This guide is written to promote self-sufficiency: please check here first to see if your questions are answered before contacting the Network Tech Support for help.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is located directly after this section.

If you are new to our school district, you will receive a logon ID from your advisory teacher shortly after enrolling.

This guide assumes a basic knowledge of computer use and a familiarity with common automated tasks internet use and creating, saving, retrieving and printing documents and spreadsheets.

Technical support is offered through the Web Help Desk. The web address is: helpdesk.wednet.sjisd.edu/tech or by contacting Network Tech Support at techsupport@sjisd.wednet.edu

A checklist of DOs and DON’Ts plus a Quick Troubleshooting Guide is located at the end of this document. Please take a few minutes to look at it before logging on to the system.

A short glossary of terms used throughout this guide follows:

Logon ID - a word that identifies you as an approved user of the SJISD network. Typically, your logon id is a combination of your first name’s initial and your last name. Example: jandoe is Jan Doe’s logon ID. In this guide, the logon ID jandoe is used in examples.

Application - refers to software (a computer program) which performs a specific function or task such as email, internet browsing or word processing.

Session – the time you spend at your computer from logon to log off

Network -SJISD’s collection of personal computers, printers and servers providing computing services to students, faculty and staff

Novell - the name of the software company that makes our network and email software

Workstation - a personal computer located in any SJISD building, office, classroom or special use location such as a library, lab or workroom

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

v Can you tell me a bit about our network and how it is structured?

v I am a new student, how do I get a logon ID?

Using the network

v How do I access the District network and log onto my workstation?

Email

v Where is my email and how do I access it?

Word Processing, spreadsheets and other applications

v I want to use one of the Microsoft Office programs? How do I start these applications?

v I need documentation for GroupWise, Word, Excel, etc., where do I find it?

Printing

v How do I print?

Security

v What are the rules for passwords?

v I forgot my password, what do I do?

v How do I change my password?

v What anti-virus protection does the network have?

Where is my stuff?

v Where do I store my work?

v How do I find my work?

Internet

v I want to browse the internet, how do I do this?

v What controls are in place to block inappropriate or obscene content?

v Can I bypass these controls?

Removable Media

v Can I upload/download data from my data key, digital camera, Personal Data Assistant?

Special Applications

v I have software that I’d like to use. How do I go about installing it?

v I have special hardware that I’d like to put on the network or single workstation, what’s the procedure for installing it?

Support and Resources

v How do I know if I have a hardware or software problem? Who can help me?

v I’m looking for manuals for common software (Microsoft Office, email), where do I find them?

v I’m a computer novice and want to learn more, what are my options?

Using the Network

Logging on

Check to make sure your workstation and its monitor are switched on. You should see a blue screen similar to the picture below:

Press the Ctrl, Alt and Del keys together and you will see this screen:

Type in your logon id (eg, jandoe) in the space labeled Username press the tab key (or use the mouse) to move to the password line and type your password. Make sure the Workstation only box is not checked. Click on OK.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your logon attempt is rejected and an error message displayed, try the following:

v Make sure the Workstation Only box is unchecked and try again

v Make sure the Caps Lock is off (most keyboards have an indicator light to show when Caps Lock is set on)

v You made an error in typing your password. Make sure Caps Lock is off and retry.

Email and Calendar

Introduction

This section will be completed with new instructions for student email.

Word Processing, Spreadsheets and More

Introduction

The District network provides a suite of OpenOffice applications for students on classroom computers. OpenOffice provides word processing (Writer) and spreadsheets (Calc), as well as a presentation package (Impress), a database (Base) and graphics (Draw). OpenOffice is configured to save work in Microsoft Office file formats. If you need help, contact the Web Help Desk at helpdesk.wednet.sjisd.edu/tech or Network Tech Support at techsupport@sjisd.wednet.edu or you may also see the Librarian.

Future updates of this documentation will include more information on OpenOffice.

Microsoft Office applications are available in computer labs and the high school Library Media Center lab. They are:

Application Name	Use to create:
Word	Documents such as letters, research papers and the usual text applications
Excel	Spreadsheets and perform calculations, charts and other graphic displays of data
PowerPoint	Presentations, signs and other text/graphic uses
Publisher	Newsletters, special handouts, brochures
Access	Database applications

Please see the section “Where’s My Stuff?” for a discussion of saving files and organizing them for easy retrieval.

How to

OpenOffice:

To start any of the OpenOffice applications, click on the desktop icons or click on Start at the southwest corner of your screen, click on Programs, click on OpenOffice.org and click on the application you wish to use.

Troubleshooting note: if you are using OpenOffice on a computer where the programs have not been used before, you may get a welcome screen which offers a wizard to guide you through the end user license agreement and registration process. All copies of OpenOffice have been pre-registered for use at SJISD. You need only do the following: click the “Next” button, click on “Scroll Down” on the next screen, click on the “Accept” button. The next screen will ask you for your name and initials: leave these boxes blank and click on “Next”. On the OpenOffice.org Registration screen, select “I do not want to register” and then click on “Finish.” Contact the HelpDesk or the Librarian if you need assistance with this process.

Microsoft Office:

To start any of the Microsoft Office applications, click on the desktop icons or click on Start at the southwest corner of your screen, click on Programs, click on Microsoft Office and click on the application you wish to use.

You are encouraged to save your work immediately after starting an application and to save your work frequently while developing a document or spreadsheet. When you use the Save feature, you will be automatically directed to your own, private My Documents folder. You may organize My Documents in any way that helps you find your saved work. You may add folders (use the Create New Folder icon) on the menu bar:

File names may be up to 215 characters in length and may include blanks. File names cannot contain the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > |

References

OpenOffice:

Each application has a Help option located on the far right end of the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click on the Help option and select OpenOffice.org Help.

Good information for OpenOffice can be found at: http://www.openoffice.org/

User guides at: http://documentation.openoffice.org/manuals/index.html

Microsoft Office:

Each Microsoft Office application has a Help option located on the far right end of the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click on the Help option and select the help feature you want. Usually it is the top option on the list labeled Microsoft Office [program name] Help

Printing

Introduction

Your default printer will be either attached directly to your workstation (a “local” printer) or will be available via the network. Your printers have been installed and are ready to use.

You are urged to always use the “Print Preview” feature of the application you are using prior to printing. Seeing a sample of your printout before actually sending it to a printer often helps you spot errors that you can correct before printing a final copy. Ultimately this will help conserve our precious paper supply by reducing the number of documents that require reprinting.

How to view and manage your printers

To find installed printers and learn which printer is set as your default, choose one of the following options depending on your workstation’s operating system.

Windows 2000: Click on the Start button (lower left corner of screen), then click on Settings, then click on Printer

Windows XP: Click on Start button (lower left corner of screen), then click on Printers and Faxes

Your default printer is shown by a dark circle with a check mark in it.

To change your default printer, right click on the printer you want and choose the “Set as Default” option.

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem: I want to cancel a print job

Resolution: Using the “How to view and manage your printers” instructions (above), double click on the printer icon to select the printer. You will see the following screen:

Next, use the menu option Printer, and select Cancel All Documents

Problem: I need to print in color

Resolution: All staff has access to at least one networked color printer. See your teacher if you are working in a classroom; see the Librarian if you are working in the Library.

Security - Passwords

Introduction

Your password is designed to protect your work as well as the integrity of the District network system.

To ensure a tamper-free, intruder-free network environment, you are encouraged to follow these guidelines in choosing and using your password:

Above all else, keep your password private. Do not disclose it to anyone else. If you must keep a written record of your password, keep it in a private, secure location.

Do not tape your password to the front of your computer, leave it in an unsecured desk drawer or write it on your desk!

Suggestions for good passwords

v Use a minimum of 7 characters and numbers

v Use both upper and lower case characters

v Do not use your name or your logon id as part of the password

v Change your password at least every 60 days for maximum security

Examples:

Good: Rover345 or xyz4321 Best: X2y76aaBb or r5xyY498

Not acceptable: Steve or davidj or jdoe

How to change your password

Press the crtl-alt-del keys
Click on Change Password button (lower left of the “Novell Client for Windows” screen).
On the Change Password screen, you will see three white boxes with labels

Old Password: (type in your current password)

New Password: (type in the password you want to change to)

Confirm New Password: (type the new password again)

Click on OK when done

References

For further reading on passwords and security, please see:

District Policies

Steve’s stuff: __________________________________________

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem: I forgot my password

Resolution:

Use the Web Help Desk (at a teacher’s or another student’s workstation)
Contact your site administrative office (or “main office”) in your building.
Contact your advisory teacher.
Send a note by inter-District mail or email to the Network Tech Support requesting to have your password reset. Include your logon ID. Please do not contact the Network Tech Support by telephone unless you have an emergency.

Security – Virus Protection

Introduction

The District has selected SOPHOS as our virus protection software.

This anti-virus, anti-spyware software protects our entire network: workstations, servers, email, internet and individual files.

The software is loaded and updated automatically and requires no user intervention. You can be assured that you are protected by one of the best systems available.

Removable media (those brought in from home by students and staff) will be automatically scanned for viruses when they are placed into a drive or attached by cable. Files will not be loaded if they are found to contain viruses.

Where is my Stuff?

Introduction

When you receive your logon id, an area on one of the servers is set aside for a personal “storage” area. You will automatically get your own “Desktop”, “My Documents” folder and access to a Shared folder.

Feel free to organize your “My Documents” folder in a way that helps you with your work. You may add folders (use the “new folder” icon).

Name your folders in a manner that is meaningful to you. Some students will make a folder for each class, ie, “Biology”, “English”, etc. If you do not plan to store much of your work at school, you may save files in My Documents without subfolders.

Student files and folders—their personal class work—will be stored in their home folder which teachers, paraeducators and administrators may access by double clicking on the File on ‘Sjisd-student1’icon under your My Computer icon. Student home folders are organized by year of graduation.

Finding your work

There are several ways of locating files.

For recently saved work from one of the Microsoft Office applications, you may start the application and use the File menu option located at the top left of your screen. Clicking on File will bring up a menu at the bottom of which is a list of a few recently used files. Click on the file name and the file will open. Note: you may wish to use the Tools, Options menu to increase the number of files listed.

Or, you may click on File, then on Open and then use the pulldown list at the top of the screen to direct your search to a particular drive and folder.

For most applications, you may use the My Recent Documents option for a list of files. Use the Start button at the lower left of your screen, then click on My Recent Documents. Highlighting and clicking on the file name will open the file.

Clicking on the Start button at the lower left of your screen will also give you the option to search for a file based on specific search criteria. Click on the Search option and enter criteria as required.

You may click on My Computer (usually a desktop icon or accessed via the Start button at the lower left of your screen) and click on My Documents or click on a series of drives and folders until you find your document.

Internet Use

Introduction

Internet use is available to all workstations and should be used for academic purposes to support instruction or office-related activity. The District network provides content controls to prevent viewing of inappropriate websites such as those containing streaming media (ie, MP3, ABI video), chat rooms, software downloads, games and pornographic material.

Policies regarding internet use are found in your student planner, under “Acceptable Tech Use Policy”.

How to

To access the internet, click on the icon on your desktop or find Internet Explorer by clicking on the Start button at the southwest corner of your screen, then click on Programs and finally, click on Internet Explorer

References

Use the Help option on the Internet Explorer menu bar for assistance.

Troubleshooting Tips

The following is a typical error message if content has been blocked per SJISD policy:

Removable Media, Digital Cameras, PDAs, etc.

Introduction

WARNING:

Older, non-Windows XP systems can cause damage to some removable media (eg, USB data keys). Do not trust these workstations. Find a workstation that operates with Windows XP before connecting your data key.

Digital data keys (portable, removable storage devices), digital cameras and other digital equipment which attach to workstations via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector may be used safely on newer workstations with Windows XP operating systems.

Equipment requiring special or vendor software to transfer data and images must have prior approval by the Network Tech Support before use. Do not install any programs without permission.

Safe Removal of Devices

Always use the icon on the system tray to safely stop your digital device. The icon shows a green arrow above a digital device. An example is shown below.

Double click on the icon to start the safe removal procedure and follow instructions as shown on the screen.

This is usually a two step process as shown on the following examples.

Wait until you are advised (a message will pop up near the system tray icon) that it is safe to remove your hardware before unplugging it.

Sometimes you will be advised to “try later.” Make sure all files using the portable device are completely closed and that you do not have an application such as My Computer active before attempting to stop and remove the device.

Special Applications – Non-supported Software and Hardware

Introduction

Non-supported software and hardware must be approved before purchase or installation on the District network. This includes all devices, add-ons, peripherals and programs.

This is a District policy and is intended to preserve the integrity of the network. Unsupported software has the potential to conflict with existing network settings and security.

The approval process begins with a request submitted to the Web Help Desk:

helpdesk.sjisd.wednet.edu/tech

The hardware or software must pass a number of tests to assure its compatibility with the network’s existing equipment and that it will not compromise the network’s integrity or security.

Student Computer and Network Use

Introduction

Documentation for student use of the district’s network is located in student planners, posted in the libraries and classrooms. This documentation will also be available by clicking on the Student web page on each of the school web sites.

Students receive their logon ID and email address at the beginning of the school year or shortly after enrollment. This process is handled through the site main office or the advisory teacher in the high school.

They receive a student handbook outlining rules and policies; this also covers network acceptable use.

Support and Resources

Introduction

Sources of support for network use are this User Guide, the Web Help Desk helpdesk.sjisd.wenet.edu/tech or by contacting Network Tech Support (email: techsupport@sjisd.wednet.edu).

Try the troubleshooting tips at the end of this guide first, if your question or problem is not listed there, try the Web Help Desk.

Sometimes just by explaining your issue to another person, you are able to find the solution without having to seek “expert” help.

For support and instruction in using any of the Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher), GroupWise email or Internet Explorer, click on the Help option (most frequently found on the menu bar of the application itself). The help option will take you to the application’s user manual and a searchable index of topics.

Use the buddy system and ask another student for help. Many students are knowledgeable about applications and are pleased to be asked for their expertise.

Supplies, Repairs and Upgrades

See your teacher for items like paper, ink and toner cartridges or for repair requests.

DOs, DON’Ts and Troubleshooting Guide

DO

v Keep your password confidential. If you must keep a written reminder, keep it in a safe, protected, private place.

v Power down your computer completely if you need to replace the mouse or keyboard. This means all power off, not just logged off.

v Save your work frequently while you are working on documents, presentations, spreadsheets, etc.

v Check the Web Help Desk before calling the Network Tech Support for help. Common problems and frequently asked questions may be answered there.

v Power down your computer at each night before leaving school unless otherwise directed.

DON’T

v Disconnect a mouse or keyboard while your workstation is powered on. Power down first before unplugging this equipment. Serious and permanent damage to the computer can occur.

v Install any programs or special equipment without securing permission from the Network Tech Support. District policy forbids the installation of unsupported software or hardware.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Problem: I forgot my password

Resolution: Send an email to the Network Tech Support and ask to have your password reset. He will be unable to tell you what your password was, but will give you a temporary password that will allow you to log on and set a new password.

Problem: My computer won’t work

Resolution:

v First, make sure the main power cord is plugged into the wall socket firmly. Plugs can become dislodged with normal activity if desks or computers are moved even slightly.

v Next, make sure the network cable is plugged into the computer. This looks like a heavy telephone cord. Never plug a regular phone cable into your computer.

Problem: I can’t log on

Resolution:

v Make sure the log on screen’s Workstation Only box is unchecked.

v Make sure your Caps Lock key is not on. Remember, your password is case-sensitive.

v Check to see if others near you are having the same problem – perhaps there is a temporary network outage

Problem: I can’t get my printer to work or I can’t find my printout

Resolution:

v Check to make sure your printer is powered on (check wall plug to ensure it is plugged in securely).

v Some printers have a button marked “on line” – make sure it is on.

v Look at the default printer for your workstation to make sure you are sending your print job to the correct machine. Click on the Start button at the southwest corner of your screen, then click on Printers and Faxes. Your default printer will be indicated by a dark circle with a check mark.

v Check to see if your job is waiting to print (click on the printer icon in the system tray in the southeast corner of your screen). You may not have sent a job to your printer

v Check the printer’s paper supply and if there are signs of a paper jam

v Check to see if the printer has any warning messages (“toner low”, “load paper”, “paper jam” etc. and fix the problem (a new toner cartridge, more paper).

v If a printer in your office or classroom has a flashing error light even after you have cleared a problem (ie, a paper jam), unplug the power to the printer and let it sit without power for at least 30 seconds. Plug the printer’s power cable back into the wall socket.

v If you are using a printer that many people use (eg, the library printer), occasionally another user may pick up your print job by mistake. You may need to reprint your job.

Problem: My computer stopped working; my application is not responding; things seem to be “hung” up.

Resolution:

v First, wait a full minute or two. Sometimes the computer may receive too many instructions at once (it may be receiving an email, loading a web site, saving a document and handling a large clipboard paste operation). Give the computer time to complete the requested operations. Some computers are slower than others.

v Check your printer’s status: a pending print job may be waiting for more paper or may have been set offline

v If the cause is lack of response from your application (ie, Word or Internet Explorer), you may end that task by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del keys once*. The Windows Task Manager menu will be displayed on your screen. Click on the Applications tab if it is not already displayed. End the “not responding” task by highlighting the name of the task and clicking the End Task button at the bottom of the menu.

*Caution: pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del more than once will cause your computer to end all tasks and shut down or reboot.

v If all else fails, shut your computer down and power off by either using the normal Start, Shutdown procedure or by holding the power on/off button for 10 seconds.

Problem: I can’t find the document (spreadsheet, presentation) I was working on this morning.

Resolution:

v First, we’ll assume you saved it immediately after beginning work and saved frequently during your work session. If the document was never saved, it is not retrievable.

v The easiest way to find a document is through your recent document list. Click on Start at the southwest corner of your screen, then click on My Recent Documents. A list of up to 15 documents will be displayed.

v Another way of finding your work is by starting the application you were using (ie, Word or Excel) and checking the list of Recently Used Files. This list is found at the lower part of the menu displayed when you click on File on the menu bar at the top of the screen. Clicking on the file name will open the document.

Problem: My student has written her paper using Microsoft Works and cannot print it on the school’s network. Is there a way to convert her paper to Word?

Resolution: Students with non-compatible word processing software should always save their documents in rich text format (.rtf) or text (.txt).

Problem: I have an Apple computer at home and want to transport my work to school. What’s the best way to do this?

Resolution: Documents should be saved as rich text format (.rtf) or text (.txt) or if possible, Microsoft Word Windows format (.doc) and should have the “dot-three letter” extension as part of the file name (ie, myletter.doc, myletter.rtf, or myletter.txt)

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