June 2014
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Division of Information Technology
P.O. Box 6888
Radford, VA 24142
Phone: (540) 831-5173
Fax: (540) 831-6217
Email: cio@radford.edu
IT Security Tip
Disconnect your computer from the Internet when you aren't using it. The likelihood that attackers or viruses scanning the network for available computers will target your computer becomes much higher if your computer is always connected.
IT Tip
To take a screen shot, press Print Screen to take a snapshot of the whole screen or ALT and Print Screen for just the current window, then paste it into an image editor such as Paint to save it as a picture file.
Accessibility Tip
Did you know that when you send an email with content that is a JPG with embedded text, the screen readers used by the visually impaired can't read the text? Be sure to include plain text in all your mass emails. For more, visit www.radford.edu/wsim.
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Division of Information Technology
Radford University
Porterfield TV studio connects RU to the world
The television studio in Porterfield Hall is now equipped with a high-speed Internet connection to allow professional video interviews to virtually any location in the world.
Previously this type of communication was limited to facilities with a satellite dish or high-speed fiber optic equipment. Now with LTN Global Internet equipment Radford University has in place, we have been able to achieve the same high-quality video transportation system.
The RU studio is equipped with the latest cameras, lighting and control equipment capable of matching quality with any TV station or network.
 Recently, we have been able to provide 9th District Congressman Morgan Griffith communication with Fox News and Fox Business News programs. The screen shot below was taken from a recent live interview conducted from the Porterfield studio.
Tips to improve your Facebook page
Social media can be a great way to reach your audiences, whether you are representing a college or department, administrative unit or academic program. Facebook is the most commonly used social media platform, but do you know how to make sure your Facebook page is effective? Here are a few tips for making a great Facebook page
- Have a great cover photo/graphic. When a user visits your Facebook page, you want to make a good impression. Your cover photo is the most prominent image on the screen when someone visits your page. Make sure your photo clearly identifies you and the office, department or program you represent. Be sure your cover image is high quality. Currently, cover photos should be 851 x 315 pixels. Keep your cover photo fresh by changing it with the seasons or even monthly.
- Have a great profile photo. While the cover photo is the first thing someone sees when he or she visits your page, your profile photo is the icon that will appear every time you post. This means your followers will see it again and again. Like cover photos, a successful profile picture should clearly state the department or the unit that is posting. When you create yours, check images other departments are using and be sure to create something unique so you don't cause confusion. Departments not representing the official Radford accounts should not use the RU logo for their pages.
- Fill out your "About" section. The about section gives visitors a quick look at who you are and what you do. Not completing it could cost you likes because users may not be able to quickly determine what your page is about and the content they can expect.
- Post regularly – but not too much! All of the above are great, but if you aren't posting new content, your page won't appear in people's news feeds. A good posting strategy includes a mix of post types: photos, text updates and links. Mix these types throughout the week to be most effective.
If you need assistance creating a cover graphic, profile photo or crafting a good posting strategy, please get in touch by emailing webcomm@radford.edu. Web Strategy and Interactive Media is happy to assist!
Finally, if you are interested in participating in social media brown bags or sharing ideas with your fellow colleagues, email social-media@radford.edu to join a Listserv dedicated to social media at Radford University.
Wireless network access changes planned
Network Services has been working this summer on the design, testing and implementation of a new wireless network access control product called Identity Services Engine (ISE), which will replace Clean Access.
The goal of the ISE implementation is to simplify the process of connecting to the campus network while providing wireless support for student devices including game machines, streaming media devices and wireless printers which are common in residence halls.
This implementation will create slight changes in the way the campus community interacts with the campus wireless system. Network Services will perform one final upgrade to the existing Clean Access system that will allow campus wireless users to install a new Cisco NAC Agent that works with both the old and the new system. Wireless users will automatically be prompted to download this update to their computer starting July 14.
On Aug. 6, the new ISE wireless access control system will be implemented campus-wide. For faculty and staff who are not on campus regularly this summer, we recommend that you validate your wireless connections are working properly before the start of fall semester classes.
Students can now download Microsoft Office
For several years, RU has maintained a Microsoft license allowing students to install Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus on their computer once they purchase the media (CD) at the RU bookstore.
As a result of recent changes in this program, students are now able to download this software online without a visit to the bookstore to purchase the media. All students registered for the current term or pre-registered for an upcoming term may now download the software directly from Microsoft.
Note: Students registering for Quest will have access to the download the day after they register for Quest.
Students may download this software from their Microsoft Office 365 email screen. After logging into the MyRU portal and clicking on the email icon, the software is available via the Settings (Gear Icon) -> Office 365 Settings and then clicking on "Software."
As a result of these changes, Microsoft Office and Windows media will no longer be available for students at the bookstore. Faculty and staff may continue to get Microsoft Office and Windows media at the bookstore via the work at home license from this agreement.
Meet the DoIT Staff
 Denise Rahmes
Director of Project Management
How long have you been employed in the Division of Information Technology at Radford University? Two months
Family: Married to my husband, Chris, for 24 years after meeting in a class at Virginia Tech. We settled in Christiansburg where we've raised our three children. Paige graduated from Virginia Tech and is now a chemical engineer. Rachel just finished her freshmen year at Virginia Tech, and Neal will be a junior at Christiansburg High School.
Hometown: Ferrum, Virginia
Education: B.S. in computer science from Virginia Tech.
Interests/Hobbies: Boating, skiing and camping on our beautiful nearby lakes and watching my Hokies play football and basketball.
Favorite vacation destination: Cruise to anywhere in the Caribbean
Favorite part of your job: That "fresh start" feeling at the beginning of a project. I enjoy getting to know new people and working on something completely different.
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