CATPrints for November 2005

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 7

DECEMBER, 2005

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New Webserver Hardware Going Into Service

The old webserver, in service since 1999.

The new webserver, smaller yet more powerful.

Two new servers have been installed to support the College's Website. Replacing older machines that have reached the end of their useful life, these servers will provide faster hardware and the most recent software. More significantly, this change will also provide a tremendous increase in storage space for website files, logs to enable long-term site traffic analysis, and room for the increasing popularity of web video and other large-volume resources.

The transfer of the site is currently being tested and should be completed during the January break. There will be no change to the way authors access their sites.

New Voice Mail System

Our college voicemail system, Meridian Mail, will be replaced by a new system on January 4th, 2006. The new system, known as Call Pilot, will function in very much the same way as our current system.

Keystrokes that are used to listen to a message, delete it etc. will not change.

The primary reason for making this change is that our current system (which has served us reliably for thirteen years) is being retired by the manufacturer.

In order to properly copy all mailbox messages and greetings from our current system to the new system, it will be necessary to shut down voicemail service for one full day, Wednesday, January 4th, 2006. Menus and announcements will continue to function normally.

The Meridian Voicemail Equipment Racks

On Thursday, January 5th, 2006, we ask that you check your voicemail mailbox and report to us anything you feel is abnormal. We can be reached at extension 2577 or via email at telecomm@oneonta.edu. We fully expect that this migration will be minimally disruptive to all and look forward to another thirteen-plus years of seamless operation from Call Pilot Voicemail.

"Meridian Mail. Mailbox? Password?"

Speaking of voicemail, did you ever wonder about the voice behind the system?

Since 1987 Californian Joan Kenley has been the voice of several voicemail and other automated telecommunications systems. Nortel, Pacific Bell and Nynex all use her voice, and she can also be heard in elevators, alarm clocks, Verizon's 411 system and even airplane cockpits on bad days ("Pull up, Pull up, Terrain, Terrain"). Her voice is so well known that it has even appeared on episodes of the Simpsons.

Dr. Kenley has written several books and gives many speeches at conferences and conventions.

Wireless Network ID Changed

Users of the Campus Wireless Computer Network should be aware that the name of this network has been changed. The Service Set Identifier was "tsunami", the default name assigned by the manufacturer. In the interests of clarity and security, the SSID has been changed to "Red Dragon Wi-Fi". Most wireless devices should discover available network access points automatically, but should you have a device that requires manual configuration, you will have to make the change yourself.

You can call the Help Desk if you need help with your wireless connection.

Alternative Input Devices for Computers

Would you be interested in a keyboard with entirely blank keys? How about one you can roll up? Take a look at http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/input/ for these and other unusual devices.

If you have a question for Computer and Telecommunication Services about:

Computer Problems or Related Issues - Call the Information Technology Help Desk at 436-4567

Telephone Service or Problems - Call the Office of Telecommunications at 436-2577

Directory Assistance - call 436-3500

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