Computer Freezing?

Several windows computer clients have reported significant problems with their computers freezing up, especially during the Automatic Update process. Click here for additional information including steps to remedy the situation. >> More ...

Having Problems Logging Into Blackboard?

Here are some of the most common problems students, faculty, staff, and parent-portal users have when using Blackboard... more

Looking To Work on That Group Project?

This semester, as part of the Dimond Academic Commons, located in the Dimond Library new collaborative workspaces have appeared. In front of the CIS Information Technology Service Center (ITSC) on level 3, the collaborative workspaces provide a place for groups of two or more students to work together... more

Did U: Know?

All UNH Students have personal data space on a network drive, also known as the “U” drive. This space is, by default, 100mb. The U drive houses your E-mail, and anything else saved while working in the Computing Clusters. If this quota is exceeded, you will not be able to save files to the U drive, nor send/receive E-mail... more

Backing Up Is Easy To Do

We all know backing up computer data and files is important, and luckily it is also easy to do. If something happens to your computer, software can be re-installed, but your creative work is lost unless you have kept a backup copy. Most important to back up are any documents you create, such as term papers, presentation, spreadsheets, databases, programming code, photographs, musical scores, etc. It's also a good idea to back up your favorites and contacts... more

eInstruction Clickers

Are your courses using eInstruction (the Clickers) next semester? Check with your instructors to find out.

Now that eInstruction is integrated into Blackboard, enrollment is easier than ever. You can purchase your clicker and enrollment code at either the campus bookstore or the Durham Book Exchange. A single enrollment code is good for all of your eInstruction courses for the semester.

For help using eInstruction, visit http://unh.edu/idc/first/index.cfm?section=einstruction and check out the ‘For Students’ Quick Tips 1 through 5.

Through the Eyes of an ITSC Guy...

Whether it’s your first or last year at college, chances are you have a computer, whether it stays in the room (desktop), or goes with you (laptop). Overall, computers are borderline essential in the world of academics. Equally important is making sure you take care of your computer. For example, would you not clean your bedroom simply because you don’t know how? Computers are the same way in the sense that we all have them, but there is a growing population that doesn’t know how to keep them clean. The following are some hints... more

2007-2008 Computing & Phone Guide

The 2007-2008 Computing & Phone Guide is a great resource for all things computing at UNH. If you did not receive a guide, please contact your RA, or view it here.

Safety First Before You Surf

Safety First Before You Surf Finding and using a wireless connection has become second nature to most laptop users. Few would argue the benefit and convenience of checking E-mail or browsing the Internet while sipping a latte at your favorite coffee hut. But that convenience could pose a serious security threat making a computer and all its data available to hackers...more

Staying Safe with Wi-Fi

Staying Safe with Wi-Fi The majority of computers purchased today are laptops, which means better mobility – and with wireless networking, we now have the ability to pick up our computer and move to the basement, attic, or the bedroom. Keep in mind that while wireless networks are not secure, it is possible to make it at least a little more difficult for unwelcomed users to access...more

Top 20 Cyber Security Tips

While the items listed below are debatable in terms of order, they are all essential to protecting your computer from malicious attacks, and also protecting your identity (and if your job includes it, the identities of others)...more

New VPN Application

Beginning October 1, 2007, folks connecting remotely to UNH Network resources (such as AD/Wildcat and exchange) will be required to use the new UNH Web Virtual Private Network (VPN), instead of the Nortel Contivity VPN Client. The new web-based VPN, boasting improved performance and platform compatibility for Windows, Mac, and Linux users, is available at vpn.unh.edu. UNH Web VPN will replace [more]

Missing Your Text Box in Blackboard Courses and Organizations?

An incompatibility has been found between Blackboard and Internet Explorer 7. If you have Windows Vista or have upgraded from IE6 to IE7, you may notice that you’re missing a text box within Blackboard. The text box is used for discussion boards, creating Blackboard courses/organizations, and for completing quizzes and tests. In order to make your Blackboard text box visible, please follow these steps:

• Go to https://blackboard.unh.edu
• Log in
• In the Tools box on the left-hand side, click on Personal Information
• Click on Set Visual Text Box Editor Options
• Set the availability to Unavailable -- this is not a typo. Though it seems backwards, setting the availability to unavailable will enable you to use the text box.

Can't Login to the Student Clusters?

On occasion, Windows machines in the Computing Clusters experience a login failure due to non-synchronized passwords. If this occurs, students must synchronize their CISUNIX password to match that of the Wildcat domain. Click the following link to synchronize the passwords. https://webmail.unh.edu/cgi-bin/student_cluster_password_synchronization.cgi

If users still experience additional errors after successsfully logging into a cluster machine, they should reset the Single Sign-On Password from within MyUNH Blackboard.

In addition to Dimond Academic Commons IT Support Center (located on Level 3), each public computing cluster has student consultants available to assist with any synchronization issues.

NOTICE: Please allow up to 45 minutes to effectively synchronize your account information..

Where is Wireless?

UNH WiFi signs have been established all over campus identifying each building with wireless coverage. Some wireless access points include the Memorial Union Building, Dimond Library, Whittemore Center, and Holloway Commons. For more information and a complete list of wireless locations, please visit: cis.unh.edu/wireless or call the CIS Help Desk at (603) 862-4242. Note: Locations are subject to change.
Questions about configuring wireless with Microsoft Vista? Click here.

Good News for Mac Users

If you have a Mac, but cannot open files sent by coworkers, it may have been sent with Office 2007. Good news! There is a new Beta download available allowing Microsoft Office 2007 files to launch on a Mac with Microsoft Office 2004.[more]

Free Anti-Virus Software for UNH Students!

UNH offers free McAfee Anti-Virus software to all registered UNH students. Protect your computer today. Click [here]

Save Your Cell Minutes!

Looking for ways to save your cell minutes? Try this on for size: All UNH residential students receive 100 FREE Minutes of domestic long-distance calling each month from August through May. Use your long-distance calling code (known as your Personal Access Code or PAC) from any campus phone and the first 100 minutes of domestic long-distance minutes are free. After the allotted 100 free minutes, you will be charged only 7 cents per minute. >>More ...

A Guiding Force

The UNH Computing & Phone Guide is a great resource for all things computing at UNH. The guide contains a myriad of information on CIS services, hours and locations, as well as a wealth of other campus computing-related items, such as basic computer troubleshooting tips, how to use the voicemail system, or how to configure your computer to work on the UNH Network. Look for the 2007-2008 Computing & Phone Guide at check-in during September, or ask your RA. The 2006-2007 guides will be available at the Resource Fair at June Orientation. >>More about our services ...

Need Books?

Are you dreading the long lines to buy books? The UNH Bookstore offers an alternative. Order your books online and pick them up when you arrive on campus. It’s as easy as that.
To order your books online you will need to know your course schedule. Simply knowing the names of the courses you are taking will not be sufficient. Students will need to know the Department (ENGL) Course (401) and Section (03) for each class. This information can be found on the printable and detailed schedules.
To get all the information you need, please follow these steps:

• Log into Blackboard
• Go to the Webcat/Student Services tab
• Click Continue under Webcat
• Go to Student Services and Financial Aid
• Click on Registration
• Choose either Printable Schedule or Detailed Schedule

To order books online go to: unh.bncollege.com
The bookstore can be reached at 603.862.2140 for any further questions regarding the ordering of books.

CIS Vista/Office 2007 Forum

In February 2007, CIS hosted two campus-wide forums on Vista and Office 2007, Microsoft’s latest operating system and office suite, respectively. >>More...

CIS Recognized for Developing Macintosh Daylight Saving Time Fix

The University of New Hampshire’s Computing & Information Services (CIS) was recently recognized by Macworld for developing a Daylight Saving Time fix for Macintosh OS X 10.0 through 10.3. >> More...

Why Didn't I Get That E-mail Message

A recent addition to UNH’s spam filtering tool chest is Reverse DNS Lookup, implemented on the UNH E-mail gateways in November 2006. Although the process has been effective in filtering spam, some legitimate E-mails sent from outside of UNH have been blocked. >>More...

RSS Feeds Now Available for Signals and Pipeline

Recently, both Signals and IT Pipeline have been integrated with RSS (Really Simple Syndication) capabilities. RSS is part of a new technology that brings the Web to the user.>> More...

MyUNH Blackboard SSL Update

Are you having problems logging into MyUNH Blackboard? Click here for additional information including settings you may wish to change in your browser.

SSL for Blackboard

Beginning Sunday, March 11th, all Blackboard functionality will be safer, thanks to Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology. >> More...

Outlook users must update their application no later than Saturday, March 10th

Outlook users must update their application no later than Saturday, March 10th by running the Outlook Time Zone Update Tool. Failure to do so could result in incorrect appointment times. For instructions and a link to download the tool, click [here...]

New Daylight Savings Time Means Required Changes For Computers

The Energy Policy Act, passed by the US Congress in August 2005, changes the dates of both the start and end of Daylight Savings Time (DST). This law goes into effect this year. Daylight Savings Time will begin three weeks earlier starting on Sunday, March 11, 2007, and will end one week later on Sunday, November 4, 2007. >> More...

Digital Millennium Copyright Act

Make no mistake. The recording industries are listening. Contrary to popular belief, UNH has been host to a vast number of complaints from various recording companies. UNH students have managed to avoid any public brawls with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) involving great sums of money. And though you may not be aware of students being brought to court to defend DMCA violations, UNH is contacted by companies such as Sony, Paramount and DreamWorks on a daily basis. >> More..

Apple Announces New Battery Recall for MacBook Pro

Apple Computers has discovered that some batteries for the 15-inch MacBook Pro are not performing well and are offering a free-of-charge battery exchange. Find out [more...]

How to Make Free Long-Distance Phone Calls Using Your PAC

UNH Telecom offers residential students 100 Free Minutes of long-distance phone calls each month. To access this service, you need to know your Personal Authorization Code (PAC.) Find out [how...]

Academic Software

CIS Academic Technology makes several software applications available to faculty and students. Find out what's available. [more...]

Modifying your Blackboard Layout

Did you know you can modify your MyUNH/Blackboard homepage? Take a minute to find out how to move the 'Modules' you read regularly to the top. [more...]

Missing E-mail?

Are you missing E-mail you're expecting? Take a moment to read this important announcement regarding new SPAM filters that may be causing you to miss legitimate E-mails and what to do. [more...]

Windows Vista and Office 2007 Update

UNH CIS continues to provide regular updates on Microsoft's new operating system, Vista, and Office 2007. Vista will be available for purchase on January 30th while it is expected Office will be available in April, 2007. For the latest news, please check our web site. [more...]

Shopping for a New Computer?

If you're shopping for a new windows computer this holiday season, take note. CIS has distributed suggested hardware guidelines for those wishing to use Microsoft's Windows Vista. For more information, visit the UNH Computer Store's web site.

Remember to Unplug Before You Leave

Help UNH conserve energy. CIS would like to remind you to shut down your computer and other peripherals before you leave for the Holiday Break, Consider unplugging other electrical devices like power adapters, too.

UNH Student IT Pipeline Captures First Place at 2006 SIGUCCS

The University of New Hampshire's Computing and Information Services (CIS) group recently won the 2006 Best Electronic Computing Newsletter award from SIGUCCS (Special Interest Group on University & College Computing Services) for its online publication of Student IT Pipeline. CIS staff members traveled to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to accept the award at the Fall 2006 SIGUCCS Conference and Awards Banquet, and to share the award-winning website with other representatives form other colleges and universities. [more]

Firefox 2.0 Released

A new version of the Firefox web browser has been released. Firefox 2 is now available, and in addition to improved web security, they’ve also made it more personal. All the features from the prior version are still available, along with a modernized, polished look. New web pages now open in tabs by default, and Firefox 2 also includes a browser spell checker and various search suggestions.

For more information, or to download the new version, please visit http://www.getfirefox.com.

Note: After installing Firefox 2.0, it will replace the existing installation of Firefox on your computer. Information such as bookmarks, settings, and history will not vanish.

Internet Explorer 7 Not Supported by Blackboard

Before you download Internet Explorer 7, read why CIS recommends you wait. Also find out what you can do to avoid automatically downloading the newest version as well as what to do if you already have. [more]

New iPods in Stock

The UNH Computer Store has the new Nano iPods in Stock. Click [here] for an iPod Price List.

Submit a Pipeline Article!

The staff of Pipeline welcomes your submission for future computer-related articles. [more]

Survey Says! - Tell us Your Thoughts on Supported Computer Products

The Supported Products Advisory Committee (SPAC) would like your feedback. Please take a few minutes to help determine which products and applications should be supported by CIS in the future. [Take the Survey]

Recycle Your Wireless Phone at UNH

CIS Walk-In Services participates in the 'Cell Phones for Soldiers' program. Drop off your old cell phones and chargers at our location (MUB 109) during normal business hours.

Free Long-Distance Minutes?

Residential students receive 100 FREE landline, domestic long distance minutes, per month. Your Personal Authorization Code (PAC) is available through Telecom On-line, located under the Webcat/Student Services tab in Blackboard. [more]

Student Cluster Password Synchronization (Win Sync)

On occasion, Windows machines in the Computing Clusters experience a login failure due to non-synchronized passwords. If this occurs, students must synchronize their CISUNIX password to match that of the Wildcat domain. [more]

FYI: Wireless Radio Switches Introduced on Many New Laptops

Many new laptop models introduced by IBM-Lenovo and HP come equipped with a small wireless switch that toggles all wireless transmissions. It is simply called the wireless radio switch. This tiny switch is located on the front left-hand side of the computers, and must be in the on position to allow any wireless connections. A small light on the keyboard will also be lit if the switch is active. The symbols may look like those above.

Save Face - Protect Yourself and Your Computer

You need to protect your privacy when you use the Internet and other electronic resources. Take a few minutes to learn about ways to keep your privacy and identity secure, and your computer safe, at http://saveface.unh.edu.

Wireless Technology Is Spreading Over Campus

Each new school year brings more opportunities for UNH students to take advantage of the constantly expanding UNH Wireless network. Many new laptop computers come equipped with wireless Ethernet and/or Airport cards. Once the computer has been registered with the UNH Wireless network, surfing the web, doing homework, and completing assignments just got a lot easier. A properly-configured laptop (using an 802.11g Ethernet card) can automatically pick up the UNH Wireless network within 300 feet. To check the status of the wireless connection on your computer, simply hover your mouse cursor over the 'unhwireless' icon located in the task bar. This will reveal the signal strength, ranging from very low to excellent. Connections may occur beyond the recommended WiFi distance, although the signal strength may not be as robust.

New UNH WiFi signs are being installed all over campus (such as the one listed above), identifying buildings with wireless coverage. To find out more information and to see a list where UNH Wireless is available, please visit our website at: http://www.unh.edu/wifi or call the CIS Help Desk at (603) 862-4242. Note: Locations are subject to change.

And the Winner Is...

Find out who won the iPod. [more]

Submit a Pipeline Article!

The staff of Pipeline welcomes your submission for future computer-related articles. [more]

Windows Vista: Are You Ready?

Sometime in 2007, Microsoft is set to release Vista, the heir apparent to Windows XP. As with any new software release, especially operating systems, minimum hardware requirements are bound to increase. Microsoft has broken their new package into two designations: Windows Vista Capable and Windows Vista Premium PC. According to Microsoft's website "All Windows Vista Capable PCs will run these core experiences at a minimum. Some features available in the premium editions of Windows Vista - like the new Windows Aero user experience - may require advanced or additional hardware. [more]

Computer Conservation Tips - Do Your Part

This year, UNH has tasked each one of us to join in conserving wherever and whenever possible. Here are several suggestions to conserve electricity consumption on behalf of Computing & Information Services, the Office of Sustainability and the Campus Energy Office: [more]

Facebook

Greetings,

I'm Sean Kelly, your Student Body President. Ashley Lemarier, your Student Body Vice President and I feel compelled to write an editorial about a very hot topic as the academic year begins, Facebook. [more]

Hard Drive Maintenance

Many calls come into the CIS Help Desk & Dispatch Center regarding sluggish computers. In many cases, this is caused by unwanted spyware or viruses. A simpler and less destructive cause may be the computer's hard drive, whether it be nearly-full, fragmented, or cluttered with useless files. Here's a few quick ways to get your hard drive back up to speed (this applies to all installed hard drives, including local disks). [more]

CIS Advisory: Google Desktop "Search Across Computers" Option

CIS has become aware of a concern about the "Search Across Computers" option of Google Desktop. This option moves indexed information from the client’s computer to Google servers if the "Enable Advanced Features" option of Google desktop is checked when Google desktop is installed. UNH faculty and staff who use Google Desktop and activate this option may be unknowingly uploading sensitive, confidential, or legally protected content to Google file servers. [more]

Computer or Phone Trouble?

Having Computer or Phone Trouble? Try the Computing & Phone Guide!

If you're having computer or phone issues, or just simply need an answer to a UNH technology-related question, the 2006-2007 Computing & Phone Guide is a great place to start. [more]

Anti-Virus Software Information

CIS offers free anti-virus/anti-spyware to all UNH students. To download our free anti-virus software from off-campus, access our website from MyUNH...[more].