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April Newsletter 2002
By
Technology Services
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To shutdown or not shutdown my computer, that is the question. From time to time I'm drawn into this debate, or just asked my opinion. Over the years there have been several theories on this subject, however, I tend to hear less and less from the experts about leaving the computer running.
Even long ago, I have been in the camp to power down my computer when I'm sleeping or away for more than a few hours. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not constantly powering on and off the computer, if I'm in the house and just using it occasionally, I'll leave it run. At work I power on my computer in the morning and shut it down at night, as per school policy. Some say you may lose data or it is harder on the equipment to shut it down and restart it. In the early, early systems, this may have been a good argument, but not to day. The only equipment I feel should be left running are certain servers, network printers or devices that may need to be accessed by multiple users or perform a 24/7 task. With that in mind I'll list what I think are the best arguments in favor of shutting down your computer.
1. Power: With rising power costs and concerns, why draw the power when its not needed.
2. Heat: Computers and especially monitors put off a lot of heat. Electronic components tend to attract more dust while running. This is a bad combination and can lead to fire. I don't have any stats on how many fires are started by computers, but I personally know one person whose computer caught fire while he was home. Lucky he was there.
3. Equipment: Over the years as technology has grown, equipment has gotten better and cheaper. This combination makes shutting down less risky and less painful to replace if there is a problem. Besides, some argue leaving the system running causes more damaging wear and tear then shutting down ever will. Why trust your $100+ CPU to a $5 fan when you are not there to back it up with your senses.
4. Security: In the networked environment of today's world, the safest computer from a hacker is the one that is not running. This is especially true if you use DSL or cable modems where you are online all the time. In conclusion, the computer is a remarkable invention, just like the television, stereo system, automobile and stove, all of which I turn off when I not using.
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Browser Wars: Netscape vs. Explorer vs. Mozilla
by James Grubic
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Whether you are the casual surfer or a serious Internet researcher, you have a choice of various web browsers. Everyone has their own preference, and you may be interested to know a little bit of the history in addition to why we have made certain choices which affect the entire school district.
History
The WorldWide Web was a concept invented in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee, an employee of the European CERN Laboratories. Since then, the Web has grown from a simple research tool for scientists into a global phenomena.
The very first browsers for retrieving information from the Internet via the Web (HTTP) were simple and focused primarily on dealing with text. We have come a long way since that time. Web sites now deliver content which depend heavily on graphics and multimedia appeal, and use linked technologies such as Flash, Shockwave, Java, and Quicktime.The web browsers of old - such as Mosaic and Lynx - would not be able to cope with the demands placed upon it by modern websites.
Emergence
In 1995, I got my hands on an early version of Netscape for Macintosh. Prior to that, my only experience with the Internet and the WorldWide Web was the text-based retrieval of information -via a dialup to a community bulletin board - using the text-only Lynx software to read web pages. Finally, I was able to see graphics while reading web pages. I was hooked. The fact that the software had a built-in e-mail client was an added bonus.
In 1996, Netscape held close to 80% of the browser market share. The formerly very shoddy Internet Explorer, made by Microsoft, was free and continually improving. In 1997, Netscape held 63% market share to Explorer's 21%. By 1998, Netscape's share dwindled to 54% with Explorer grabbing 39%. As of November 2001, all indications are that Internet Explorer holds close to 55% market share, with Netscape near 35% and the AOL browser following close behind. See the included graph for the historical trend. Unfortunately, this graph does not have actual numbers, nor does it include market share information about other new web browsers available, including Opera, OmniWeb, iCab, or Mozilla.
Source: Janco Associates
Why We Use What We Use
New employees to the district often ask, "Why does the school district use Netscape?". The reasons are simple. First, when we first began to seriously use the WorldWide Web - which was 1994/1995/1996 -Netscape was simply the best tool available. We have historically used the same application (with newer versions) since then. Second, and perhaps the most important, it has a built-in e-mail client. When we switched from another app - Mail for Macintosh - a program that had the sole function of retrieving/sending mail from our 'Mainframe' VAX computer - we needed a program to read e-mail using the POP protocol. Netscape fit those needs perfectly and it seemed logical to use a program that was capable of doing BOTH e-mail and websurfing.
Where We Are Going
Now that we have WebMail access, any web browser can be used to check and send e-mail. However, since the WebMail client lacks a few features, we still recommend that you use Netscape Messenger (the built-in mail client) for e-mail. Those who absolutely prefer Internet Explorer may use that program if they wish. It should be noted that we absolutely discourage the use of Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express (particularly PC versions) because of the tremendous number of viruses and worms designed to execute within that software.
Netscape 4.x is currently the most popular browser in our district. Netscape 6.x is now on the scene, but to be completely honest, it is clunky and slow and has not been widely adopted. The most promising solution is Mozilla, based on the Netscape Source Code. Mozilla is fast, has a built-in e-mail client, and supports newer standards.
The Browser Wars may in fact have only just begun.
Did You Know...?
Web founder Tim Berners-Lee was recognized by Montana State University for their 2000 Pioneer Day. We were honored to hear him speak at Bozeman High School, along with Ray Tomlinson, the inventor of electronic mail, and Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple Computer.
BHS Choir Room
References
Brief History of the Internet
http://www.webmastercourse.com/articles/internet/history/
Tim Berners-Lee: a short history of web development
http://www.w3.org/People/Berners-Lee/ShortHistory.html
About Tim Berners-Lee
http://www.w3.org/People/Berners-Lee/Overview.html
Browser History: Netscape
http://www.blooberry.com/indexdot/history/netscape.htm
1998: Netscape's Hold on Web Browser Market Slipping
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1998/05/28/BU59853.DTL
Browser Market Share Study
http://www.psrinc.com/browser.htm
As of 5/1, I have added the following links for more info on this subject:
Browser News - Statistics:
http://www.upsdell.com/BrowserNews/stat.htm
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New Microsoft Academic Software Licensing Adventure
by Christine Day
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Microsoft is enacting new rules for licensing their software. It requires that we maintain the most recent version of a Microsoft product in order to upgrade it to the next version. If you haven't purchased either a Software Assurance package and/or an Upgrade Advantage package, you will have to pay for a full version of the product in order to go to the next software release.
If you own any Microsoft licensed products, such as Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Windows 95, 98, NT 2000 or XP, etc. please be aware of this requirement. It will impact your budget.
The Technology Services Department will be coordinating any purchases to obtain the best prices for the products. Please call our department, or send a tech request before ordering any Microsoft Product.
Here is the official word from Microsoft on this new software licensing policy:
Listed below are the types of licenses that are offered under the Academic Open 6.0 License Program.
* License Only (L) - Gives you the rights to the current version of a particular product.
* License and Software Assurance (L & SA) - Gives you the rights to the current versions of a particular product, as well as eligibility for the most current version of the product released during the term of your agreement.
* Software Assurance (SA) - Enables you to always be eligible for the most current version of the product released during the term of your agreement. SA can only be purchased without May be purchased within 90 days of the purchase of a license from a retail package or OEM.
May be purchased on current licenses that you own until July 31, 2002.
May be purchased as a renewal * Upgrade Advantage (UA) - Upgrade Advantage may be purchased on non-current licenses that you own until July 31, 2002. The purchase of UA will bring you to the current version and entitle you to updates for the remainder of your agreement. You must order a minimum of five licenses in order to obtain an Academic Open 6.0 authorization number. This number is valid for 24 months, and under it you can place reorders for as few as one license. If you choose, you may have more than one authorization number with different expiration dates. Software Assurance or Upgrade Advantage that is purchased under a particular authorization will expire when the term of the authorization number expires, regardless of the point during the term in which it was purchased.
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There may be occasions when you look through the list of books available, and you find something that looks interesting but you don't recognize the title. There are several ways to preview the kit without ordering the whole thing. Almost every book in bugout is also in your school's library, go down and ask the librarian for a copy to look over!
If they are all checked out, call our office and let us know you want a preview book and we will send one copy over for preview. If you are sending an e-mail order, indicate you want a preview copy in the e-mail message. This will save our mail people from hauling huge kits over one day, only to bring it right back the next day because it wasn't something you wanted. It does add a couple of days time on getting the kit if it IS something you want, but it will really help our mail service with volume.
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Below are listed just a few of the newest videos, Bugout kits, or Professional Development materials recently added to the district collection. These can't be found on the on-line media catalog yet so keep this list handy!
STRATEGY INSTRUCTION IN ACTION (c2001) In this four-videotape series, by Stephanie Harvey and Anne Goudvis, you will see explicit reading comprehension instruction unfold in the classroom setting. By applying the ideas and principles of this program, these teachers model thinking and give kids plenty of time to practice so that their students can identify and use the strategies that proficient readers use when making sense of text.
LEWIS & CLARK EDUCATOR'S RESOURCE GUIDE (book) Produced and available by the Watercourse, MSU, Bozeman, this book was compiled in response to teachers' requests. This guide lists, describes and comments on the primary resources available to educators relating to the Lewis & Clark Expedition. It contains descriptions of the existing Lewis & Clark curricula, activity guides, videos, web sites and trunks that been produced for educator use. This easy-to-use 100-page guide enables educators to quickly review available teaching resources. Borrow our copy or order your own for $10.00 (includes shipping and handling).
BECAUSE OF WIN-DIXIE by Kate DiCamillo. (Bugout kit-30 copies) Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni describes her first summer in the town of Naomi, Florida, and all the good things that happen to her because of her big ugly dog Winn-Dixie.
CRASH by Jerry Spinelli (Bugout kit-30 copies) Seventh-grader John "Crash" Coogan has always been comfortable with his tough, aggressive behavior, until his relationship with an unusual Quaker boy and his grandfather's stroke make him consider the meaning of friendship and the importance of family.
HOLES by Louis Sachar. (Bugout kit-30 copies) Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnats. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the boys build character by spending all day, every day, digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. There is no lake at Camp Green Lake, But there are an awful lot of holes.
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Expert License Desk has special pricing for The Learning Company software and other educational software titles for a limited time. The special pricing expires on June 30, 2002. Quantities are also limited; if quantities run out the special price will no longer be available.
Check out the titles and prices at http://www.expertlicensedesk.com/sheet1.htm.
For more information, please call Betty Swanson in Technology Services at 522-6032.
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Have you ever been a bit embarrassed about putting in a request for technology assistance, absolutely certain the problem is something simple? Well, worry not! Despite what you think of your own level of computer illiteracy, you are not alone, nor the worst. Here,to lighten your day, and help you feel a little more computer literate, are some actual excerpts from technology and customer support conversations.
| Student: | "I'm trying to log in as student and it's telling me 'access denied'." | | Me: | "Did you read the instructions posted on the front desk?" | | Student: | "Yes, and it's still not working." | | Me: | "Did you just type 'student' for the user name with no password?" | | Student: | "Yes. Is 'no password' one word or two?" |
| Customer: | "I've been signed up with your service for over a week, and have not been able to connect even once because of busy signals. If I can't get any better service than that, I'm going to switch to another ISP." | | Tech Support: | "Hmmm...that shouldn't be happening. We're no where near maxing out our dial up lines. Are you sure you're dialing the right number?" | | Customer: | "I'm not stupid! I know my own phone number!" |
| Customer: | "I am having some problems with my email account." | | Tech Support: | "Who is your Internet provider?" | | Customer: | "I am not really sure but I think it's 'You Got Mail'." |
| Customer: | "I need help with this dialer. The police have already shown up to my office twice today." | | Police? Ok, whatever. | | Tech Support: | "Ok, let's check out the settings. Do you have anything entered for getting an outside line?" | | Customer: | "A nine." | | Tech Support: | "Do you need to dial a 9 for an outside line?" | | Customer: | "I'm not sure. I think so." | | Tech Support: | "Could you double check?" | | Customer: | "Sure. (pause) Nope. Turns out we don't need it." | | Tech Support: | "Ok. Then remove it. What do you have for the area code?" | | Customer: | "One and then [area code]." | | Tech Support: | "Uhm, you don't need the one. Windows 95 automatically adds that." | | Customer: | "Oh. So you mean..." | | Tech Support: | "Yes, your computer was dialing 911 and then the phone number." |
| Tech Support: | "What Internet software are you using? Internet Explorer or Netscape?" | | Customer: | "I'm using (name of ISP)." | | Tech Support: | "No, when you try to access the Internet, what do you click on to sign on?" | | Customer: | "(name of ISP)!" | | Tech Support: | "If you were to try to sign on to the Internet right now,what icon would you click on?" | | Customer: | "I can't sign on, I only have one phone line." | | Dings and dongs sound from error messages popping up on the customer's screen. | | Tech Support: | "If you were not talking to me right now and walked up to your computer because you wanted to get on the Internet,what is the first thing you would do?" | | Customer: | "I click on 'Netscape'." | | Tech Support: | "Ahhh, you have Netscape." (Then, with great hesitation...) "What version?" |
| Customer: | "This is a Mac. It doesn't need an IP address." |
| Customer: | "I'm no computer whiz, but I was wondering which end ofthe phone cord goes into the wall and which one goes into the modem." |
| Tech Support: | "I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop." | | Customer: | "Ok." | | Tech Support: | "Did you get a pop-up menu?" | | Customer: | "No." | | Tech Support: | "Ok. Right click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?" | | Customer: | "No." | | Tech Support: | "Ok, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?" | | Customer: | "Sure, you told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click'." | | (At this point I had to put the caller on hold to tell the rest of the tech support staff what had happened. I couldn't, however, stop from giggling when I got back to the call.) | | Tech Support: | "Ok, did you type 'click' with the keyboard?" | | Customer: | "I have done something dumb, right?" |
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