HelpDesk
         
TCNJ Tech Talk 

March 2004 Vol. 2 Issue 2
http://www.tcnj.edu/~helpdesk



Spring is Finally Here!  Now is a good time to do some light housework around your computing station. 

  • Clean your monitor:  Fingerprints can quickly accumulate on a monitor.    Spray glass cleaner onto a towel, and wipe clean - do not spray the cleaner directly on the screen.   With the monitor powered off, take the moist towel and wipe off the monitor.
  • Clean your keyboard: You will probably be both shocked and appalled when you realize how much dirt and junk can accumulate between the keys of your keyboard (Oh, so that is where all my sandwich crumbs go!).  The easiest way to clean your keyboard is to purchase a can of "Dusting Spray" through Boise Cascade which is basically a can of air.  It will quickly blast all of the dirt from your keyboard.
  • Clean the operating system:
     Delete temporary internet files
    Defrag Hard Drive

While you're at it, how about getting organized as well! 
User Support Services has investigated and reviewed many Personal Data Assistants (PDA) and has decided to recommend the Sony Clie PEG-TJ27 and PEG-TJ37 as the campus standard PDA.  If you plan to purchase a PDA, please view the Specification and Information Sheet  If you have any questions contact your Support Specialist by calling the HelpDesk at X2660. 

Netscape Messenger Users:
Time Saving Tip:  Did you know that you can "Edit a Message as New" in Netscape? What this means is that you can go into your Sent folder, locate a message you have previously sent and resend it. 
To do this:
1.  Select the message that you would like resent from your 'Sent' folder.
2.  Select 'Message' from the top menu options
3.  Select 'Edit Message as New'.  The message will open as a new message.

 

  

 

 
To a computer you use: Thunderbird

We are proud to announce that Information Technology is in the final planning stages of a new email software package called Thunderbird. Thunderbird will replace Netscape Messenger as our standard email client.    Our new standard  web browser will be Internet Explorer. 
Some of Thunderbird's capabilities include:

  • Junk mail filtering.

  • Ability to check multiple email accounts simultaneously.

  • Advanced address book features.

  • Not Netscape..Just kidding on this one, but basically, Thunderbird is up-to-date software and performs exceptionally well.

Please stay tuned for more information!

How to Export Netscape Bookmarks into Internet Explorer.
Internet Explorer is a great web browser to use and will soon become our campus standard browser; however you may have Netscape bookmarks that you use regularly.  You can quickly export your  Netscape Bookmarks to Internet Explorer, by using the Import Utility in Internet Explorer. For a detailed PDF with pictures, click here.

1.  Open Internet Explorer. Go to File>Import and Export
2.  A Welcome to the Import/Export Wizard appears.  Click Next.
3.  On the Import/Export Selection screen, choose Import Favorites.  Click Next.
4.  On the Import Favorites Source, click on Import from a File or Address.  Make sure the path reads:  C:\ProgramFiles\Netscape\Communicator\..\Users\YOUR E-MAIL ID\bookmark.htm. Choose Next.
5.  On the Import Favorites Destination Folder, highlight Favorites.  Choose Next.
6.  On the Completing the Import/Export, choose Finish.
When you go to Internet Explorer, you will see all these bookmarks are now listed as favorites.

 

 


Virus Information:  Email Viruses are unfortunately a part of computing life; however there are steps that we can take to make sure that our computers do not become infected.  Most viruses are spread through email and are now often spoofing the sender information so they appear as if they are coming from valid addresses of coworkers, associates, and friends.  It is not enough anymore just to disregard emails from people you don't know, you also have to be aware of strange characteristics from valid email addresses.  For example, if there are odd spelling mistakes, or strange greetings and endings, contact the sender and verify the email is valid.  Also, if the attachment requests a password, be wary.  There is a string of viruses circulating that send a zip file that is password protected.  Use caution and always call the HelpDesk if you are unsure before downloading or opening an attachment. 

For up-to-the-minute virus updates, please visit the HelpDesk's virus information page: http://www.tcnj.edu/~helpdesk/virus_information.htm  
The page includes the latest Ten virus alerts as well as common hoaxes.  

You can also learn more about TCNJ’s approach to managing viruses at:
http://www.tcnj.edu/tcnj/it/security/protection.html

It is also important to make sure that you have the EPO agent installed and running on your campus computer.  The EPO agent automatically updates your campus computer with the latest virus definitions, preventing infection.  To determine if you have EPO installed, look at the system tray by your clock in the lower right corner of your desktop.  You should see an icon that looks like a yellow circle with a man running through it.  When you move your mouse over the icon, a label will pop up and it should say 'ePolicy Orchestrator Agent'. 

If you do not have the EPO agent running, you should install it through SAL. 
To install EPO through SAL:
Click on 'Start' button and open 'SAL Applications'
From the left side of the window, click on 'Virus Scan Applications'
To the right, double click on the icon 'EPO Agent Install'.

This will install the EPO Agent.
 


Would you like a question answered in next month’s issue? Please forward comments/questions to ohara@tcnj.edu
     http://www.tcnj.edu/~helpdesk