Spring2012

The Meeting Room Booking System (MRBS), a web-based calendar reservation system for the College of Engineering conference and seminar rooms, has recently been upgraded due to the security authentication required by Kerberos, a network authentication protocol. The new version of the MRBS looks and functions much like the previous version, but has improved security features, as well as enhanced search and reporting tools.

Click here to view the Dean's Conference and Seminar Room calendar.

DECS began installing new network switches around the Engineering Building in order to provide Gigabit (1000 Mbps) to the desktop, faster Wi-Fi in densely used areas, future support for a 10 Gigabit backbone, and more modern support of upcoming necessary protocols like IPv6. Management functions are also improved and allow DECS to provide a redundant ring topology that can withstand at least a single link or switch failure without affecting a significant portion of the building network.

DECS switched the primary authentication system for the engineering domain from NIS+ to Kerberos. Users who have not yet reset their password will need to do so in order to populate the new system. This switch to Kerberos increased reliability and security of our systems and services, and also unified the set of user accounts.

New web-based tools, located in the My Account section of the DECS website, provide new users the ability to easily activate their account, and allow existing users to modify theirs. Features such as spam control, email forwarding, and account details are now all available in one place. The new system also allows the IT support staff to more efficiently and effectively manage user accounts in order to provide the best service possible for our users.

In an effort to be Spartan Green, DECS and the College of Engineering recommend that all printing be done using the duplex print setting. DECS is promoting duplex printing in our computer labs and around the college. Any new printers purchased should have duplex print capability, and Engineering faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to print using this method. The printers in the DECS public labs have the capability to print duplex and all lab computers and user accounts default to this print setting. Students receive a print quota discount when they maintain the duplex print default and the university benefits from the reduction in paper waste and cost.

DECS replaced the old laminator in the Support Office with a new GBC Titan 1244WF laminator. This new laminator provides higher quality, more efficient, and more consistent lamination services for the hundreds of posters printed each year. The size requirements and cost for poster laminating remain unchanged for the upgraded laminator.

In order to accommodate the growing number of faculty and staff that are making the switch to Macintosh computers, DECS purchased additional Mac laptops. The laptops are available for checkout through the DECS Support Office. In addition, Mac support has been expanded in several different areas including printing and file sharing, as well as SIS access.

Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Design Premium, including Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, was purchased for every scanner workstation in the DECS public labs. This upgraded software, which will enhance the design software available to engineering students, will be installed and ready for use in the near future.

You may notice some fresh faces in the Support Office; DECS has recently hired seven new student employees to replace graduating students and to ensure our ability to provide support six days a week. John Adams, Nolan Holmes, Ron Razalan, Yevgeny Khessin, Jacob Brettrager, Michael Lohr, and James Pitcher have all joined our team.