I haven't posted here in quite a while. I have been running around, helping schools, working on co-op related items, and generally keeping VERY busy. I am going to start recording here again, though I have been keeping up with my daily visits etc in my co-op calendar.
I appreciate anyone who is still following along, or may start now that this site will pick back up again.
Most recently, I was at Blevins to help set up student logins. There will be some growing pains, I'm sure! But, we were able to get the students set up, put into appropriate groups, and assign permissions.
Just prior to that, I was at Bradley to help set up new computers in their distance learning labs and troubleshoot various issues around the district.
In-house, I have been working on a couple projects that will come to light around Christmas break. I am pretty excited about them!
More to come as I get back into the swing of posting my daily log here again.
Showing posts with label school site visit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school site visit. Show all posts
Friday, November 9, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
August 20-24, 2012
Monday - Visit Genoa Schools to troubleshoot issues with DL. After all connections were re-seated, system worked fine. Talked with early childhood program there and the local tech to discuss network connectivity. As Trish and I left, the cables for the network connection were arriving via courier. We then went to Texarkana schools to meet with their distance learning facilitator. Everything was fine technically. I met with Technology Clerk and TCC regarding new scheduling implementation. There will be a meeting between the three of us and the Director on Friday to hammer out some details and iron out issues with the program. I went to the Hope ECH to connect interactive whiteboard, test networking, reset printer connections.
Tuesday - Will be at Arch Ford Co-op for statewide tech meeting
Wednesday - Will be in Conway for a statewide grant program meeting
Thursday - Office
Friday - Office
Tuesday - Will be at Arch Ford Co-op for statewide tech meeting
Wednesday - Will be in Conway for a statewide grant program meeting
Thursday - Office
Friday - Office
Monday, July 23, 2012
July 16-20
Monday - Worked in office, taking care of presenters, meeting regarding various building-related issues, etc. Had to move my Genoa visit to Tuesday.
Tuesday - Went to genoa to help them set up their NAS. the NAS itself was already configured, so I ran the iSCSI initiator in Server 2008 to connect the NAS. After a bit of trial and error, I got it going. The short version of the story is this: expand your columns in a display when possible. The end of the volume names was cut off because of the column width. Once I fixed that, I could see which volume to mount. The next lesson was this: DELETE existing files rather than reformatting the NAS drive. UGH. 500GB takes a LONG time to format via NAS.
Wednesday - I taught Podcasting Using a Mac in the morning and then Social Networking for Schools in the afternnon. One of the highlights: one participant created his podcast by simply recording another participant as she did her own project. Brilliantly creative. Though, would have failed a rubric assessment had there been one.
Thursday - Talked with DirecTV about getting service. Still working on that. Had firewall issues. Fortinet is sending RMA (and hopefully a new unit to swap out). Worked with the HVAC guys on a problem unit we have. They will be here on the 25 to adjust the tilt of the unit.
Friday - Offices Closed.
Tuesday - Went to genoa to help them set up their NAS. the NAS itself was already configured, so I ran the iSCSI initiator in Server 2008 to connect the NAS. After a bit of trial and error, I got it going. The short version of the story is this: expand your columns in a display when possible. The end of the volume names was cut off because of the column width. Once I fixed that, I could see which volume to mount. The next lesson was this: DELETE existing files rather than reformatting the NAS drive. UGH. 500GB takes a LONG time to format via NAS.
Wednesday - I taught Podcasting Using a Mac in the morning and then Social Networking for Schools in the afternnon. One of the highlights: one participant created his podcast by simply recording another participant as she did her own project. Brilliantly creative. Though, would have failed a rubric assessment had there been one.
Thursday - Talked with DirecTV about getting service. Still working on that. Had firewall issues. Fortinet is sending RMA (and hopefully a new unit to swap out). Worked with the HVAC guys on a problem unit we have. They will be here on the 25 to adjust the tilt of the unit.
Friday - Offices Closed.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Troubleshooting Networks at Blevins
I drove straight to Blevins this morning. They were having connectivity issues following the storms the other day. Turns out, they had a pair of media converters knocked out. Swapped the devices, and the network came back up, humming along.
Had a separate issue in a classroom. Teacher could not connect. After some sneakernet, we discovered a wire had come loose from the switch.
In yet another classroom, teacher could not connect. Turned out to be a bad end that plugs into a cat5 coupler. Replaced the end and user was back up and running.
Set up an Airport Extreme. After much troubleshooting, it turned out the switch in that room had TWO bad ports - and we just happened to have picked those two while installing/troubleshooting. Figures.
At the office, I worked on creating a new workshop survey. This year, surveys will be online, accessible via desktop, laptop, and mobile devices. We will have QR codes posted for folks to scan and take the survey. We will also provide paper copies of the survey should some folks decide not to do it online.
Helped Phoebe with playing AudioNote files on her computer, then I recorded a podcast for the SWAEC@Technology series. That can be found: http://davidinark.podomatic.com/
Met with the Supt of Blevins to give a summary of what happened there. Also talked with Supt of Fouke regarding new position they are looking to fill. he had asked me to help review applicants, etc.
Had a separate issue in a classroom. Teacher could not connect. After some sneakernet, we discovered a wire had come loose from the switch.
In yet another classroom, teacher could not connect. Turned out to be a bad end that plugs into a cat5 coupler. Replaced the end and user was back up and running.
Set up an Airport Extreme. After much troubleshooting, it turned out the switch in that room had TWO bad ports - and we just happened to have picked those two while installing/troubleshooting. Figures.
At the office, I worked on creating a new workshop survey. This year, surveys will be online, accessible via desktop, laptop, and mobile devices. We will have QR codes posted for folks to scan and take the survey. We will also provide paper copies of the survey should some folks decide not to do it online.
Helped Phoebe with playing AudioNote files on her computer, then I recorded a podcast for the SWAEC@Technology series. That can be found: http://davidinark.podomatic.com/
Met with the Supt of Blevins to give a summary of what happened there. Also talked with Supt of Fouke regarding new position they are looking to fill. he had asked me to help review applicants, etc.
Monday, May 7, 2012
May 7-11, 2012
Monday - Nevada Schools
Tuesday - Friday - Office
On Monday, started the day by taking a portable CIV unit to Nevada Schools. They have a CIV unit, but after the statewide network change, the system is no longer able to make/receive calls on the network. I hooked up the co-op's portable unit and it worked fine.
Trish, the DL Coordinator for the co-op, will contact SKC regarding the issue since there is a service contract.
Later this week, I've got a webinar with Apple about course development through iBooks, etc. I believe that is a statewide endeavor.
Tuesday - Friday - Office
On Monday, started the day by taking a portable CIV unit to Nevada Schools. They have a CIV unit, but after the statewide network change, the system is no longer able to make/receive calls on the network. I hooked up the co-op's portable unit and it worked fine.
Trish, the DL Coordinator for the co-op, will contact SKC regarding the issue since there is a service contract.
Later this week, I've got a webinar with Apple about course development through iBooks, etc. I believe that is a statewide endeavor.
Monday, April 23, 2012
4/16/2012-4/20/2012 Update
Monday - Met with heating/air guy about board room. turned out to be low freon in heat pump. Emailed Belinda Kittrell. She said notices will be mailed out today regarding tech plans. Hopefully I will get one. :-)
Tuesday - Answered several phone calls/emails regarding tech plans. Worked on new web filter. Other normal daily tasks, as evident through email.
Wednesday - Attended Prescott Technology Committee Meeting. Received Tech Plan Revision notice in mail. Made changes to tech plan, submitted. System gives a relay error. Known issue, but updates still went through.
Thursday - Held area tech meeting. Notes are as follows:
1. Updates from State Level
---- State is rolling out a new, single sign-on system for the various data sources from one web site. An area tech asked, "Why do have all these different data sources?" Since I did not know the answer, I promised to write Cody Decker and Jim Boardman. I followed up with an email to those individuals.
---- As of last week, the state had only NINE respondents to the IT Readiness Survey for Common Core. I asked that the techs work with their Superintendents to get the information entered. The survey, though optional, will provide critical baseline information as the CCSS assessments are created and rolled out.
---- IDEAS/iTunesU/Sandbox - Arkansas is rolling out iTunesU to the district levels in an effort and attempt to get more local content produced and uploaded. Several techs reported that their teachers were using IDEAS for professional development.
2. Disaster Recovery Testing
---- Discussion regarding DRP testing.
---- Two tests are required per year. They do *NOT* have to be technology-related. I suggest that at least one be tech-related, however.
---- One of the two required tests can be a serious round-table discussion in a "What If..." scenario. Offsite backups can be brought to the co-op for storage and/or for recovery/restoration testing.
---- Some techs asked for information regarding enterprise level cloud-based backup. I will see what I can find out and share it with the group.
3. Tech Plan Updates/Info
---- All the schools reported they had received notification of revisions.
---- Statewide issue regarding submission - system gives a "Relay Error." I suggested techs send email to Belinda, including the LEA and date of submission.
---- Clarification: New signature pages are *NOT* required! As long as ADE has signatures on assurance pages already.
---- Discussion regarding the methods in which revisions are communicated to districts. We would prefer electronic communication (email, ideally).
4. Etherscope Update
---- A new grant to get EVERY co-op in the state an Etherscope is underway.
---- Techs were excited about that prospect.
5. Impero Demo showing updated/new features (approx 30 minutes)
---- New power management features
---- Enhanced remote desktop features
---- BYOD discussion ensued, Impero suggests policies for use of teh software on campus network, then automatic removal once machine leaves campus.
6. Working lunch included demo from Chad Brinkley with eInstruction
---- eInstruction has a new Mobi-based app
---- App works with ANY editable format (word, ppt, pages, google docs, etc)
---- Right now, app only works as a teacher program; working on student-side app
---- Works in conjunction with Mobi classroom clickers/pads.
---- New case holds iPad2, comes with stylus. Rugged. $59
---- Classroom, Building, and Site Licenses available
7. E-rate
---- PIA requests received by some districts
8. Asked if techs would like a PowerShell workshop this summer. Many said yes, so I will arrange that.
9. Group discussion reagrding a variety of topics including, but not limited to:
---- Lightspeed firewall
---- Fortigate firewall
---- Hot Springs Technical Institute
---- Job descriptions, employment openings at various districts
---- Other various topics
Friday - Revised Technology section of the SWAEC annual report. Worked on filtering issues, contacted Fortigate for support. Worked with Blevins tech staff on their tech plan revisions. Other duties and communication as evident via email.
Tuesday - Answered several phone calls/emails regarding tech plans. Worked on new web filter. Other normal daily tasks, as evident through email.
Wednesday - Attended Prescott Technology Committee Meeting. Received Tech Plan Revision notice in mail. Made changes to tech plan, submitted. System gives a relay error. Known issue, but updates still went through.
Thursday - Held area tech meeting. Notes are as follows:
1. Updates from State Level
---- State is rolling out a new, single sign-on system for the various data sources from one web site. An area tech asked, "Why do have all these different data sources?" Since I did not know the answer, I promised to write Cody Decker and Jim Boardman. I followed up with an email to those individuals.
---- As of last week, the state had only NINE respondents to the IT Readiness Survey for Common Core. I asked that the techs work with their Superintendents to get the information entered. The survey, though optional, will provide critical baseline information as the CCSS assessments are created and rolled out.
---- IDEAS/iTunesU/Sandbox - Arkansas is rolling out iTunesU to the district levels in an effort and attempt to get more local content produced and uploaded. Several techs reported that their teachers were using IDEAS for professional development.
2. Disaster Recovery Testing
---- Discussion regarding DRP testing.
---- Two tests are required per year. They do *NOT* have to be technology-related. I suggest that at least one be tech-related, however.
---- One of the two required tests can be a serious round-table discussion in a "What If..." scenario. Offsite backups can be brought to the co-op for storage and/or for recovery/restoration testing.
---- Some techs asked for information regarding enterprise level cloud-based backup. I will see what I can find out and share it with the group.
3. Tech Plan Updates/Info
---- All the schools reported they had received notification of revisions.
---- Statewide issue regarding submission - system gives a "Relay Error." I suggested techs send email to Belinda, including the LEA and date of submission.
---- Clarification: New signature pages are *NOT* required! As long as ADE has signatures on assurance pages already.
---- Discussion regarding the methods in which revisions are communicated to districts. We would prefer electronic communication (email, ideally).
4. Etherscope Update
---- A new grant to get EVERY co-op in the state an Etherscope is underway.
---- Techs were excited about that prospect.
5. Impero Demo showing updated/new features (approx 30 minutes)
---- New power management features
---- Enhanced remote desktop features
---- BYOD discussion ensued, Impero suggests policies for use of teh software on campus network, then automatic removal once machine leaves campus.
6. Working lunch included demo from Chad Brinkley with eInstruction
---- eInstruction has a new Mobi-based app
---- App works with ANY editable format (word, ppt, pages, google docs, etc)
---- Right now, app only works as a teacher program; working on student-side app
---- Works in conjunction with Mobi classroom clickers/pads.
---- New case holds iPad2, comes with stylus. Rugged. $59
---- Classroom, Building, and Site Licenses available
7. E-rate
---- PIA requests received by some districts
8. Asked if techs would like a PowerShell workshop this summer. Many said yes, so I will arrange that.
9. Group discussion reagrding a variety of topics including, but not limited to:
---- Lightspeed firewall
---- Fortigate firewall
---- Hot Springs Technical Institute
---- Job descriptions, employment openings at various districts
---- Other various topics
Friday - Revised Technology section of the SWAEC annual report. Worked on filtering issues, contacted Fortigate for support. Worked with Blevins tech staff on their tech plan revisions. Other duties and communication as evident via email.
Monday, March 5, 2012
2/29-3/2 2012
Wednesday, worked at the office. Mainly worked on converting TIE modules to Moodle. Answered several phone calls and emails regarding the Tech Plan.
Thursday - Took Etherscope to Lafayette. They had same IPX printer issues everyone else has had. Nothing else jumped out.
Friday - Took Etherscope to Bradley. We had a known streaming issue, but the Etherscope did not seem to pick it up. I am going to need some more traniing in "reading" the device to pick those kinds of things out. While at Bradley, i also helped troubleshoot various computer issues.
Thursday - Took Etherscope to Lafayette. They had same IPX printer issues everyone else has had. Nothing else jumped out.
Friday - Took Etherscope to Bradley. We had a known streaming issue, but the Etherscope did not seem to pick it up. I am going to need some more traniing in "reading" the device to pick those kinds of things out. While at Bradley, i also helped troubleshoot various computer issues.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday and Tuesday (2/27 and 2/28)
Monday - took the Etherscope to Fouke. Their network looked pretty good! They had some IPX traffic (printers) that we got under control and our walkthrough of the wireless network found a mobile hotspot and a Nintendo handheld device.
Tuesday - Took the Etherscope to Hope Schools. We found several issues - some duplicate IPs, some IPX traffic (mostly printers), a few others. Spent the day working on those plus some other issues and topics - iPads, New Tech school, new administration, various Mac OS apps, etc.
Tuesday - Took the Etherscope to Hope Schools. We found several issues - some duplicate IPs, some IPX traffic (mostly printers), a few others. Spent the day working on those plus some other issues and topics - iPads, New Tech school, new administration, various Mac OS apps, etc.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Tuesday, Feb 21, 2012
Restarted the Firewall. Having issues with ISA Server 2006. Put in a HEAT ticket with DIS. They called and said problem looked to be local.
Went to Hope ECH and ran new network wire. Will install wireless later this week.
Answered phone calls and emails. More troubleshooting on ISA Server. Restart Firewall service.
Spent 20 minutes on phone with woman from Connecticut regarding technology department restructuring. She got my name from AESA contacts during the Colo Springs conference. VERY cool conversation! I hope my thoughts were helpful.
More troubleshooting ISA.
After poking around, I managed to come across a weird situation another admin had whereby the UPS into which the core switch was plugged had errant power flow problems. We have been having a battery issue with one of our UPS units, so I moved the plug from that UPS to another. So far, so good. I'm not holding my breath, though. We'll just have to see. In the meantime, I had already ordered a replacement battery, so that's now on my priority list for Wednesday!
I just hope that was the fix. If not, it looks like the NIC in that server may be going out. That won't be fun.
I swapped a telephone set in early childhood - theirs was showing the worng button programming. usually that is a software issue. In this case, though, the phone itself is.. wonky.
This afternoon, I am heading to Prescott to help with IDEAS logins, etc. Then tonight, I am talking to the Prescott school board about e-rate.
Went to Hope ECH and ran new network wire. Will install wireless later this week.
Answered phone calls and emails. More troubleshooting on ISA Server. Restart Firewall service.
Spent 20 minutes on phone with woman from Connecticut regarding technology department restructuring. She got my name from AESA contacts during the Colo Springs conference. VERY cool conversation! I hope my thoughts were helpful.
More troubleshooting ISA.
After poking around, I managed to come across a weird situation another admin had whereby the UPS into which the core switch was plugged had errant power flow problems. We have been having a battery issue with one of our UPS units, so I moved the plug from that UPS to another. So far, so good. I'm not holding my breath, though. We'll just have to see. In the meantime, I had already ordered a replacement battery, so that's now on my priority list for Wednesday!
I just hope that was the fix. If not, it looks like the NIC in that server may be going out. That won't be fun.
I swapped a telephone set in early childhood - theirs was showing the worng button programming. usually that is a software issue. In this case, though, the phone itself is.. wonky.
This afternoon, I am heading to Prescott to help with IDEAS logins, etc. Then tonight, I am talking to the Prescott school board about e-rate.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Week of January 27 UPDATE
Wednesday - Traveled to Bradley to help troubleshoot several issues and run a cable in one of their labs. We had to install DyKnow monitoring software, which turned out to be much more involved than we had anticipated. In fact, we ended up removing the installation at least once (I think maybe twice) before we got it right. Let me just say that I miss the days when thousand-dollar software came with a PRINTED manual. We had to locate and replace a wire that was causing a video issue in the distance learning lab. We also looked at several other technical issues as well.
Thursday - I drove to Fouke to help troubleshoot network issues. The tech and I looked at their backup configuration and made sure that it was backing up everything it was supposed to be. We went through the Middle School trying to find a possible network loopback, but did not find one. There is something going on, and I let the tech know that the co-op would be getting an Etherscope soon and that I would bring it to troubleshoot as soon as it arrived. in the meantime, I offered suggestions for manually hunting down the problem. The "old school" method is to unplug cables one at a time until things settle down. If EVERYTHING is unplugged before the network settles, then plug things back in one at a time and monitor the situation. It is long, tedious work with a lot of network connections to go through.
They have Xirrus wireless and one array keeps rebooting itself, but does not log the boot loop in its diagnostics. I can only assume that the system is rebooting before the diags can be recorded.
The tech asked me to research the following: 1) Cloud-based backup for Netware, 2) Multi-sheet document scanner for record keeping, 3) Info regarding migration from Groupwise to Google Apps for Education. I will have those to them next week.
Friday - Went to Blevins to help troubleshoot network issues and other problems. They had a lightning strike take out one of their T1s. The telco replaced the line, but the internet connection was no where near up to speed (running about 26k/sec). We had DIS on the line and Warren helped us narrow down a couple issues. One issue surfaced in the form of the video LAN and the Data LAN being on the same physical network. After a LOT of sneakernet, we found the problem (a wire plugged into the wrong place) and fixed that. As for internet connectivity, it turns out the line was not provisioned correctly on the telco end. Aonce both of those were resolved, the district was running at near 3-meg capacity.
Additionally, I had a list of things the techs wanted me to look over, so I did. A MacBook had a CD stuck in the drive and it would not eject. The system was "hosed" and would not boot beyond the spinning grey circle. Holding the EJECT button whole booting did not work. Holding COMMAND-OPTION-F-O never put me in Firmware Mode, so that was no good. I finally took a stiff piece of cardboard and stuck it in the drive. When the system tried to boot, the CD was held in place by the cardboard. The system tried to read the disc 3-4 times. After that, the CD eventually ejected from the system.
I helped set the password expiration period to 90 days (it had been set to 42 days).
I helped set up two printers as DHCP reservations.
I showed the tech how to DENY requests for IP addresses in the DHCP server module. I love that feature of Server 2008 R2! Wahoo! They had a LOT of iPhone, iPod, Android, etc users snagging up IP addresses.
We worked on a couple other issues, then I headed to the office.
At the office, I worked on updating the Operations Guide for the Conference Room - added a cheat sheet for multiple screen scenarios. I posted the 2012-2013 DL Calendar to the ARDL portal, answered phone calls, emails, voicemails, etc.
Thursday - I drove to Fouke to help troubleshoot network issues. The tech and I looked at their backup configuration and made sure that it was backing up everything it was supposed to be. We went through the Middle School trying to find a possible network loopback, but did not find one. There is something going on, and I let the tech know that the co-op would be getting an Etherscope soon and that I would bring it to troubleshoot as soon as it arrived. in the meantime, I offered suggestions for manually hunting down the problem. The "old school" method is to unplug cables one at a time until things settle down. If EVERYTHING is unplugged before the network settles, then plug things back in one at a time and monitor the situation. It is long, tedious work with a lot of network connections to go through.
They have Xirrus wireless and one array keeps rebooting itself, but does not log the boot loop in its diagnostics. I can only assume that the system is rebooting before the diags can be recorded.
The tech asked me to research the following: 1) Cloud-based backup for Netware, 2) Multi-sheet document scanner for record keeping, 3) Info regarding migration from Groupwise to Google Apps for Education. I will have those to them next week.
Friday - Went to Blevins to help troubleshoot network issues and other problems. They had a lightning strike take out one of their T1s. The telco replaced the line, but the internet connection was no where near up to speed (running about 26k/sec). We had DIS on the line and Warren helped us narrow down a couple issues. One issue surfaced in the form of the video LAN and the Data LAN being on the same physical network. After a LOT of sneakernet, we found the problem (a wire plugged into the wrong place) and fixed that. As for internet connectivity, it turns out the line was not provisioned correctly on the telco end. Aonce both of those were resolved, the district was running at near 3-meg capacity.
Additionally, I had a list of things the techs wanted me to look over, so I did. A MacBook had a CD stuck in the drive and it would not eject. The system was "hosed" and would not boot beyond the spinning grey circle. Holding the EJECT button whole booting did not work. Holding COMMAND-OPTION-F-O never put me in Firmware Mode, so that was no good. I finally took a stiff piece of cardboard and stuck it in the drive. When the system tried to boot, the CD was held in place by the cardboard. The system tried to read the disc 3-4 times. After that, the CD eventually ejected from the system.
I helped set the password expiration period to 90 days (it had been set to 42 days).
I helped set up two printers as DHCP reservations.
I showed the tech how to DENY requests for IP addresses in the DHCP server module. I love that feature of Server 2008 R2! Wahoo! They had a LOT of iPhone, iPod, Android, etc users snagging up IP addresses.
We worked on a couple other issues, then I headed to the office.
At the office, I worked on updating the Operations Guide for the Conference Room - added a cheat sheet for multiple screen scenarios. I posted the 2012-2013 DL Calendar to the ARDL portal, answered phone calls, emails, voicemails, etc.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
January 23-27, 2012
Monday - Office
Tuesday - Office
Wednesday - Bradley
Thursday - Genoa (possibly)
Friday - Office
Monday, spent the morning in the office then headed to Fouke to look at a DL problem. Turns out, they do not have a mic mixer for their ceiling mic. Talked to the tech support folks, they will be in touch. From there, headed to Prescott to look at their DL issue (remote control). I thought the problem was related to the plate in the top of the C20, but instead, the issue was much simpler. Inside Tandberg remote battery compartments is a switch. The switch regulates how much power is being used for the IR output. By default, it is set on low. That works well for close-up remote needs and/or incandescent lighting. For fluorescent, though, you need to flip the switch to HIGH power. So, I flipped the switch and it works great. I had forgotten that was even in the battery compartment until yesterday.
Tuesday, heading out to Hope ECH to troubleshoot connectivity and SmartBoards. We'll see what the rest of the day holds...
Problem at Hope ECH is directlt related to a coupler being used between two pieces of network wire. I will most likely run a new line so that we do not have this problem in the future.
The smartBoard problem was a result of screen resolution to the projector. I adjusted the resolution so that the display would show the entire desktop area, filling the projection screen (it had been "squished" due to a much higher resolution). This fixed the SmartBoard problem.
Installed Apple TV on the TV in the Asst Director's office. AppleTV, at the time of this writing, does not have alive weather program. Seriously!? Lame. So, I contact Weather.com to encourage them to work with Apple on getting a channel on the system. No, I am not going to jailbreak the AppleTV. I shouldn't have to, and besides, this is a company installation.
Worked with Prescott via phone regarding their technology survey results.
Worked with UACCH regarding an RUS grant for which we are a partner. They needed a specific invoice and copy of payment for the grant. I ran that over as soon as I had a copy.
Working on other daily tasks as well - email, phone calls, etc.
Tuesday - Office
Wednesday - Bradley
Thursday - Genoa (possibly)
Friday - Office
Monday, spent the morning in the office then headed to Fouke to look at a DL problem. Turns out, they do not have a mic mixer for their ceiling mic. Talked to the tech support folks, they will be in touch. From there, headed to Prescott to look at their DL issue (remote control). I thought the problem was related to the plate in the top of the C20, but instead, the issue was much simpler. Inside Tandberg remote battery compartments is a switch. The switch regulates how much power is being used for the IR output. By default, it is set on low. That works well for close-up remote needs and/or incandescent lighting. For fluorescent, though, you need to flip the switch to HIGH power. So, I flipped the switch and it works great. I had forgotten that was even in the battery compartment until yesterday.
Tuesday, heading out to Hope ECH to troubleshoot connectivity and SmartBoards. We'll see what the rest of the day holds...
Problem at Hope ECH is directlt related to a coupler being used between two pieces of network wire. I will most likely run a new line so that we do not have this problem in the future.
The smartBoard problem was a result of screen resolution to the projector. I adjusted the resolution so that the display would show the entire desktop area, filling the projection screen (it had been "squished" due to a much higher resolution). This fixed the SmartBoard problem.
Installed Apple TV on the TV in the Asst Director's office. AppleTV, at the time of this writing, does not have alive weather program. Seriously!? Lame. So, I contact Weather.com to encourage them to work with Apple on getting a channel on the system. No, I am not going to jailbreak the AppleTV. I shouldn't have to, and besides, this is a company installation.
Worked with Prescott via phone regarding their technology survey results.
Worked with UACCH regarding an RUS grant for which we are a partner. They needed a specific invoice and copy of payment for the grant. I ran that over as soon as I had a copy.
Working on other daily tasks as well - email, phone calls, etc.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wednesday
When I arrived, I started working on building a report for target testing data. The data was sent in Excel, which I imported into Access, created a count query and a report to go with it, then converted the report to pdf for distribution to appropriate personnel.
Drove to Fouke with the Distance Learning Coordinator to look at a couple of tech issues in the DL lab.
We installed a HDMI cable to connect a 2nd TV to the codec. The image appears the same on both monitors. This is not normally what happens. After quite a bit of experimenting, there was no way to get the image to show in-class on one screen and incoming on the other. There must be a setting somewhere I am missing. I will check out a similar system at another campus, take notes and revisit the system at Fouke.
We installed a document camera on the codec. For some reason, when selecting "presentation," the system switches to a dual-screen mode showing the far site and near site but does not switch to the document camera. Using the remote, however, the facilitator can switch to the document camera manually. While not ideal, this will serve to meet the needs until we get the remote/configuration figured out.
Talked briefly with the Technology Coordinator and Ass't TC regarding tech plans, e-rate, A-Plus learning, and connecting Macs into the Active Directory.
Visited with the Supt and other staff before we left campus.
At the office, I worked on grant evaluation procedures, e-rate, and addressed/replied to work-related emails.
Drove to Fouke with the Distance Learning Coordinator to look at a couple of tech issues in the DL lab.
We installed a HDMI cable to connect a 2nd TV to the codec. The image appears the same on both monitors. This is not normally what happens. After quite a bit of experimenting, there was no way to get the image to show in-class on one screen and incoming on the other. There must be a setting somewhere I am missing. I will check out a similar system at another campus, take notes and revisit the system at Fouke.
We installed a document camera on the codec. For some reason, when selecting "presentation," the system switches to a dual-screen mode showing the far site and near site but does not switch to the document camera. Using the remote, however, the facilitator can switch to the document camera manually. While not ideal, this will serve to meet the needs until we get the remote/configuration figured out.
Talked briefly with the Technology Coordinator and Ass't TC regarding tech plans, e-rate, A-Plus learning, and connecting Macs into the Active Directory.
Visited with the Supt and other staff before we left campus.
At the office, I worked on grant evaluation procedures, e-rate, and addressed/replied to work-related emails.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Updates for the week of December 9, 2011
Monday - Went to Blevins to install a new print server since DIS no longer provides those. The software that HP uses is VERY finicky and we eventually got into the JetDirect through Chrome or Firefox or something non-IE. In the meantime, the Epson 4000EX/FX/whatever has a problem in that the main power connector loses contact as the wide-carriage return jostles the printer all over the place. We think we got it stabilized, but I believe there is a serious manufacturing defect there.
Tuesday - Went to Arch Ford for mini sessions and state tech meeting. I will post those notes from my iPad this weekend.
Wednesday - Spent the day troubleshooting various issues and getting the ball rolling for Apple volume purchasing. What a nightmare THAT is, especially when you are the one person running it all - Apple doesn't like you to be the only one. Evidently, bureaucratic red tape is their comfort zone.
Thursday - Ran between CWT and CCSS for a while there. Helped folks get set up and going in each session then checked with CWT every once i a while since I was attending the common core institute. For the record, the CIV was awful as far as video quality. As for program content, the presenters are so well-versed in CCSS they forget the rest of us are still trying to figure out how to tread in the waters. It moved way too fast and was a bit scattered for some of the participants at our site. Phoebe put together a summary sheet that she mailed to the participants and we are building a 'clearinghouse' page to house the various and sundry sites.
Friday - I drove to Bradley to help with some technical issues. This included:
Tuesday - Went to Arch Ford for mini sessions and state tech meeting. I will post those notes from my iPad this weekend.
Wednesday - Spent the day troubleshooting various issues and getting the ball rolling for Apple volume purchasing. What a nightmare THAT is, especially when you are the one person running it all - Apple doesn't like you to be the only one. Evidently, bureaucratic red tape is their comfort zone.
Thursday - Ran between CWT and CCSS for a while there. Helped folks get set up and going in each session then checked with CWT every once i a while since I was attending the common core institute. For the record, the CIV was awful as far as video quality. As for program content, the presenters are so well-versed in CCSS they forget the rest of us are still trying to figure out how to tread in the waters. It moved way too fast and was a bit scattered for some of the participants at our site. Phoebe put together a summary sheet that she mailed to the participants and we are building a 'clearinghouse' page to house the various and sundry sites.
Friday - I drove to Bradley to help with some technical issues. This included:
- Helping the tech re-establish printer connectivity with several machines. After I had done the first two, I showed her how to do it - teach her to fish, as it were.
- Helping the tech get her firewall rebooted according to an email from the tech support folks she deals with. It is Linux based, so some of the commands were a bit foreign to the tech. We got it going, though.
- Working with the tech and a vendor to purchase SQL Server Standard for a new program the district wants to implement. To say the least, that was the hardest part of the day, only because the vendor could not wrap his brain around what we wanted. Also, it appears the vendor never processed the PO for SQL Server. Yoy.
- Examining the distance learning lab. They have a touch panel that has gone out. I re-routed several cables and connections to get them up and going, but we will need a few more parts to completely disengage the touch panel and the control unit attached to it. As it is, though, the faciliatator can use almost every function.
- Attempting to install Smart Notebook on a computer but it needed XP SP3, so the tech was going to take care of that
- We also talked about 470's, P1, P2, and other E-Rate related items.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Week of 11-28-2011
Monday - In the office. I answered voice mail and email from the previous week. I ran out to the Hope early childhood program to troubleshoot a computer problem. Turned out the maintenance folks had cleaned over the holiday break and knocked the power cord loose on a video distribution box. I employed the help of the DL Coordinator and we updated printer drivers in the APSCN mini lab. I worked with our bookkeeper to locate various items requested on the auditor inventory pull (three servers, an Opscan scanner, a projector, and a partridge in a pear tree.... Sorry, couldn't resist the holiday spirit there! I have talked with no fewer than three vendors and I shared the USAC E-Rate Window announcement via Twitter and FaceBook. I helped a staff member point her home page to the company's new website address. As this post was created at 10:30am on Monday, there is still a full day of tech ahead. This post may or may not be updated to reflect everything done today (hopefully, I will!!).
A few of our DTU-16D's have been acting a bit weird - namely, when an internal extension pages directly to certain phones, a loud buzzing sound could be heard in the background. After swapping units, I narrowed the issue down to the base/handset itself. Luckily, I have a couple left from the old building and took care of the main users with the issue. I have a repair/exchange in place for the two phones, so that should be fixed when I get back into the office next week.
Tuesday - OUT
Wednesday-Friday - I will be at the AESA National Conference in Colorado. I will be co-presenting with Harry Dickens in one session and helping to man the technology for Phoebe in another session. I will also be attending various breakout sessions, including the 2011 Digital Jam hosted by Kevin Honeycutt. I will be posting updates to twitter (@davidinark), FaceBook, and at least one of my personal blogs (http://www.poppedinmyhead.com).
A few of our DTU-16D's have been acting a bit weird - namely, when an internal extension pages directly to certain phones, a loud buzzing sound could be heard in the background. After swapping units, I narrowed the issue down to the base/handset itself. Luckily, I have a couple left from the old building and took care of the main users with the issue. I have a repair/exchange in place for the two phones, so that should be fixed when I get back into the office next week.
Tuesday - OUT
Wednesday-Friday - I will be at the AESA National Conference in Colorado. I will be co-presenting with Harry Dickens in one session and helping to man the technology for Phoebe in another session. I will also be attending various breakout sessions, including the 2011 Digital Jam hosted by Kevin Honeycutt. I will be posting updates to twitter (@davidinark), FaceBook, and at least one of my personal blogs (http://www.poppedinmyhead.com).
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Moodle Monday
Phoebe asked me to generate a list of TIE modules with their authors/editors as we move into a new phase for the TIE program. The modules will be retooled for a hybrid environment using the Moodle CMS program.
Last Friday, I installed Moodle on a server we have and then I spent time on Monday working out kinks. The main one being mail delivery (or the lack thereof). I installed Moodle on a Windows server. The included mail subsystems with Moodle would not play nice with our Google Apps account. So, I finally managed to get that working after quite a bot of tinkering with ini files and php configs. I do need to make a couple of tweaks for security, but that should be a simple doing compared to the hoops I had to jump through in order to get mail working.
I suppose there are more effective ways to get mail delivery working, but my way works and I could not find a comprehensive solution online. I wrote up my solution and posted it to our locally held techblog: techblog.k12.ar.us
I also made a tech support visit to the early childhood program in Hope. Not sure what was going on, but they had intermittent Internet connectivity issues. Possibly weather related.
Tuesday, I have a presentation project to finish for Phoebe. I also have a phone call with George Lieux scheduled for the morning regarding the new direction of TIE, and possibly a call with Harry Dickens and Kevin Honeycutt regarding the upcoming AESA conference.
The offices are closed Wed-Fri for Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Recapping... 10/19-10/26 and 10/31-11/13
In addition to daily duties, these are the highlights of days gone by:
*Note: At various times during this period, I was out sick. I have emails confirming this, as well as emails detailing some tasks not specifically outlined here. i will happily share any of that information with personnel in authority as needed/requested.
10/19 - Participated in the Prescott Schools Technology Committee Meeting.
10/24 - Worked with Blevins to get printers working at the district. Turned out to be an issue with wireless access points handing out "bad" addresses on the network. Resolved all but one a/p issue, but that a/p could not actually be physically located. Resolved issue in software, rebooted workstations. Set up reservations in dhcp. Then traveled to Fouke to work on various Server 2008 issues, tech plan items, and other issues.
10/31 - out sick
11/02 - Went to Txk ECH to work on laptop. Ended up bringing laptop back for complete factory restore.
11/03 - Lewisville ECH and Bradley Schools - Went to Lewisville to troubleshoot computer problems. Resolved settings in Adobe in order to make SEAS work via web browser. Also installed/set-up SmartBoard. From there, went to Bradley in order to resolve connectivity issues. Like Blevins (above), we found wireless access points handing out "bad" ip addresses. Evidently, a power surge over the previous night had reset the access points to hand out ip addresses. in one case, we resolved an ongoing issue (thought it had been an infected machine, but turned out to be an access point handing out ips). We also looked at other server issues, worked on e-rate (specifically BEAR form info), and took care of local work orders.
11/04 - Returned the Txk ECH laptop to the classroom, reinstalled the printer and tested everything. Looks great.
11/08 - Talked with Paul Glen, CEO of LeadingGeeks regarding communication differences between "techies" and "non-techies" for a book he is writing with a partner. The interview/conversation lasted about an hour. I also evaluated Xirrus and AeroHive for enterprise wireless solutions in our main building. Evaluated a couple quotes for Crestron installation of a control panel system for our conference rooms.
11/09 - Met with Lindy and Phoebe regarding several tech issues and topics. Ultimately decided to table the Crestron/automation project and move forward with AeroHive.
11/10 - Monthly Board meeting. Presented "app of the month." Covered FlipBoard and "This Day in History."
11/11 - Met with Lindy, Phoebe and Trish regarding TIE schedules and meeting agendas. Installed CWT on iPad and iPod for workshop. Worked on Operations Guides for various presentation rooms at co-op. Ordered parts to help clean up the wiring in the main conference center.
*Note: At various times during this period, I was out sick. I have emails confirming this, as well as emails detailing some tasks not specifically outlined here. i will happily share any of that information with personnel in authority as needed/requested.
10/19 - Participated in the Prescott Schools Technology Committee Meeting.
10/24 - Worked with Blevins to get printers working at the district. Turned out to be an issue with wireless access points handing out "bad" addresses on the network. Resolved all but one a/p issue, but that a/p could not actually be physically located. Resolved issue in software, rebooted workstations. Set up reservations in dhcp. Then traveled to Fouke to work on various Server 2008 issues, tech plan items, and other issues.
10/31 - out sick
11/02 - Went to Txk ECH to work on laptop. Ended up bringing laptop back for complete factory restore.
11/03 - Lewisville ECH and Bradley Schools - Went to Lewisville to troubleshoot computer problems. Resolved settings in Adobe in order to make SEAS work via web browser. Also installed/set-up SmartBoard. From there, went to Bradley in order to resolve connectivity issues. Like Blevins (above), we found wireless access points handing out "bad" ip addresses. Evidently, a power surge over the previous night had reset the access points to hand out ip addresses. in one case, we resolved an ongoing issue (thought it had been an infected machine, but turned out to be an access point handing out ips). We also looked at other server issues, worked on e-rate (specifically BEAR form info), and took care of local work orders.
11/04 - Returned the Txk ECH laptop to the classroom, reinstalled the printer and tested everything. Looks great.
11/08 - Talked with Paul Glen, CEO of LeadingGeeks regarding communication differences between "techies" and "non-techies" for a book he is writing with a partner. The interview/conversation lasted about an hour. I also evaluated Xirrus and AeroHive for enterprise wireless solutions in our main building. Evaluated a couple quotes for Crestron installation of a control panel system for our conference rooms.
11/09 - Met with Lindy and Phoebe regarding several tech issues and topics. Ultimately decided to table the Crestron/automation project and move forward with AeroHive.
11/10 - Monthly Board meeting. Presented "app of the month." Covered FlipBoard and "This Day in History."
11/11 - Met with Lindy, Phoebe and Trish regarding TIE schedules and meeting agendas. Installed CWT on iPad and iPod for workshop. Worked on Operations Guides for various presentation rooms at co-op. Ordered parts to help clean up the wiring in the main conference center.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Testing, testing. Is this thing on?
Monday, Trish and I headed to Bradley with various equipment in tow. Our goal: test the local network for video connectivity issues.
I borrowed a fiber/CAT5 tester from the local college's telecommunications department. Once we arrived, we hooked the tester up to one run of fiber. the tester consists of two end pieces - once each end of the cable to be tested is plugged into each end of the fiber, the system runs a variety of tests. the first test checks for the maximum throughput speed (up to 1000Mbps). The next series of tests runs 'dummy data' between the connections in an effort to see what actual traffic the line can handle.
Over the course of several hours (most of the day, actually), we ran tests on each of the four fiber connections (each one for a different video system). Each and every time, the tests came back with flying colors - 1000Mbps and "pass" every other test. We also tested the CAT5 connections to ensure they, too, were operating at maximum ability. They were. Again, 1000Mbps and "pass" all the other tests.
This tells me that the issue is not a local one. However, just to be sure, we also swapped out the core switch that connects the various video systems to the rest of the world. After swapping out the switch, everything ran just as it had before. Again, this indicates to me that the issue is not a local one (or at least not a local one that I can tell).
While there, we also went to each distance learning classroom and configured the laptops for connectivity, printing, etc. We finished in each room except for Lab #3. That will get done next time I am at the school (thinking Wednesday).
Anecdotally, we noticed that the data connectivity seemed to be running pretty slowly (I downloaded required software and it showed to be running at T1 speeds versus the 10Mbps they have added). Something seems amiss on the data side.
the school is set up such that the data traffic and the compressed video traffic are not on the same LAN. once the data hits the router, it is no longer a school-fixable issue - we call in the support from the state folks.
once back at the co-op (about an hour leftof the work day), I kicked out an email to appropriate personnel regarding our findings at Bradley. I also created a quick network map of the video LAN to help with troubleshooting and forwarded that on to DIS personnel.
I borrowed a fiber/CAT5 tester from the local college's telecommunications department. Once we arrived, we hooked the tester up to one run of fiber. the tester consists of two end pieces - once each end of the cable to be tested is plugged into each end of the fiber, the system runs a variety of tests. the first test checks for the maximum throughput speed (up to 1000Mbps). The next series of tests runs 'dummy data' between the connections in an effort to see what actual traffic the line can handle.
Over the course of several hours (most of the day, actually), we ran tests on each of the four fiber connections (each one for a different video system). Each and every time, the tests came back with flying colors - 1000Mbps and "pass" every other test. We also tested the CAT5 connections to ensure they, too, were operating at maximum ability. They were. Again, 1000Mbps and "pass" all the other tests.
This tells me that the issue is not a local one. However, just to be sure, we also swapped out the core switch that connects the various video systems to the rest of the world. After swapping out the switch, everything ran just as it had before. Again, this indicates to me that the issue is not a local one (or at least not a local one that I can tell).
While there, we also went to each distance learning classroom and configured the laptops for connectivity, printing, etc. We finished in each room except for Lab #3. That will get done next time I am at the school (thinking Wednesday).
Anecdotally, we noticed that the data connectivity seemed to be running pretty slowly (I downloaded required software and it showed to be running at T1 speeds versus the 10Mbps they have added). Something seems amiss on the data side.
the school is set up such that the data traffic and the compressed video traffic are not on the same LAN. once the data hits the router, it is no longer a school-fixable issue - we call in the support from the state folks.
once back at the co-op (about an hour leftof the work day), I kicked out an email to appropriate personnel regarding our findings at Bradley. I also created a quick network map of the video LAN to help with troubleshooting and forwarded that on to DIS personnel.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday and Friday
Thursday - Met at Arch Ford Co-op to learn about the online testing component of D2SC's program.
Friday - Headed to Bradley to downgrade the software on the new codec. Still had quality issues, so examined and changed settings on various media converters, switches, etc. The quality improved on the receiving end (that is, what we could see) but was still awful on the transmitting end (what the other sites saw). We've got some kind of issues going on there.
While testing, I ended up contacting ASMSA about a class that was not coming up and after some more troubleshooting, they had to delete the system from their MCU. After that, the MCU found the Bradley equipment again and everything (other than quality) seemed to be working.
I went around and checked various connection settings n the other three systems. I also helped troubleshoot a desktop problem which turned out to be a loose cat5 end at the desktop.
I am borrowing a fiber/copper tester from the local college and will head to Bradley on Monday so that I can run various tests.
Friday - Headed to Bradley to downgrade the software on the new codec. Still had quality issues, so examined and changed settings on various media converters, switches, etc. The quality improved on the receiving end (that is, what we could see) but was still awful on the transmitting end (what the other sites saw). We've got some kind of issues going on there.
While testing, I ended up contacting ASMSA about a class that was not coming up and after some more troubleshooting, they had to delete the system from their MCU. After that, the MCU found the Bradley equipment again and everything (other than quality) seemed to be working.
I went around and checked various connection settings n the other three systems. I also helped troubleshoot a desktop problem which turned out to be a loose cat5 end at the desktop.
I am borrowing a fiber/copper tester from the local college and will head to Bradley on Monday so that I can run various tests.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Tuesday, Wednesday, and breaking through
Tuesday, Trish and I traveled to Fouke to meet with the SKC installer. When we arrived, he had already assembled most of the equipment. While he was finishing up, I started dismantling the old system - pulling wires out of the ceiling, etc. We employed some of the football players to pull the large screen TV off the table. The maintenance guy helped with some of the ceiling cabling work.
The system needed a ceiling mic adapter and the one that was sent to the school was a 'do-it-yourself' soldering job. Not happening. In the meantime, we ran into the same problem that we had in Bradley: no go on connectivity. I had DIS on the phone and they tried all kinds of troubleshooting. In the end, we hooked up the old system to get classes going again. Frustration levels were getting higher.
Back at the office, I worked on our firewall issues, and had to delete and recreated our Sharepoint Central Administration site. I'm not sure what happened there. As best I can figure, there was a SQL glitch preventing the site from actually displaying. A few command line entries and a server reboot later, it was back and happy!
Wednesday, met SKC and DIS at Genoa. We spent much of the morning troubleshooting connectivity issues when trying to add the new system into the mix. Turned out to be a bad switch. In the meantime, this new system had the same problems already seen: no connectivity. Luckily, Max with DIS brought a system with him - same model but running older software. He connected his system and it fired right up! So, Chris (SKC) downloaded a downgrade and pushed it out to the video unit. I am SEVERELY condensing time here, but once the new (er, old) software was dropped into place, the system fired up. Well, they also had to UNPAIR the touch panel from the codec. In any case, we had both systems up and running by about 1:30pm or so. Chris and I headed to Fouke. The software was installed and that system worked great! Also, Chris had received the correct cabling for the microphone and we connected it during class. The teacher said everything sounded fine and we left at the end of the day, knowing what we needed to do to the Bradley system. I will take care of that on Friday.
The system needed a ceiling mic adapter and the one that was sent to the school was a 'do-it-yourself' soldering job. Not happening. In the meantime, we ran into the same problem that we had in Bradley: no go on connectivity. I had DIS on the phone and they tried all kinds of troubleshooting. In the end, we hooked up the old system to get classes going again. Frustration levels were getting higher.
Back at the office, I worked on our firewall issues, and had to delete and recreated our Sharepoint Central Administration site. I'm not sure what happened there. As best I can figure, there was a SQL glitch preventing the site from actually displaying. A few command line entries and a server reboot later, it was back and happy!
Wednesday, met SKC and DIS at Genoa. We spent much of the morning troubleshooting connectivity issues when trying to add the new system into the mix. Turned out to be a bad switch. In the meantime, this new system had the same problems already seen: no connectivity. Luckily, Max with DIS brought a system with him - same model but running older software. He connected his system and it fired right up! So, Chris (SKC) downloaded a downgrade and pushed it out to the video unit. I am SEVERELY condensing time here, but once the new (er, old) software was dropped into place, the system fired up. Well, they also had to UNPAIR the touch panel from the codec. In any case, we had both systems up and running by about 1:30pm or so. Chris and I headed to Fouke. The software was installed and that system worked great! Also, Chris had received the correct cabling for the microphone and we connected it during class. The teacher said everything sounded fine and we left at the end of the day, knowing what we needed to do to the Bradley system. I will take care of that on Friday.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Mondays are... Mondays
Spent Monday morning working on various issues at the co-op. I created an installation checklist for the CIV systems that some of my area schools are receiving through an RUS grant. Turns out, much of the information I had was incorrect. Lovely.
I had to then battle a firewall issue in which Blackboard chatting is being blocked at the co-op. I have yet to figure out just which rule is preventing the chat. Even disabling most of the rules has not cured the problem. Frankly, after the bottlenecks and other issues, I think it's getting close to time to ditch ISA 2006 for good. The main issue is that it routes the 6 or so web sites we run through one IP. I prefer it that way so that we keep our servers out of the public hacking eye (er, mostly). In any case, it is time to research something else.
I spent the afternoon at Bradley, helping them work on a few issues before their new video system arrived. Once it did, we unboxed it. We waited for the installer to get there, but it was now 2:30 or so, and we decided to put the thing together ourselves. I had to leave just after three to pick up my daughter, so I left the folks working on it. The installer came just before three. I got a call later that night that the system would not register nor connect to the state video network. I will be going back to Bradley within the next day or so to get it working.
I ran back to the co-op for a quick stop after Bradley on my way to pick up my daughter from church. I had a switch at the office I wanted to take home to troubleshoot. Turns out, the switch just needs to be "decommissioned." It's loud (fans), has bad ports (at least one set of four) and it keeps rebooting itself. At least now I know!
I had to then battle a firewall issue in which Blackboard chatting is being blocked at the co-op. I have yet to figure out just which rule is preventing the chat. Even disabling most of the rules has not cured the problem. Frankly, after the bottlenecks and other issues, I think it's getting close to time to ditch ISA 2006 for good. The main issue is that it routes the 6 or so web sites we run through one IP. I prefer it that way so that we keep our servers out of the public hacking eye (er, mostly). In any case, it is time to research something else.
I spent the afternoon at Bradley, helping them work on a few issues before their new video system arrived. Once it did, we unboxed it. We waited for the installer to get there, but it was now 2:30 or so, and we decided to put the thing together ourselves. I had to leave just after three to pick up my daughter, so I left the folks working on it. The installer came just before three. I got a call later that night that the system would not register nor connect to the state video network. I will be going back to Bradley within the next day or so to get it working.
I ran back to the co-op for a quick stop after Bradley on my way to pick up my daughter from church. I had a switch at the office I wanted to take home to troubleshoot. Turns out, the switch just needs to be "decommissioned." It's loud (fans), has bad ports (at least one set of four) and it keeps rebooting itself. At least now I know!
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