Tag Archives: 201404

Getting the Information You Need, When You Need It

TechNews,

Let’s face it, when most people need tech help, they turn to a Google search and often get the answers they’re looking for in just a few minutes. Many of us, particularly students, prefer the convenience of self-service when we want quick resolutions.

It is with this in mind that we’re rolling out a redesigned Technology Support website in May. The new site is built around easy access to information about our most popular services and it will provide direct entry to our rapidly growing collection of how-to articles. Our service and support hours and contact information will be front and center, so you can get help quickly from wherever you are.

In addition, you’ll be able to access articles from the Technology newsletter, as well as important announcements and up-to-date information about new services and upcoming service changes.

We hope the new site saves you time, and maybe a few clicks, when you’re looking for answers to your tech questions. As always, we welcome your feedback. If you have questions about, or suggestions for, the new site after it launches, contact Simmons Technology at [email protected].

Using Advanced Search in Gmail

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Remember that email with the attached Word document that had an article listed in the works cited section that you could really use right now? It was sent by your classmate from two semesters ago whose name you can’t quite remember at the moment, and it had something to do with statistical anomalies in urban demography or maybe statistical models of emerging democracies? You know, that one?

First, take a deep breath. Then, use advanced search in your Simmons Gmail to find it. To access the advanced search options, click on the small triangle on the right side of the search bar.

Gmail search box

From there, you can use the fields in the dropdown menu to search your email by who sent it, when it was sent, if it contained an attachment, or even how large the attachment is.

Gmail advanced search options

Use these advanced options to quickly narrow down your search and find that one email you’re looking for. To learn more about how to use advanced search, click here.

A Faster Way to Access Windows from Classroom Macs

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In the February newsletter, we provided some information about how Technology will go about replacing lectern-based classroom computers throughout campus. Part of this ongoing project involves the installation of a desktop virtualization application that provides access to the Windows operating system and all Windows-only software on lectern-based classroom Macs. This software, called VMware Horizon View Client, is now available in most classrooms.

Desktop virtualization saves time by eliminating the need to reboot dual boot computers, and provides easy access to Windows. Using it is as simple as launching the application and logging in with your Simmons username and password. The virtual desktop is an additional and optional service. If you’re more comfortable rebooting the computer, you may continue doing so.

For more information about how to access the virtual Windows desktop, along with a full list of classrooms where this technology is available, please see this FAQ. To make things easier when you’re in the classroom, we’ll be placing instructions next to computers where the virtual desktop is available.