GHS Tech Help

I’ve started to post video tutorials on some of the most common questions I receive.  In the past I’ve had some people say that the online documentation doesn’t help them enough, or is tough to follow.  So I decided to make video tutorials that step you through the process.  Check them out on the “How-To” page.  Please leave comments, I’d love to hear what you think and improve them over time! Thank you!

RESOLVED – 10/21/08

Statement from the district:

Due to technical problems the main District website has become sluggish and unresponsive. I&TS is aware of the issue and is working to resolve it. During this time the District website may be unavailable or very sluggish to respond.

Thank you in advance for your patience.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TEACHER WEB PORTAL

If needed, the Teacher Web Portal can be directly accessed via:

https://its.guhsd.net:4459/pls/htmldb/f?p=321

Grossmont experienced network issues over the weekend.  Again, the Air Conditioning unit that keeps our servers nice and cool went out, causing the servers to overheat and shutdown.  I know, it’s silly that an AC unit can bring down our network, but maybe this time District Maintenance will heed our cries of desperation and give us a permanent fix rather thatn just another band-aid.  But until then, the band-aid better hold! Sorry for the inconvenience; the issue was resolved at 7:12am Monday morning. Have a GREAT WEEK!

Grossmont High School along with some other district sites experienced significant network issues over the weekend and through Monday. These issues affected many of the computers on campus.  When issues like this occur often times all affected computers need to be rebooted.  It will save you and your tech support team’s time if you proactively reboot your computer after a known issue.  A majority of problems can be solved by taking this simple action.

TECH TIP:  First step when experiencing a computer related problem – Log Off or reboot the machine!  This will clear many of the anomalies that you may experience on a computer.
PC:  CRTL+ALT+DEL –> Logoff         MAC:  APPLE+OPTION+ESC –> Force Quit.

This tip has been in 2 Tech Newsletters including the SEPT 2008 “Back To School” edition.

The Open Lab AND the COW are both in room 550.  Every department will be receiving one key to the room.  You may use the key to gain access to the Lab/COW to sign up or when you bring your class. The sign up folder for the lab is located immediately to your right as you enter the lab.  The COW sign up folder is located on the COW.  Each department should keep the key to the lab in a secure location that is accessible by staff members only.  MAKE SURE YOUR STUDENTS KNOW THEIR eBACKPACK INFO FIRST! You can check eRoster for your students account info.

All the thin client computers around campus have been updated with a great new search feature. It allows the user to find any document or file instantly just by typing a word in the file’s name or in any part within the document. This can quickly and easily allow you to find those files you know you saved, but can’t seem to find.  The search bar is located in the lower right of your screen for easy access.  Click in the box, and just start typing.  Instantly all documents that contain that search string will appear! Click the file to open.

If you click the “Search Desktop” button, a program window will appear.  It will list all the matching files on the left, and actually give you a quick file preview on the right. You can quickly browse all files without opening them one by one.  Give it a try, It’s probably the easiest way to open files, no more digging through folders and folders to find that file again!

Grossmont High School will be undergoing routine server maintenance over the weekend.  Please expect some disruption of network services including, but not limited to email on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, please shutdown your computer workstation before you leave on Friday.

The network was experiencing intermittent issues this afternoon between 12p and 2p. It affected all locations on campus.  It was due to a faulty AC unit in the main server room. The issue has been resolved.

To correct any errors on your computer workstation that may have resulted, please reboot your machine.  Refer to the Tech Newsletter’s “BackPage” for more tips to resolve possible computer errors. If you continue to experience network issues, please submitt a HEAT request.  Thank You,

Tech Resources has posted their Fall training schedule.  There are also many dates where the “Drop-In” lab is available for anyone to get tech help. Sign up here:

VIEW SCHEDULE

The GHS open lab has moved due to the 500 bldg renovation. It is now located in room 550. That’s still upstairs, but now facing the lower quad. After being closed since March, it is now open for teachers to sign up. The schedule is still located in the lab, on the wall, near the door.  In order to keep the lab in good working order please follow the checklist:
Arriving:

Please make sure all computers, keyboards, and mice are present. Report any missing items to the Technology Specialist- Room 560.

Instruct students to logoff and restart their computer if it is NOT at the initial login screen. Many errors can be prevented by logging in properly.

If you will be printing, make sure the printer is on, and to load the printer (tray 2) with paper. You are responsible for bringing your own paper.

Before Leaving:

Before students are dismissed, please instruct them to “logout” completely. Click “Start”, then select “Log off”.

Please refer to the posted lab schedule, if you are the last class of the day have the student completely “shut down” their computers.

After each of your classes please be sure all computers, keyboards, and mice are present. Report any missing items to the Technology Specialist.

Also report any problems encountered with the machines via the available forms located in the teacher’s desk of the open lab.