David will start off with a desk behind Circulation and move into LIB202A soon.

Note that we also have a short document (go/projection) that shows how to connect a Mac or a PC to a projector and provides tips for resolving the most common issues.

• Plan ahead: For all events that require tech support, we ask that you give us at least 5 business days notice. This deadline ensures that we have enough time to coordinate support with other departments (that have similar deadlines) and ensures that we can support more events and produce higher quality events.
• Give the Master Location Schedule a spin: This tool can help you get a list of spaces that have the features you need: visit go/mls, open the Locations tab, click More Search Options and under Features select the feature you are looking for (e.g. Computer installed at the podium). This can be very helpful in the early planning stages.
• The right room for the job: Keep in mind that some spaces are better suited for specific purposes. The event location is especially important if:
  • you are planning a videoconference,
  • you would like to have the event recorded
  • you plan to use microphones

Not all spaces are well suited for the above purposes (due to acoustics, lighting, capacity, etc.) Thus, to ensure a successful event, LIS has selected specific locations (see list below) that are best designed for these types of events. The Scheduling Office will work with you and LIS to find the best location for your event.

• Tech options: Consider whether you will need additional equipment or tech support (projector, microphones, show a DVD, record the event, etc.):
  • Many event venues already have the most popular equipment (projection, speakers, etc.), as well as an easy to use control panel and a set of printed instructions. With a brief orientation session, you’ll operate the equipment with ease. Contact the Helpdesk if you would like to schedule an orientation session.
  • If the location you are hoping to use does not have the equipment you need, LIS offers several options for getting equipment on loan.
  • If you’re sure you’ll need tech support, make sure to indicate that when filling out your event reservation request.
• The Scheduling Office is your ally. Submit your reservation request to the scheduling office as soon as possible, keeping in mind that LIS and other service departments require a 5-7 day notice. If you do require equipment or tech support, please ensure you select the appropriate option on the form. If the correct option is selected, the Scheduling Office will notify the Helpdesk of your event in a timely manner and we will contact you if more information is needed. Again, it is imperative that you respond to our requests for information at least 5 business days in advance of the event.
• Useful forms: To help you prepare for some types of events, and to ensure we get all the information necessary to give you our best service, we may ask you to complete a simple form. See the list of useful forms below.
• Guest speakers: If you are bringing a guest speaker on-campus, send them our Technology Checklist for Visiting Speakers.
• Use a podium computer or bring your own: A lot of classrooms have a built-in computer at the podium, reducing the need to bring your own computer. Again, the Master Location Schedule can help you get a list of these locations. If you prefer to use your own laptop for the presentation, make sure to test your computer and your presentation in the event location. Please feel free to contact the Helpdesk if you would like us to help out with the test!
• PowerPoint Tips: Using PowerPoint to enhance a talk, Tips for including media – pictures, videos, audio (& ensuring it all works!)
• Microphone Tips: Effective Microphone Techniques

Supported Locations

Due to acoustics, lighting, capacity and other factors, not all spaces are well suited for special events such as recordings, videoconferencing, etc. Thus, to ensure a successful event, LIS has selected specific locations that are best designed for these types of events. The Scheduling Office will work with you and LIS to find the best location for your event but you can plan ahead and review the potential venue options:

• Supported recording spaces
• Videoconferencing locations
• Screening locations
• Locations with built-in microphone systems

Every year we renovate selected spaces, so the options will continue to grow. You can always check the above links for the most up-to-date information.

Useful Forms

To help you prepare for some types of events, and to ensure we get all the information necessary to give you our best service, we’ve prepared a few forms:

• For recordings:
  • You will need to have the speaker(s) fill out the recording consent form (go/consent). We need to receive this form 2 business days (48 hours) before the event or we will not be able to record. This is a legal document that ensures the speaker is aware of your intent and, at the same time, protects you and the College in the case of a lawsuit. For more information, visit go/consent.
  • Complete the recording request form (go/recording). We need to receive this form 5 business days before the event or we will not be able to record. This form collects information that we need to prepare for the recording, create a high quality recording that is accessible and reliable, and properly catalog the recording so that you or the College may reuse it in the future. For more information visit go/recording.
• For film screenings:
  • Complete the screening request form (go/screening). We need to receive this form 5 business days before the event or we cannot guarantee that we can staff the screening. Screening any media requires sufficient time to purchase (or confirm) that we have the screening rights and that we have the working physical media. Even if you plan to bring your own media, screening rights need to be confirmed and the media itself needs to be tested. For more information, visit go/screening.

Note: We will continue to update this list, as our services and event venues change. Please check the page Top Tech Tips for a Successful Event for the latest version. In addition, visit the Media Services homepage for more information on our services.

Source:

LinkedIn also published a set of recommendations for protecting your account: Updating Your Password on LinkedIn and Other Account Security Best Practices.

This seems like a good time to remind the community about Middlebury College’s Password Policy, which also contains a set of password standards. One of these standards states: i) Users must NEVER use the same password for Middlebury College accounts as for non-Middlebury College access.

Please remember that you can get up-to-date security tips and news from the LIS Information Security page.

Dropbox, one of the most popular cloud storage providers, has had several security flaws and breaches over the past year:
- In June, for four hours, anyone could access anyone else’s Dropbox files.
- Three other separate security flaws (or holes) were found this summer.
- Furthermore, FTC found that Dropbox was misrepresenting their security measures and protocols.
- In addition, Dropbox had changed then clarified its Terms of Service within a matter of days.

That’s why we promote Middfiles for “cloud” storage needs. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions around Dropbox, cloud storage or security. If you have questions specific to Middfiles, please visit our documentation page.

Blu-ray projection (the ability to play Blu-ray discs) is being added to all new projection spaces or as we upgrade existing projection spaces (several each year). Currently, the following spaces can be used to play Blu-ray discs:

• Dana Auditorium
• Axinn 232
• MBH 216, 219, 220
• A viewing station at the Davis Family Library. The station is easy to spot as it sports the Blu-ray logo

We are working on a page that will provide more details around supported projection formats (what kind of media can be projected, and where). We will post an announcement when this page is ready. If you have any questions, please leave a comment here or contact the LIS Helpdesk.

What’s MACDefender?
Recently, a new malicious software has been targeting Macs (SANS, Symantec, Cornell). The software is (deceptively) named MACDefender. Strictly speaking, MACDefender is not a virus, it is a trojan but for most people there is purely a semantic difference. It should be noted, however, that a computer trojan, much like its historical counterpart, relies on deception and requires our “help” to infiltrate a computer. Computer viruses and worms on the other side don’t depend, as much, on us humans.

How do you know if your computer has been infected with MACDefender?
Well, at this time, if your computer is infected with MACDefender you may see the symptoms outlined on the Intego antivirus page. However, a better approach would be to update your real Mac antivirus (you have one, right?) Here are the instructions for updating Symantec Antivirus for Mac and running a virus scan. Don’t have Symantec for your Mac? Get it now: http://go.middlebury.edu/sav.

macdefender - fake antivirus

Rooms 309 and 405 have the regular assortment of technology (projector, 60×80 screen, laptop projection input, a multistandard DVD/VHS combo and a standard sound system).

By the way, the documentation for using these spaces is also online.

Room 467 has a similar setup as 309 and 405, however it also features a Hitachi short-throw projector and a Hitachi smart board. This semester, the Biology department is making use of the smart board. Hitachi has provided a nice tutorial for the smart board and we’ve put together a basic guide for using this classroom. I’ve also updated this post with two videos for the smartboard in use in 467. See the bottom of the post for the videos.

The new smart classrooms will also benefit the language schools, since we’ve equipped them with multistandard VHS and DVD players.

Kudos go to the Media Services crew – we designed and programmed the system on our own and Facilities Services assisted with the installation. We’ve had no support requests for 309 and 405 spaces, which attests to the quality of the design and programming of the system (the one adjustment we do need to make is provide a longer VGA cable). We also worked with the faculty that use the smart board in 467. I should note that the faculty were able to come up with some good modifications to our basic guide (it involved a digital tablet). The space offers lots of possibilities and needs some adjustments due to the HVAC vibrations but overall the projection is functional.

Next week I’ll post about the upgrade to the technology in Dana and the Old Chapel Boardroom. I promise to have pictures, too!

Update:
Here are the smartboard videos (show and tell from Hitachi).
Starboard part 1

Starboard part 2

Please join me in welcoming Chris to the Middlebury family!