TechTips, Volume 2

Volume 2

November 13, 2009, Volume 2, No. 5

TechTips gives members of the Franklin & Marshall Community a quick and easy way to get timely information from ITS. News items range from Quick Tips on using technology to updates about current ITS services and future projects. TechTips also provides a mechanism for input and feedback to ITS.

In this issue, we discuss some practices to assist in handling the increasingly large amounts of email we receive everyday. We also feature a comparison of our wired and wireless networks and provide an advisory against the newest influx of phishing scams we're seeing around campus. Additionally, we've got another episode of our TechTips Podcast.

We welcome your comments and hope you enjoy TechTips and find it useful.

-Christopher Silansky '05, Desktop Support Specialist

Overwhelmed by your Inbox? Time to enter the six-step program.:
A recent survey from industry showed that 58% of workers spend up to three hours a day on email. If you have more than 100 messages in your inbox, read on… you know who you are.
TechTips Podcast #2: n/a
Wired vs. Wireless – Which is Best?:
Which is the best way to connect to Franklin and Marshall College’s (F&M) Ethernet network – wired or wireless? To answer this question, one simple principle needs to be understood – dedicated resources vs. shared resources.
Phishing Scams on the Rise:
In recent weeks Internet-wide phishing schemes have snared several members of the F&M community. Here are some guidelines from ITS on how to recognize and deal with these scams.
Quick Tips - 11/13/09:
Having scroll problems with Apple's Mighty Mouse? Unable to select your eDisk folder, or has it disappeared from your desktop? This week, solutions to these common problems.

October 28, 2009, Volume 2, No. 4

In this issue, we focus on the "why" and "how" of backups. ITS has released communication on this topic in the past, but the TechTips staff believes that this is a topic that can never be covered too thoroughly. This week, we also outline the new hardware lineup introduced by Apple last week and announce an updated version of Symantec AntiVirus for Mac, now compatible with Snow Leopard.

We welcome your comments and hope you enjoy TechTips and find it useful.

-Christopher Silansky '05, Desktop Support Specialist

New Lineup of Macs:
On Tuesday of last week, Apple released a vast array of upgraded technology to their hardware lineup. Here's an overview of what's new!
Backups: Revisited:
Sure, ITS always talks about backups, but how important are they really?
Symantec AntiVirus 11:
Information on the new version of Symantec AntiVirus – compatible with Snow Leopard!
ITS Hosts Backup Space for Time Machine:
Information about our new backup service that replaces Retrospect Remote.
Quick Tips - 10/28/09:
This week, some backup Q&A in a nutshell, and information on obtaining access to the F&M network for guests of the College.

October 15, 2009, Volume 2, No. 3

In this issue you will find useful advice on extending battery life, a reminder of our forthcoming switch to FandM-WiFi, advice for Verizon customers, and QuickTips on wireless network configuration and Microsoft Office.

We also present our first TechTips Podcast which covers a wide range of topics from Windows 7 and Snow Leopard to inductive charging technology.

We welcome your comments and hope you enjoy TechTips and find it useful.

-Chris Swisher, Director of Desktop Integration & Support

Keep Your Batteries Going Strong:
The battery in your laptop will eventually lose its endurance, but here are some tips to maximize its lifespan.
TechTips Podcast #1: n/a
FandM-WiFi – Making the Switch:
This weekend, our old wireless network (Wireless FandM) will be deactivated. Make sure you know how to use the new network (FandM-WiFi) if you aren't already – we'll show you how to make a smooth transition.
Problems With Verizon DSL:
Do you use Verizon for your internet access at home? Have you been having trouble sending email lately? Here's the explanation.
Quick Tips - 10/15/09:
It's easy to end up with various wireless networks cluttering up the connection settings on your Mac. Find out how to clean them up.

October 2, 2009, Volume 2, No. 2

Welcome to TechTips, the Information Technology Services Newsletter.

TechTips gives members of the Franklin & Marshall Community a quick and easy way to get timely information from ITS. News items range from Quick Tips on using ITS-supported software in your work at the College to updates about current services and future projects. TechTips also provides a mechanism for input and feedback to ITS. In this issue you will find information about a new crowdsourcing application we are testing called "Get Satisfaction," as well as articles about the iPhone and iPod Touch, information about the forthcoming Windows 7 operating system, and details on Snow Leopard, Apple's new operating system.

We welcome your comments and hope you enjoy TechTips and find it useful.

-Chris Swisher, Director of Desktop Integration & Support

Know Your OS - 10/2/09:
An ongoing Windows/Mac discussion column between Jon Miller, Coordinator of Windows Support, and Christopher Silansky '05, Desktop Support Specialist.
iPhone 3.1 - Finally, MMS!:
On September 9th, Apple released version 3.1 of the iPhone software. Learn about some of the additions and improvements here.
Get Satisfaction from ITS:
ITS is testing a new tool to improve our abilities to solve problems and communicate. Help us help everyone and take a look!
Quick Tips - 10/2/09:
This week, learn to create ringtones out of any song you own, for free, using GarageBand. Also, a rundown of the capabilities of the different versions of Windows 7.

September 16, 2009, Volume 2, No. 1

Welcome to the first TechTips Newsletter of the 2009-2010 Academic Year from Information Technology Services.

TechTips gives members of the Franklin & Marshall Community a quick and easy way to get timely information from ITS. News items range from quick tips on using ITS supported software in your work at the College to updates about current services and future projects. TechTips also provides a mechanism for input and feedback to ITS. In this issue you will find information about our new home in the Harris Center called the Innovation Zone, as well as articles about Operating Systems and changes to the F&M Software Server. Lastly, I'm pleased to unveil the new ITS home page http://its.fandm.edu which has been redesigned to more efficiently provide current information about our resources and services.

I welcome your comments and hope you enjoy TechTips and find it useful.

Regards, Jon Enos, CIO

Know Your OS - 9/16/09:
An ongoing Windows/Mac discussion column between Jon Miller, Coordinator of Windows Support, and Christopher Silansky '05, Desktop Support Specialist.
Welcome to the Innovation Zone:
Haven't been to the new Innovation Zone yet? Come take a look around in the new Harris Center, between the College Center and the Martin Library of the Sciences.
Snow Leopard is Here:
Apple's newest version of the Mac OS is here.
Updates on the Software Server:
A few things to know about updates to the software on F&M's Software Server.
Quick Tips - 9/16/09:
eDisk problems? Wondering about that new wireless network that's showing up? We can help.

Information Technology Services