chrome plug-in update from IT

I spoke with Thomas R. and he said that IT will not be able to install the "chrome plug-in" that is needed to make NC Digital Library function properly while using the Internet Explorer browser. 

So for now, please use Mozilla Firefox to view NC Digital Library.  To get to Firefox, go to the Start menu, then Programs, then Mozilla Firefox.  You can always drag Mozilla Firefox (1) to your quick lanch bar (2), or to your desktop (3) to create shortcuts.

the guest pass looks like an ancient scroll...

Sometimes when you print a guest pass you will see a bunch of foreign characters and symbols print out too.  The guest pass number is on there somewhere amid the random characters (I promise).  To make sure it doesn't happen again, you'll need to log out of Citrix (Start >  Log Off [username]) and then log back in. 

file conversion

Ever had someone come in with an ".odt" file and can't open it?  These are files created in OpenOffice, a free program very similar to MS Word.  People who create files in OpenOffice have the option to Save As ".doc" files when they create the file, but many don't realize it and start to panic when the file won't open in MS Word.  Fear not...there is a solution!  I often use a free site called Zamzar to do file conversions.  You browse for the file, choose your conversion file type (.doc), put in a valid e-mail address, and Zamzar will e-mail you a link where you can download the converted file.  This is the fastest method I have found for converting files.

if your citrix computer freezes up...

If you find that your computer freezes up while you're logged in on Citrix, you can try the second "tip" on this list, or you can...

Right-click on the blue Citrix icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.  Select "Application Refresh" at the top of the menu.  You can also try hitting the F5 key.

When all else fails (as it does most often for me), you'll need to call IT and ask them to take you out of Citrix.

contact info for after-hours computer issues

Please call Telecom Dispatch at 704-216-8500 when you have an after-hours computer issue.  Details from Thomas Roemer are below:

Calling into the Telecom center gives added value:

-    Telco acts as central contact and continues to page.

-    Page message to tech actually has text details of issue.

-    It generates an email that goes to additional staff in case the pager malfunctions, dead battery or is out of range (which is rare).