The following directions will instruct you on how to connect a Windows 8 computer to a network printer.  A network printer is a printer that connects directly to the Internet via an Ethernet cable; it does not connect directly to another computer. In order to set up and print to a network printer, your computer must be connected to the Internet.

First, please refer to the following page so that you can be sure to get the proper information about the printer you are about to connect to: http://wp.natsci.colostate.edu/cnsit/how-to-print-to-a-network-printer

1.) First, when in Desktop view, move your mouse to the right corner and you will see Search. Click it and search “Control Panel”.

2.) Go to Control Panel->Hardware and Sound page, and click Advanced printer setup.

3.) Your computer will now attempt to scan for printers on the network.  Instead of waiting for that, click on the item at the bottom for ‘The printer that I want isn’t listed’

4.) On this new screen, select the third radio button option for ‘Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname’

5.) Enter the following in on the next screen:

Device type: Set this to ‘TCP/IP Device’
Hostname or IP address: Enter the IP Address you received from the instructions above
Port name: This will fill in automatically – you do not have to change this
Keep the checkbox for ‘Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use’ selected.

6.) At this point the install Wizard will have either found an appropriate driver automatically (will ask you for a printer name), or will be asking for you to select the make and model.  If it asks for the make and model – first, select the Company name in the left and then the model in the right. If you do not see an exact match, select something that is similar enough – drivers are often universal between similar models. (You may also need to visit the manufacturer’s web site for the printer in order to download and install the correct driver – you may also use the CD that came with the printer at this stage).  Click Next.

7.) The next few options are arbitrary. It is recommended that you do not share your printer and it is also recommended that you print a test page to make sure the printer is working properly. Click Next and Finish until the Wizard completes.

We have been seeing more and more reports of Java not working properly in web browsers.  This article should allow a user to get things back up and running.  First, here is a complete article describing what the settings are and what they do, and goes into how you can add sites to a trusted list, or simply edit the default security setting which will allow java web applets to prompt to ‘run’ before doing so.

http://www.java.com/en/download/help/jcp_security.xml

The safest way to allow java to run is to only identify and list the sites you know you use.  However, as usual, security is at odds with ease of use, and we rarely know the exact URLs for the sites we need.  As a result, I recommend we combine some ease of use, with common sense, and set the default security level to “Medium”.  The medium level will still prompt a user before it runs a java applet with the web browser, so a user should only allow these to run, when they expect it.

Accessing the Java Control Panel to adjust this setting is the first step.  Here are directions:

http://www.java.com/en/download/help/jcp_security.xml#control%20panel

Once you have this open, you will click on the ‘Security’ tab, and slide the Security Level down to “Medium”.  Now, click Apply and close the Java Control Panel.  At this point, restart your web browser, and give the content another try.

Enjoy!

Recently, Windows computers began to automatically install the new version of Internet Explorer.  This new version, 11, has been causing all kinds of problems across campus.  Specifically users of RamCT, IS Oracle HR, and Kuali.  Our solution for this is to simply uninstall, or roll back Internet Explorer to the previously installed version, 10.  These directions should allow a user to get back in business without the need to install another web browser.

First, we want to make sure that this update does not simply install itself during the next automatic update.  To make sure of this, open Internet Explorer 11, and click on the “Gear” tools icon in the top right (or click alt-x).  Then click on the “About Internet Explorer” item.  Un-check the box for “Install new versions automatically”.  Once this is complete, you will now uninstall Internet Explorer 11 through the Control Panel:

1. Click on the start menu and select Control Panel from the menu that opens up.
2. Select Uninstall a program under Programs (or ‘Programs and Features’ if viewing in classic view).
3. Internet Explorer 11 is not listed in the installed programs listing. It is listed as an update, so select View installed updates from the left sidebar.
4. The browser is listed in the Microsoft Windows group. You have two options to find it here. Either click on the first entry and type Inter in rapid succession, or sort the whole listing by date.
5. Once you locate Internet Explorer 11, select it, and click on the “Uninstall” button.  This will take a few minutes, and then prompt to restart.  Once your system restarts, you should be ready to go with Internet Explorer 10.

Enjoy!

About cache, cookies, and history

Each time you access a file through your web browser, the browser caches (stores) it. By doing this, the browser doesn’t have to newly retrieve files (including any images) from the remote web site each time you click Back or Forward. You should periodically clear the cache to allow your browser to function more efficiently.

A cookie is a file created by a web browser, at the request of a web site, that is then stored on a computer. These files typically store user-specific information such as selections in a form, shopping cart contents, or authentication data. Browsers will normally clear cookies that reach a certain age, but clearing them manually may solve problems with web sites or your browser.

A browser’s history is a log of sites that you visit. When you use a browser’s Back button, you are moving back one entry in the history log. Browsers will normally clear the history at regular intervals, but you may want to clear it manually for privacy.

Notes

• If you don’t see instructions below for your specific version or browser, search your browser’s Help menu for “clear cache”. If you’re unsure what browser version you’re using, from the Help menu, select About [browser name]. In Internet Explorer and Firefox, if you don’t see the menu bar, press Alt.
• When troubleshooting issues with any web site, after clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, exit your browser completely before attempting to access the site again. In Windows, close all your browser windows; in Mac OS X, quit (Command-q) your browser.

Android

1. Start your browser.
2. Tap Menu, and then tap More.
3. Select Settings.
4. Under “Privacy settings”, select Clear cache, Clear history, or Clear all cookie data as appropriate, and then tap OK to accept (or Cancel to cancel) the deletion.

Chrome

1. In the browser bar, enter: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
2. Select the items you want to clear (e.g., Clear browsing history, Clear download history, Empty the cache, Delete cookies and other site and plug-in data).From the Obliterate the following items from: drop-down menu, you can choose the period of time for which you want to clear cached information. To clear your entire cache, select the beginning of time.
3. Click Clear browsing data.

Firefox

1. From the Tools or History menu, select Clear Recent History.If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible.
2. From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your entire cache, select Everything.
3. Click the down arrow next to “Details” to choose which elements of the history to clear. Click Clear Now.

Internet Explorer 8 and higher

1. From the Tools or Safety menu, select Delete browsing history... .If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible.
2. Deselect Preserve Favorites website data, and select:
   • Temporary Internet files or Temporary Internet files and website files
   • Cookies or Cookies and website data
   • History
3. Click Delete.

Internet Explorer 7

1. From the Tools menu in the upper right, select Delete Browsing History... .
2. To delete your cache, click Delete files... .To delete your cookies, click Delete cookies... .To delete your history, click Delete history... .
3. Click Close, and then click OK to exit.

Mobile Safari for iOS (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad)

To clear cache and cookies:

1. From the home screen, tap Settings, and then tap Safari.
2. At the bottom of Safari’s settings screen, tap Clear cookies and data, or Clear Cookies and Clear Cache. Confirm when prompted.

To clear history:

1. From the home screen, tap Safari.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap the Bookmarks icon.
3. In the lower left, tap Clear.
4. Tap Clear History.

Opera

1. From the Opera menu, select Settings, and then Delete Private Data... .
2. In the dialog box that opens, select the items you want to clear, and then click Delete.

Safari

1. From the Safari menu, select Reset Safari... .
2. From the menu, select the items you want to reset, and then click Reset. As of Safari 5.1, Remove all website data covers both cookies and cache.

We are often asked about how a user can create a webpage for themselves, or for their research group.  While CNSIT will not create and manage group and personal web pages (we have enough on our plate at the department and college level) we can assist in getting you up and running.  The information in this article should help answer your initial questions about what is possible.

There are two types of web developing projects that this will address.  First, for a group that is starting from scratch, or would like to completely redo a site that is too far gone to salvage.  The second type will be the folks that want to simply update the content of an existing site.

 Creating a Site From Scratch

For those that want to create a site from scratch, there are innumerable options.  I will list several here with their strengths and weaknesses.

Dreamweaver – This is a staple among web developers that allows pro-level sites to be created.  However, because this is a pro-level tool, it can be very overwhelming.  Often, there is a learning curve that a user must invest in.  Dreamweaver licenses can be purchased from RAMtech (http://ramtech.colostate.edu).  There are many free tutorials for using this software on the Internet – just search for something like “Dreamweaver Tutorial”.  Also, the Libraries on campus offer Dreamweaver workshops occasionally – http://lib.colostate.edu/cat.

Once you have a site created in Dreamweaver, you just need a place to host them.  CNSIT offers space to its affiliates on the Pangea server.  ACNS also offers web space http://www.acns.colostate.edu/Services/WebHosting.  Your hosting choice will depend on the scope and need for your site’s content.  If you are unsure, please get in touch and we can help you make that decision – Contact CNSIT.

WordPress and CNSWP – For those of you that do not want to dirty your hands with code – you can get along fairly well using WordPress.  CNSIT maintains a WordPress Multisite instance that CNSIT affiliates can use.  With a CNSWP site, you can create content using an online administrative interface.  Content creation utilizes a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface that allows users of all technical skill levels to create sites and content very quickly.  The drawback to using CNSWP is that you cannot directly edit and upload your own themes and plugins.  Themes and plugins can be installed upon request – but this does require CNSWP administrator intervention.  CNSWP is right for you, if you do not need fine control over the look and feel, and can live within a set theme.

Having a hard time wrapping your head around how WordPress works?  Here is a 12 minute video that should help you visualize this environment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3KEwBhuEfU

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here is information on requesting a CNSWP site: http://wp.natsci.colostate.edu/cnsit/how-can-i-get-a-cnswp-site

Google Sites – This is another simple option for those nestled tight in the Google-verse.  I have very limited experience with this, but found a good article describing its pros and cons.  http://www.chipp.com/google-sites-faq

Updating an Existing Site

Many groups already have a site out there somewhere, but it hasn’t been updated in many months, or (eek) years!  As a result, someone in the group has “adopted” the site, and has little information on what they are doing.  These users will most likely want to simply update the content or images, and do not need to start from scratch.  As with anything, there are a million ways to do this – but knowing a little about the existing site will help to narrow down.

When a site is passed on to a new webmaster, the hope is that all information about the software used, as well as how to connect to the host that it lives on are passed on as well.  This is not always the case, and if you are in this position – I am hoping CNSIT can help narrow it down.  Contact us as needed with as much information as you can – URL of the public site, server it lives on, what software was used to develop it, and who the last editor was.

Manual Editing of Website Files

On occasion, folks may just want to edit existing files manually, using a text editor.  I strongly recommend the following program called Notepad++.  This program is free and provides language specific syntax highlighting and syntax folding.

http://notepad-plus-plus.org

Autodesk, Inc. a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, today announced that it will offer schools in the United States and Canada free access to its professional 3D design software and creativity applications.

This represents the next step in the continued transformation of Autodesk’s education business model in order to fulfill its mission of helping students and educators imagine, design and create a better world. Autodesk’s pledge is valued at over $460 million, and empowers educators at more than 35,000 middle schools, high schools, and higher education institutions in the United States and Canada.

Read the whole article here: http://www.nmc.org/news/autodesk-transforms-education-business-model-help-advance-21st-century-skills-united-states-and

New Departmental Color Printer in MRB210

We have a new HP Color Laserjet CP4525dn printer located in MRB 210. To add this printer to your computer, please follow these instructions:

•  Make sure you can access the new printer driver location in by clicking here.
• Click on the link that describes your operating system.
• Look under “Driver” and Use the “HP Color Laserjet Enterprise CP4025/CP4525 PCL6 Driver with HP Driver Installation Utility”

To install the printer, follow these instructions dependent upon your operating system.

Windows 7 / Vista

1. First, click on the ‘Devices and Printers item that appears in your Start Button.
2. Click the ‘Add a printer’ button
3. On the new dialog window that appears, select the second option for ‘Add a Network, wireless or Bluetooth printer’
4. Your computer will now attempt to scan for printers on the network.  Instead of waiting for that, click on the item at the bottom for ‘The printer that I want isn’t listed’
5. On this new screen, select the third radio button option for ‘Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname’
6. Enter the following in on the next screen:
7. Device type: Set this to ‘TCP/IP Device’
   Hostname or IP address: Enter the IP Address 129.82.125.209
   Port name: This will fill in automatically – you do not have to change this
   Keep the checkbox for ‘Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use’ selected.
8. The install Wizard will most like find the find the appropriate driver automatically. It will ask you for a printer name, put in whatever makes sense to you. If it asks for the make and model – select the link above and use the download utility .

Windows XP

1. Open Printers and Faxes

2. Under Printer Tasks, click Add a printer to open the Add Printer Wizard, and then click Next.

3. Click Local printer or stand-alone network printer, clear the Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer check box, and then click Next.

4. Click Create a new port, and then click Standard TCP/IP Port.

5. Click Next to run the Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port Wizard, click Next again.

6. Enter the IP address 129.82.125.209.

7. The install Wizard will most like find the find the appropriate driver automatically. It will ask you for a printer name, put in whatever makes sense to you. If it asks for the make and model – select the link above and use the download utility .

Mac

1. Open System Preferences and select the Print & Scan (may be Print & Fax for older versions of Mac OS X) item.

2. Click the + sign and you will see the Printer Browser open.

3. Select the ‘IP’ tab/button at the top.

4. Fill in the new form as described below:

Protocol: HP Jetdirect -Socket
Address: 129.82.125.209
Queue: Leave this blank
Name: MRB210CO
Location: Enter the building and room number where this printer lives
Print Using: Select the company that makes your printer, then select the model number of your printer. If you do not see an exact match, select something that is similar enough – drivers are often universal between similar models.  Mac OS X Lion will attempt to select this automatically, and 95% of the time you can use what it preselects.

5. Now click the Add button.

6. Select the appropriate Installable Options. If you are unsure, leave this as it is and click Continue.

7. Now, open up a web browser and print a test page such as http://www.google.com to make sure the printer is set up properly.

Message below is from ACNS:

Last week, two new wireless networks were sent across campus.

csu-eid: This is to replace csu-net and csu-net5.   Since most all wireless problems were due to misconfiguration or confusion over usernames, we developed csu-eid to address both issues – you use your eID as the username and we provide a configuration tool: http://xpressconnect.acns.colostate.edu/csu-eid

csu-guest: This is to replace the much loved (I’m joking there) “csu” wireless network that, as you may fondly recall, required a guest to have a username and password to get on the network.   The new csu-guest does not require that.  Note that it is slower and has some port restrictions.  Also, folks using “csu-guest” can only get to resources on campus that the rest of the Internet can get to.

Notes:

• There are places on campus that don’t yet support csu-guest and csu-eid. They are the areas in red on the map: https://wsnet.colostate.edu/cwis24/csuwirelessmaps/csuwirelessmap.aspx   We’re working on those over the next few months.
• What is going on with csu-net, csu-net5?   They will slowly be transitioned away over the next academic year.
• If you have issues with wireless, the helpdesk is only a phone call (491-7276) or an e-mail (help@colostate.edu) away.
• There is also a complete explanation and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list at: www.acns.colostate.edu/wireless

As with anything, all software has its cycles.  We are now about ready to say goodbye to the faithful Network Connect VPN client we have been using for many years.  The good news is, its replacement, Junos Pulse, is just as powerful, and works with our new operating systems, specifically, Mac OS X 10.10, AKA Yosemite.

You can download the new Junos Pulse application from ACNS at the link below.  You will find download links specific to your operating system at the very bottom of this page:

http://www.acns.colostate.edu/ITPros

After you download and install your Junos Pulse client, you will need to set up a connection profile.  The only specific piece of information you need for this is the server you are connecting to.  This should be entered as the following:

secure.colostate.edu

As Network Connect did, Junos Pulse installs itself as a program in your Program List (Windows) or your Applications folder (Mac OS X).  So, no need to bother using a web browser to launch the connect app (and encountering all of the weird java security features that commonly trip us up).

Enjoy!

Very recently, CSU has decided not to continue using Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) as its preferred anti-virus software.  Our license for this software will expire at the end of June 2015.  At some point after that date, SEP clients will stop receiving updated virus definitions.  As such, we are in the process of migrating to other software.  The process of migration involves first uninstalling the SEP client.

Uninstalling Symantec Endpoint Protection

Windows (https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.HOWTO55084.html)

1. On the client computer, on the Start menu, click Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs (or Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program).

2. In the Add or Remove Programs (or Uninstall or change a program) dialog box, click Symantec Endpoint Protection, and then click Change, Remove or Uninstall.

3. Follow the onscreen prompts to remove the client software.

Mac (https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.TECH132120.html)

Comprehensive List of Uninstall Instructions: https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.TECH184988.html

Installing New Anti-Virus

After the uninstall, new antivirus software should be installed.  The following directions should provide adequate information on what the ACNS/CNSIT recommended alternatives and how to use them.

Windows Operating Systems (Vista and newer)

We are recommending the use of the free Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows based computers.  For Windows Vista and Windows 7, this product can be downloaded here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download

For Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, the software is called Microsoft Defender, and is already installed on default.

MacOS X (10.6 and newer)

For MacOS X (10.6 aka Snow Leopard and newer) it is recommended that you use the free ClamXav (https://www.clamxav.com).  This can be downloaded either from the Apple App Store, or directly (recommended) from the following URL: https://www.clamxav.com/download.html.  The version that is downloaded directly from the site linked to above is recommended because it contains an additional tool called the ClamXav Sentry, which proactively scans inserted discs (USB/Flash Sticks etc) as well as monitors specific folders designated in it’s preferences.  More information on the ClamXav Sentry appear here:  https://www.clamxav.com/docs_sentry.html

Linux (various distributions)

For Linux, our recommended anti-virus solution is the free ClamAV (http://www.clamav.net).  Depending on your Linux distribution, the installation and usage instructions will vary.  Information on the ClamAV site linked to above should assist you in the installation.

PDF files sometimes give us a lot of trouble when we try to print them. The causes are usually unknown, but may stem from inefficient PDF creation on the publisher side (not everyone uses Adobe Acrobat Pro to create their PDFs, unfortunately). Here are some tips to help you get that pesky PDF to print properly.

Save as “Reduced Size PDF”

With the PDF opened in Adobe Acrobat, choose the File->Save As Other->Reduced Size PDF…

It is probably best to save this version separately, so as to retain the original… just in case. Once you have this new file – try to print it and see if the problem is solved.

Save as “Optimized PDF”

With the PDF opened in Adobe Acrobat, choose the File->Save As Other->Optimized PDF…

It is probably best to save this version separately, so as to retain the original… just in case. Once you have this new file – try to print it and see if the problem is solved.

Run the PDF through a “Preflight” tool

Windows: From the top menu, choose the View->Tools->Print Production menu

This will open a pop out pane on the right side of the Acrobat window. You will see a menu item titled “Preflight”

Mac: From the top menu, choose the Edit->Preflight menu.

You will see something similar to the screenshot below. If not already selected, choose “Magazine Ads” item under the “Prepress” section, and click the “Analyze and fix” button. This will spit out a bunch of output. Once completed, save this file separately, so as to retain the original. Once you have this new file – try to print it and see if the problem is solved.

WHEN: 01/05/2016 at 6:00pm to ~7:00pm

WHAT: We will applying a firmware update to the storage array.

IMPACT: Pangea, and all services relying on it, will be unavailable during this outage.  Refer to the following URL for services this will affect: http://wp.natsci.colostate.edu/cnsit/cnsit-services-relying-on

STATUS: Completed.  Actual downtime was 6:00pm to 6:10pm.

The following directions will instruct you on how to connect a Windows 10 computer to a network printer.  A network printer is a printer that connects directly to the Internet via an Ethernet cable; it does not connect directly to another computer. In order to set up and print to a network printer, your computer must be connected to the Internet.

First, please refer to the following page so that you can be sure to get the proper information about the printer you are about to connect to: http://wp.natsci.colostate.edu/cnsit/how-to-print-to-a-network-printer

1.) First, use the task bar search box located next to the start button and type “Control Panel”.  Click on the Control Panel Desktop App item that appears in the list.

2.) Choose the “View devices and printers” link under the “Hardware and Sound” heading (if viewing by “Category”) or the “Devices and Printers” option in the Control Panel (if viewing by “Large icons”).  Then click on the “Add a printer” button at the top.

3.) Your computer will now attempt to scan for printers on the network.  Instead of waiting for that, click on the item at the bottom for ‘The printer that I want isn’t listed’

4.) On this new screen, select the third radio button option for ‘Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname’

5.) Enter the following in on the next screen:

Device type: Set this to ‘TCP/IP Device’
Hostname or IP address: Enter the IP Address you received from the instructions above
Port name: This will fill in automatically – you do not have to change this
Keep the checkbox for ‘Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use’ selected.

6.) At this point the install Wizard will have either found an appropriate driver automatically (will ask you for a printer name), or will be asking for you to select the make and model.  If it asks for the make and model – first, select the Company name in the left and then the model in the right. If you do not see an exact match, select something that is similar enough – drivers are often universal between similar models. (You may also need to visit the manufacturer’s web site for the printer in order to download and install the correct driver – you may also use the CD that came with the printer at this stage).  Click Next.

7.) The next few options are arbitrary. It is recommended that you do not share your printer and it is also recommended that you print a test page to make sure the printer is working properly. Click Next and Finish until the Wizard completes.

Personal storage has been handled by many different technologies over the years.  At first, the term was just used to describe data on your personal computer – stored in it’s local hard drive.  We may have supplemented this storage with the use of external hard drives that we could move around from one computer to another, making it available on more than one machine.  At this same time, tech savvy individuals may have been setting up network shares on their computer, which they could access from other computers.  This was nice, in that you didn’t need to drag the hard drive around with you to get to the data.  The trouble with this, was that you typically had to be on the same network to have access.  Our own Pangea (http://cnsit.natsci.colostate.edu/pangea) file service is an example of an early venture into these network storage solutions.  Albeit, Pangea is a bit more complicated than a simple network share, it allows for many users to collaboratively work on the same documents.  You still had to be on the same network to access this data though, but this was also overcome in combining the service with a VPN (http://www.acns.colostate.edu/Help/SSL-Gateway-Installers).

After this, services started to appear which took care of that “same-network” limitation.  These are the more recent “Cloud” services.  Cloud storage services are available from almost anywhere in the world, usually through a web page, or a installable client application.  Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, and OneDrive (and OneDrive for Business – more on this shortly…), are all cloud storage services.  Another great advance with these Cloud storage services, was the amount of storage you could get for free, or very little cost.  In fact, the storage capacity for some of these cloud storage services outpaced what we (CNSIT) could provide locally by hundreds of gigabytes per user.  It soon became clear that we shouldn’t try to compete, and should instead work towards utilizing these stores.

It wasn’t long before Fall of 2014 rolled through, and CSU signed an Microsoft Office 365 (hereafter O365) contract, providing MS Office, E-mail and other services to all CSU information workers and students (http://www.acns.colostate.edu/O365).  As part of O365, came a cloud storage solution that offered 1 Terabyte of capacity (with the intent to add more over time as well) for every user called OneDrive for Business.  At the time of this writing, there is a possibility that this quota may increase to 5TB in the near future (http://www.computerworld.com/article/3016692/enterprise-applications/microsoft-limits-unlimited-onedrive-for-business-storage-to-priciest-office-365-enterprise-plans.html).  Even the 1TB limit puts the Pangea limit of 20GB to shame.  It is now time to take advantage of this, and get users personal data storage off of Pangea, and on to OneDrive for Business.

OneDrive for Business

An important note to start with – “OneDrive” and “OneDrive for Business” are two separate things.  I know, terrible naming convention – at least Microsoft has been consistent with this type of thing (think “Explorer” and “Internet Explorer”).  CSU’s O365 license will always be referring to “OneDrive for Business” – please keep this in mind!

If you are using OneDrive for Business for the first time.  You will want to log in to the O365 portal at https://portal.office.com Please keep in mind that for authenticating to O365 services at CSU, your Username must be in the format of eName@colostate.edu (you will still use your regular CSU eID password along with this).  Depending on your use history with O365 at CSU, the page you land on will vary.  To get to OneDrive for Business from any page in the O365 portal, you can simply click on the “Office 365” title located in the top left.  See image below:

From there, you can click on the OneDrive image – and initiate the service as needed.

For machines that you do not own, this method for accessing your personal cloud data will be sufficient, ie – use the web portal at https://portal.office.com

However, for personally owned computers, you may want a more sophisticated client installed on your computer, which will integrate your OneDrive for Business space with your Operating System.  Here are some links to information and setup guides associated with these installable clients:

Overview: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Meet-the-OneDrive-for-Business-Next-Generation-Sync-Client-7af500d9-a18e-4abb-8450-b94f4e52c1a0

Windows
Setup Guide: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Get-started-with-the-OneDrive-for-Business-Next-Generation-Sync-Client-in-Windows-615391c4-2bd3-4aae-a42a-858262e42a49?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US

Mac OS X
Setup Guide: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Get-started-with-the-OneDrive-for-Business-Next-Generation-Sync-Client-on-Mac-OS-X-d11b9f29-00bb-4172-be39-997da46f913f?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US

One Drive for Business is Cloud Storage available for CSU faculty, staff and students. Currently, 1 TB of personal storage is available to each individual.

To login to Office 365, go to https://portal.office.com
Please keep in mind that for authenticating to O365 services at CSU, your Username must be in the format of eName@colostate.edu (you will still use your regular CSU eID password along with this).

After logging in, please click on the office 365 tiles located on the top left:

Many options will appear; then click on OneDrive.

The next window will show any files or folders stored in your personal space. To create a new folder, please click on “New”. Then choose “Folder”.

After choosing Folder; Type in the name of your Folder (i.e. testshare)

Create the Folder; and click on Sharing “Only You” on the far right side of the line that the folder is listed on.

Type in the name of the person you would like to share your folder with. If that person is within the CSU directory, their contact will appear as shown in the picture above. However, you can share your folder with anyone. To share with anyone outside CSU, they will also need to have signed up for OneDrive and you will need to know their email address.

For more information on how to install Office 365, please go to this link: http://www.acns.colostate.edu/o365

Pangea is evolving!  We have some exciting changes to announce with relation to the Pangea file serving service available to CNSIT South affiliates.  Over the past few years, we have been able to carefully watch how folks are utilizing Pangea.  This usage information, along with technological advances (and some handy changes in how we can use certain licenses on campus) have allowed us to rethink Pangea.

Share Updates

One of the largest changes we will be implementing is a share structure change.  Usage shows that 90% of Pangea users are opting for other means of storing personal data (data not being shared with other users).  These include Dropbox, Box, GoogleDrive, or the OneDrive for Business service that comes free with our Office 365 license.  As a result of this, we have hundreds of empty share groups that are never used.  So, we have opted not to compete with these other storage services, in terms of personal storage (we can’t come close to offering the quantity of storage they offer).  From this point forward, we will not be creating new personal storage areas on Pangea, and will instead allow Pangea to focus on what it was designed for – collaboration and sharing of active data.  We have created a document on using cloud storage for personal data, which we recommend all users read: http://wp.natsci.colostate.edu/cnsit/cloud-storage-for-personal-data

For those few users that do use Pangea for personal space, fear not!  We will keep those shares active and available on the new release of Pangea.

The remaining types of shares available on Pangea, are split into two main groups – Web Groups, and Collaborative Groups.  These two areas will be physically split between two distinct shares on Pangea named “Pangea-Web” and “Pangea-Groups” respectively.  Within each share, you will see the group folders that reflect your Pangea group memberships (and nothing else).  We also are eliminating the need to “link” these groups to personal areas, and therefore are eliminating the accidental link deletion that occurred on rare occasions.  Brilliant!

Pangea Header Server is now running Windows!?

That’s right!  Almost a decade ago, when Pangea was born, we chose to use a Linux operating system as the header server.  This choice revolved around the fact that Windows was a VERY expensive option (in terms of CAL licenses, which we would have needed one for each Pangea user).  Linux was free, and since we had the expertise to administer a Linux OS on staff – it was a financial no-brainer.  However, in the end, the group and permission system we tied into, and relied upon for CSU eID authentication and access-restriction has always been Windows.  The desire to make use of certain administration tools available on a Windows Server OS, along with the advantages associated with keeping systems that work together homogeneous has always been present.

Luckily, over the past couple of years, CSU has introduced a service that makes a Windows header server financially possible.  The Pangea header server will now run as a virtual server on the Campus Cloud.  This setup comes with an OS that is covered by a license which takes into account all user access licenses (CALs).

Shadow Copy

With a Windows Server OS now running the Pangea header, we are able to add a new layer of backup and recovery which is more convenient than ever.  Shadow Copy is now running on the Pangea shares.  While Shadow Copy should never be considered a replacement for normal backups (which we will still be doing), it does allow for an end user to restore files to “previous versions” without requiring the assistance of CNSIT staff.  We will be creating a document on how this works in the very near future.

What’s Next?

We are currently still in the testing phase, but will begin migrating groups soon.  We will be asking for volunteers to migrate first, so stay tuned for an invitation!

There is a default Finder setting on all new Macintosh computers, that prevent networked servers from showing up as icons on the desktop.  Since Pangea is a networked server, we often receive help requests asking why Pangea isn’t connecting when using the connection app.  It turns out, Pangea is actually connecting successfully, it is just that the Macintosh OS isn’t showing you an icon on your desktop.

Luckily, the configuration fix is simple.  To enable “Connected servers” to display on your desktop for your Mac, select the Finder Preferences item:

You will then see the following dialog window – make sure you are selecting the “General” tab at the top of this window!

In here, make sure to at least check the option for “Connected servers”.  Personally, I always check all four options, but that is a subjective preference.  Once you do this, network shares, including a connection Pangea share, will show up on the desktop!

UPDATE for Max OS X 10.12 “Sierra”

Apple has removed the “Anywhere” option from the security options described below.  So, we need to open up the Terminal App (this is found in the Applications->Utilities folder) in order to re-enable this.  Once the Terminal App is opened, run the following command:  You will need to put in your account password to complete this command.

sudo spctl --master-disable

Since Yosemite, if you download our Pangea Connection app for the Mac, you may get the following error message when you try to launch it:

This is a false description of the actual problem.  The real reason for this message is that the default security settings for running downloaded apps on Yosemite and newer (10.10+) need to be adjusted.  Basically, all you need to do is to open up the “Security & Privacy” settings in System Preferences.

Once you are in there, you can make sure you are viewing the “General” tab and choose the “Anywhere” item in the list at the bottom as shown (You may need to unlock the settings by clicking on the golden lock icon, and authenticating as a local admin for the machine).

Once you choose those settings, the Pangea app should work like a charm!

Your CSU eID Account

Your CSU eName (aka, eID) is your University wide username.  This, in combination with your CSU password, is what you will use to gain access to almost all resources you have access to.

Your E-mail Account (O365)

Your CSU inbox is where mail sent to your CSU e-mail address is delivered.  There are many aliases for this e-mail address, but all are delivered into a single e-mail inbox.  One such alias is your First.Last@colostate.edu.
You can edit the first name portion of this alias at https://eid.colostate.edu

All new graduate students now receive an O365 account.  This has a 50GB quota, and can be accessed using the online portal https://portal.office.com. NOTE: You must log in with your username in the following format to all O365 services eName@colostate.edu.  You can also set up a laptop or mobile device using directions found on the following page: http://help.mail.colostate.edu/o365splash.aspx

You can also set up a forward from your CSU O365 e-mail to some other address using the Settings in the O365 web portal at https://portal.office.com.

Microsoft Office 365 (O365)

O365 also comes with a few other cool bits.  First, Microsoft Office, the actual client installed software, can be downloaded and installed on up to 5 personally owned computers per account.

Microsoft OneDrive for Business is also available, and currently boasts 1TB of cloud based file storage!

All O365 services can be found using the portal at https://portal.office.com

Your Personal Computer

Your personal computer (laptop etc.) should be registered with CNSIT if it will connect physically (not through wireless).  You can do so at https://cnsit.natsci.colostate.edu/tools

You can also check out the following page on the status of any software licensing deals that are available:
http://wp.natsci.colostate.edu/cnsit/what-software-site-licenses-are-available

CSU-EID Wifi Access

You can access Wireless on campus from almost everywhere.  When looking for wifi, please only select the ‘csu-eid’ SSID.  This will take your CSU eID as authentication.  You can find more information about CSU-EID here: http://www.acns.colostate.edu/Connect/Wireless

Other CSU Systems and Acronyms

RAMCT (http://ramct.colostate.edu) – This is CSU’s implementation of Blackboard Course Technology.  A web based learning management tool for posting class content.

RAMWeb (http://ramweb.colostate.edu) – A student web portal which provides online access to application status, registration, financial information, personal records, jobs, etc.

AriesWeb – (https://ariesweb.colostat.edu) – Web based tool for instructors, etc. to post grades.

CAP – (https://cap.is.colostate.edu) – This stands for the Campus Administrative Portal – giving financial information (Pay Stubs) to Faculty, and Staff.  This is often a gateway to other services such as Kuali.

Kuali – This is the University’s purchasing gateway tool used for procuring products through online vendor punchouts.  You access Kuali through the CAP.

Off Campus Access

In order to access on campus resources (CSU Libraries, department servers, etc.) from an off campus location, you will use the CSU Secure Gateway located at https://secure.colostate.edu.  This will tunnel you in behind the campus border firewall for a specific session.  You may also use the Network Connect tool at this gateway to tunnel all of your traffic.

You can also install the Pulse Secure SSL application, which will allow you to tunnel all computer traffic behind the firewall.  Instructions for using this appear here: http://wp.natsci.colostate.edu/cnsit/junos-pulse-is-now-pulse-secure

Pangea

Pangea is CNSIT’s file server.  It requires specific access to particular groups to access.  You may need to use this for a particular lab you are working with.  Please contact your PI to learn whether you will need this or not.

Getting Computer Help

Help is available through CNSIT and consist of full time staff, Ross Madden and Caty Critz along with half time staff, Bobby Childs.  Contact information is located online at http://cnsit.natsci.colostate.edu

In an effort to improve the CNSIT support experience, I have put together the following reasons for using our CNSIT ticket system instead of a direct email.  So, read through this article, and be sure to submit a CNSIT ticket when you next need support!  It is way faster, and more convenient for both CNSIT staff, and those we support.

Click here for the CNSIT ticket system!

1. Centralization

If CNSIT has a number of staff working on the same issue, then trying to keep track of a single problem can be difficult. With email, you have to ensure that the correct person is always copied on the message, and in some cases you might have to hunt through multiple inboxes to find everything you need. The CNSIT ticket system, however, ensures that all the relevant information is centered in one place so that it’s available when you need it. This also means that if you need to access the information months or even years later, you know exactly where to find it.

2. Collaboration

Email can make teamwork tricky, since CNSIT staff must either share inboxes or constantly send information to reach other.  The CNSIT ticket system, though, lets everyone view and edit tickets at once, so that multiple people can work on one issue while keeping their progress in one place.

3. Improves Continuity

If a ticket’s primary CNSIT staff member is suddenly unavailable, then the CNSIT ticket system offers an easy way to delegate tasks. Simply switching a ticket to another CNSIT staff member allows them to pick up where the previous staff member left off, preventing the complications of wading through email.

4. Improves Response Time

Email sent to a specific individual is subject to that individual’s schedule.  Often, it may take someone hours to even see that a message is waiting for them.  With the CNSIT ticket system, all staff members are notified of the problem at the same time, and can be responded to by whichever staff member is available.