Computer Chronicles
Version 9.1 , September 2019
A Little Housekeeping
- If you aren't using your LCD projector, please turn it off. You'll extend the life of the lamp if you simply turn it off during periods you don't use it.
- Be sure students are turning off their Chromebooks when they are done for the day. Simply closing the lid just puts it to sleep, where it uses battery life and stays on the WiFi.
- Please do not stack the Chromebooks. You will break the LCD.
- Please put in a help desk ticket for anything you need help with. If you don't report it, I can't fix it. https://sapublicschools.freshdesk.com
- Got a problem you can't solve? Need a helping hand? Did you know you can book time with me? https://melson.youcanbook.me/
- When booking Chrome Carts or Labs, you must use the exact time of the period you want to book. Don't just round up or down. By doing so you are blocking your colleagues from using the devices. Also, don't book during your prep/lunch. It simply isn't fair to everyone.
- Information on our new content filter can be found here: https://classroom.familyzone.com/
- Did you know you can reset your own Gmail password? Click for more info.
Distinguish yourself as an educator
If you're an educator who knows how to use Google tools in the classroom, this certification proves your proficiency.
Designed for educators and classroom teachers who wish to demonstrate proficiency in using Google for Education tools. The Level 1 status indicates that an educator is able to successfully implement Google Apps for Education into their teaching practice in order to enhance teaching and learning. The Level 2 status indicates that an educator is able to successfully integrate a wider range of Google for Education tools and other technologies in order to transform their teaching practice.
All the training you need is here: https://teachercenter.withgoogle.com/fundamentals/course
Think you already have what it takes? Try out some sample questions.
And in Google News...
Display the word count as you type in Google Docs
You or your students often need to see the word count in the documents they write. Instead of going to Tools > Word Count each time you want to view this information, now, you can simply select Tools > Word count > Display word count while typing to continuously display it in the lower left corner of your doc.
If you click on the word count box, you can also view more information, like the page count, character count (with and without spaces). To see the word count of a specific section of text, simply highlight that section in your doc.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Power is important to keep everything running, so we are also upgrading our battery back-up systems to protect our equipment. With this new upgrade, it will give me the time necessary to power down our most important devices to protect them in the event of an emergency.
Lastly, we will be adding some new Wireless Access Points (WAPs) in a few areas where coverage has been sparse. Along with this, all our current WAPs will be upgraded to the latest & greatest firmware.
It was a busy summer of planning these large scale projects, but it will be worth.
Magni Momenti Notitia
- Looking for a document? Be sure to check the Shared/Team Drive for the district and your school.
- Visit the Information Technology page on the district website for the latest news.
- "Think before you click."
- Got a tech problem? Please submit a help desk ticket here. Be sure to use the Google button to login.
- What’s the king of all school supplies? The ruler!
Stuff I have been reading:
- CISA Ransomware Outbreak - https://www.us-cert.gov/sites/default/files/2019-08/CISA_Insights-Ransomware_Outbreak_S508C.pdf
- Human Factor Report 2019 - http://image.communications.cyber.nj.gov/lib/fe3e15707564047c7c1270/m/1/184924c4-6fb2-49d7-acd1-63a6f498b4c0.pdf
- Critical Exim TLS Flaw Lets Attackers Remotely Execute Commands as Root - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/critical-exim-tls-flaw-lets-attackers-remotely-execute-commands-as-root/
- IT Firm Manager Arrested in the Biggest Data Breach Case of Ecuador’s History - https://thehackernews.com/2019/09/ecuador-data-breach.html
“Work hard, nap hard.”
Michael Elson
Book some time: https://melson.youcanbook.me/
Text @elson to the number 81010 for Tech Updates via SMS (or click here)
Email: melson@sapublicschools.com
Website: http://www.sapublicschools.com/departments/information_technology
Phone: 732.387.3559
Twitter: @mjelson