

• ALT+TAB (Switch between opened items) If you have multiple opened applications, you can view them at the same time by holding down ALT and pressing the TAB button.

Microsoft now offers enrollment in the Software Assurance Home Use Program (HUP) to University employees.  Under HUP, you may purchase Microsoft Office Professional Plus. The software is for personal use and has no restrictions to any work at home policies. The license is good as long as you are a University employee.

A digital download costs just $9.95. You may also purchase a backup disc (includes packaging, shipping, and handling) for an additional $12.95. The license is valid as long as you are a University employee.

To request a copy, log on to My Services and follow all instructions. https://myservices.missouri.edu/

PT Martin

Summer Upgrades to the Information Commons in Ellis
The Information Commons will soon be sporting several new changes. The silver iMacs running Windows on the east side of the Commons, are being upgraded to Windows 7. The OASYS computers maintained by DoIT, have been upgraded to Windows 7.

Virtual Computing Pilot Project – Ellis Library
Last fall DoIT gave us the opportunity to take part in the initial testing phase of their new virtual computing environment.  There were four Wyse “thin clients” that were installed in the Oasis area and were configured in a way that was very similar to the other DoIT run stations in that area.  There were a few road bumps, but for the most part the test was a success and has now ended, and the four thin clients removed.  DoIT has again approached us with another pilot opportunity.  They have offered to purchase and give us as many virtual terminals as we would like for use in the pubic computing areas throughout the library.  We will be installing 47 HP thin clients throughout the library in public areas.  These machines are small terminals that run the operating system and programs from a centralized server that DoIT maintains. They are inexpensive, and have fewer parts to go bad.  Their life expectancy in a public lab is supposed to be about 6 years.  They will begin by running Windows XP and will be upgraded to Windows 7 once the system has been certified and tested for compatibility.  As part of our agreement with DoIT LTS will retain the right to customize the software, configuration and preferences as necessary to fit the specific needs of the Library.

This is very exciting.  With the cost of the terminals covered by DoIT the cost to the library for participating in this project is nearly nothing.  In addition, one of the primary benefits of virtual computing is that it significantly reduces the amount of time spent on the administration of each individual desktop computer.  Every virtual session is a duplicate that has been pulled from a master image.  It has the potential to offer huge time savings on the staff in LTS, and should free up time to spend on more library specific projects.

Update on New Staff Computers
The new staff computers and monitors are here!  Staff persons with Dell GX620 computers will have their machines replaced with Dell GX680 computers and new 20” flat panel monitors.  These machines will run the new Windows 7 operating system, and the new Office 2010 suite.  I realize that staff is very excited about getting the new machines into production as the GX620s are not always able to perform at an acceptable level. There are a significant amount of “under the hood”  changes in Windows 7, and we have had to make significant changes in our deployment and management processes.  We are in the process of finishing our deployment strategy for Windows 7 and will distribute the machines as soon as we are certain that our image is stable.

Update on Existing Staff Computers
There have been a few questions asked about the plan for Windows 7 and Office 2010 on the staff computers that are not replaced this year. The deployment of new staff machines is my primary concern, and although in the past there have been massive efforts to ensure that all machines were running the same operating system, and Office version I no longer feel this is necessary.  The cross platform compatibility issues that have existed in the past simply no longer exist.   Moving forward we will be evaluating the remainder of the staff workstation models, and for those machines that are able to run Windows 7 we will stop maintaining our Windows XP image and build a new Windows 7 image.  That new image will be used to reinstall the OS on computers that require it during repair, and it will be deployed on an as needed basis. There is currently no plan for a massive upgrade of all staff to Windows 7 or Office 2010 at this time.  If you have a particular need for an upgrade to Windows 7 and or Office 2010, and you are not expecting a new computer this year, please send a note to asklts@missouri.edu.

Discounted Office 2010 for Windows and Office 2008 for Mac available to MU Faculty and Staff
For a fraction of the retail price, Microsoft now offers enrollment in Software Assurance Home Use Program (HUP) to University employees.  Under HUP, you may purchase Microsoft titles that are volume-licensed by the University, like Microsoft Office Professional.  Software if for personal use and has no restrictions to any work at home policies.

A digital download costs just $9.95. You may also purchase a backup disc (includes packaging, shipping, and handling) for an additional $12.95. The license is valid as long as you are a University employee.

To request a copy, log on to My Services and follow all instructions. https://myservices.missouri.edu/

UPDATE: Symantec Anti-virus Software for Home Use
The campus license for Symantec Anti-virus software has not been renewed and will expire in December. Libraries staff are asked to remove Symantec from their personal computers by January 1, 2011.

DoIT has suggested replacing your existing install of Symantec with the free Microsoft product called Security Essentials.  “Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.”

Find it here http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/default.aspx

Tip for Outlook:
1. Add holidays to your Outlook calendar from virtually any country in the world.
1. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click Calendar Options.
2. Under Calendar options, click Add Holidays.
3. Select the check box next to each country/region whose holidays you want to add to your calendar, and then click OK.

New computers for those with Dell GX 280s
UM Systems has increased the Desktop Enhancement computer replacement schedule from 3 years to 4 years. LTS is working to get our staff computers in compliance with these new requirements. Currently, computers due to be replaced are the Dell GX 280 series. Staff members with this series will be replaced over the next few months. The replacement machines are Dell GX 755s, running Windows XP. The systems have 20″ flat panel monitors.

Flat panel monitors for all
Working with LMT, LTS is prepared to replace staff CRT monitors replaced with flat panel monitors. LTS has acquired enough 17″ Dell flat panel monitors to replace those who do not already have Flat Panel Monitors. We have these monitors on site, so look for your replacement in the coming weeks.

LTS has instituted a laptop checkout program

• Any MU Libraries employee may request a laptop from the program.
• The machine may be for Libraries business or for personal use.
• Check out may be for no longer than 1 week per use, depending on availability.
• We currently have 4 laptops – 3 Windows XP systems and 1 Mac OS X system.
• Each machine is set up with the following software:
  o Microsoft Office Suite (either 2003 or 2007; 2004 for the Mac),
  o internet access and both Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers,
  o VPN client, which enables the user to log on to the Libraries network, so the Q: & M: drives can be accessed,
  o FTP clients,
  o Symantec Virus protection software;
  o Needed internet plug-ins, such as Acrobat Reader, Flash, Shockwave, etc.

Additional software may be requested, depending on licensing compliance. Laptops may be checked out directly from LTS. Make your request by emailing us at: asklts@missouri.edu.