Service Center fixes computer woes
IS&T's Hardware and Software Service Center in Building N42 handles computer repairs, consulting and troubleshooting. With staff cross-training and a new simplified pricing structure, this single "front door" at 211 Massachusetts Ave. makes it easy for community members to get expert diagnosis and help. You don't need to know whether your computer problems are caused by a hardware malfunction, corrupted operating system, virus--or a combination of factors.
Call the Computing Help Desk at 253-1101 to talk to a consultant before bringing your computer to N42. Depending on the nature of the problem, a phone call may be able to save you the trip. If not, you can make an appointment for an in-person consultation or a drop off. There is no charge for the first 15 to 30 minutes you spend with a consultant. If the problem has not been resolved in that time, you can choose to leave your machine for repair. At this point, you will be charged $60 an hour plus the cost of any parts. Most jobs are fixed in an hour, though some, such as data recovery, take longer. There is no charge for work on hardware under warranty.
For more information, see http://web.mit.edu/ist/helpdesk.
Guide details MIT's IT architecture
The Information Technology Architecture Group (ITAG) is responsible for defining, maintaining, improving and communicating MIT's IT architecture. Recently the group published the first version of MIT's "Enterprise Architecture Guide" (EAG) at http://web.mit.edu/itag/eag. The EAG documents MIT's architectural principles and goals, the current state of the enterprise architecture, a future-state vision, and the ITAG architectural consultation process.
Since the EAG is an evolving document, feedback from the community will help shape ITAG agendas and influence content in future versions of the EAG. Send comments to itag-eag@mit.edu.
Stellar enhanced for spring 2005
MIT's Stellar course management system has been enhanced for spring 2005. Instructors can now change the style of their class web sites at any time, and can choose from several new styles. These styles provide an updated look, as well as a fixed width for web pages, which makes them easier to read.
All announcements to class members are now displayed on the public home page of a class web site. Another new feature is Really Simple Syndication (RSS), a format for sharing headlines and other web content. Class members who sign up for the RSS feed learn about new information on the class web site and receive alerts one week before homework due dates.
Finally, Stellar web sites used for nonacademic purposes, such as projects that span semesters, have the option to use a full-year calendar.
For details on these enhancements, see http://stellar.mit.edu/userguide/guide-instruct/what-new.html.
IS&T introduces MobileSphere cards
IS&T has negotiated significantly reduced rates on MobileSphere calling cards, which provides domestic and international coverage in 92 countries.
The MobileSphere plan is available for personal use by MIT faculty and staff or for MIT use where the Qwest MIT calling card may not be appropriate. For details, see http://web.mit.edu/ist/services/telecommunications/mobilesphere.html.
Digitalk is compiled by Information Services and Technology.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on February 16, 2005 (download PDF).
