Some Macintosh users discovered that they could not print to their HP network printers unless their Mac was also wired to the network. They were using the standard HP print driver selected by the printer installation dialog. This driver apparently does not support wireless printing, but we found one that does. If you see this problem, install the printer using the Mac’s “Generic PostScript Printer” driver.
It happens in a blink of an eye–if you click on a link, attachment, or file that downloads an exploit–your computer is infected! Some signs that a computer is infected include a browser home page that you did not select, sudden slowness, unexplained hard drive activity, or the inability of your computer to access the network. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact OET immediately, and disconnect your computer from the network by unplugging the Ethernet cable or disabling the wireless adapter.
To get your computer back on track, OET will run antivirus and anti-malware software to determine if an infection exists. We also will search the hard drive for personal nonpublic information (PNPI). If no PNPI exists, we will either clean your hard drive or, more likely, reformat it. If we reformat your drive, we will back up your files, wipe you current hard drive of all information, and restore your applications and files. This procedure usually takes a day or less. If PNPI exists on the hard drive, we will contact IT to determine if any further action is necessary. During this more extensive investigation by IT, expect not to be able to access your computer for several days.
To insure that your computer is exploit-free and always up and running, keep virus protection up to date, apply operating system and application updates, avoid clicking on links or attachments that you were not expecting to receive, and follow IT’s guidelines for storing PNPI.
Did your printer just stop working for no apparent reason? The power and signal cables are still in place and it appears to be powered on, but it just won’t respond?
Recycling the power might be the answer. For many printers this apparently fixes a multitude of problems. However, it’s not good enough to just turn the printer off and back on. You must remove the power souce from the printer, wait roughly 10 seconds and then replug the power source. Sometimes unplugging the power cord from the back of the printer is sufficient, and sometimes not. If the power cord has an adapter box between the printer and the power source, you will probably need to unplug the cord from the wall or surge protector, thereby resetting the circuitry in the adapter.
Of course, this will not fix all printer problems but it’s worth a try before calling in the experts.
Has your computer suddenly slowed to almost a stop? Do you walk away to get your coffee, read the mail, or do your morning exercises while your computer boots? If this has happened to you, OET invites you to attend How to Speed Up Your Computer.
The seminar, next offered to CHEP faculty and staff on Thursday, November 13 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in 007 PRS, will give you strategies to increase your computer’s speed. Designed primarily for Windows users (although Macintosh users will benefit as well), this seminar reviews steps to increase your computer’s speed, most of which are free.
If you would like to attend, send a note to oet-help@udel.edu to register. So that we can address your specific experiences or concerns in the seminar, feel free to post them as a comment to this blog entry.
Computer equipment, including laptop batteries, monitors, and circuit boards contain hazardous materials, and procedures are in place at the University of Delaware to recycle this equipment.
For example, to have your old laptop battery picked up for recycling, complete the chemical waste pickup request form at http://www.udel.edu/OHS/wastepickup.html. For a list of how to recycle other computer equipment, visit the Occupational Health & Safety website at http://www.udel.edu/OHS/comprecycle.html.
Remember to contact OET at oet-help@udel.edu to erase all data on hard drives, if you plan to send computers to Surplus.
For faculty and staff who consider the weight and price of a laptop before making a purchase, there are several solutions on and near the horizon.
In August, Dell plans to release the E Ultraportable Notebook that is a tiny 8.9” in diameter, weighs just 2.2 pounds, and starts at $299. Although details on system components have not been released yet, since it will carry the Dell name, parts should be able to be replaced easily by OET’s Dell-certified technicians while under warranty.
Lightweight laptops such as the Dell E Ultraportable offer increased portability for less, balancing cost with available system components. Configuration choices for RAM, processor speed, hard drive capacity, optical (DVD) drive, and warranty length are usually limited but within normal ranges. These laptops may be perfect for someone who only wants use minimal processing power (e.g., to surf the web or to do word processing).
Other popular mini notebooks include the ASUS Eee PC that offer several configurations from $199 to about $399 and the HP Mini-Note which runs from $500 to $750. These laptops offer configurations with various operating systems including Vista Business, which is supported by OET, and Linux and Windows XP Home, which are not supported by OET.
If you are thinking about purchasing a laptop, OET will be happy to assist in configuring the one that’s right for you. Just write to oet-help@udel.edu.
The Office of Educational Technology can work with you to select a printer based on your needs. Some items to consider when making a printer purchase are your budget; whether you will need a color or black and white printer; whether you alone will use the printer or whether it will be used by others (i.e., whether the printer will be on a network); the warranty; and the cost of replacement toner. Another item to consider is what type of printer you want (e.g., an ink jet or laser printer). Although an ink jet printer tends to cost less, it’s toner may need replacement more often and an ink jet’s life cycle may be shorter than that of a laser printer.
If you are a CHEP faculty or staff member who needs a printer recommendation, write to oet-help@udel.edu.
If you want to order a new office computer, send a note to oet-help@udel.edu for the latest hardware and software recommendations. The Office of Educational Technology will assist you to select a computer that will work effectively on campus and, in particular, on the OET network.
The latest recommended operating system for on-campus Windows machines is Vista Business and for Macintosh computers it is Mac OS X 10.4.6 (Tiger). Microsoft and Apple each have recommended minimum hardware requirements for computers to run the latest operating system. Often it is advisable to select a level or two up from the minimum hardware requirements for increased performance; OET can assist you with these selections.
For consultations on what computing equipment to purchase for home use, contact the Technology Solutions Center at extension 8895 or tsc-info@udel.edu.
