If you're still around using your computer (and ZENworks), please keep sending your feedback and experiences with the application window and anything else you encounter.
There will be a final survey posted here and a link sent to your email by the end of the day. Please take a few moments to let us know how you feel so we can best tailor our methods to your needs.
If you will be in and out of your office using your machine throughout June and/or July, please let us know if you'd be willing to test out the application window from a freshly reimaged machine. Our pilot was run on the existing image, which caused a few compatability issues, but we'd be thrilled to have volunteers to test the "real deal", so to speak!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Slow Computers...but not Zen!
Just FYI...there are slow computers throughout the district today, unfortunately. Particularly CCE and HCMS, for some reason, which we've had the largest number of reports from.
I, personally, have been kicked out of Firefox from timing out twice today, so I understand your pain...honestly!
We are hoping to solve these problems not only by beefing up our network infrastructure this summer, but by also replacing outdated machines and reimaging without all the programs that are stepping all over each other trying to run.
This will obviously not happen within the next week, so please accept our sincere apologies! We're working every day to try to make this better for you!
I, personally, have been kicked out of Firefox from timing out twice today, so I understand your pain...honestly!
We are hoping to solve these problems not only by beefing up our network infrastructure this summer, but by also replacing outdated machines and reimaging without all the programs that are stepping all over each other trying to run.
This will obviously not happen within the next week, so please accept our sincere apologies! We're working every day to try to make this better for you!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
My Thoughts So Far As Well
I will have to agree with Heather on many of her points. First of which is in IE... I do not like Bing at all! Bring back google! I know that you said you were working on that. On my kids computer at home, (pc) you can choose what you search. There is bing, google, and several others, can that not be an option in case there are a few out there that do like Bing? Just at thought. The only thing I use IE for now is Odyssey. Since I am on Odyssey pretty much all day, I have plenty of time to try both and it does work better on IE, but that is the only site that I prefer on IE.
I do like firefox especially for all things google. If I am going to be online, I am pretty sure it will be firefox, it just runs better. I like the search bar much more than IE.
Chrome is ok, I have used it often in the past but only a little recently. I think some people will be confused because there is not a "search" bar like in the other browsers but it is ok. I would probably prefer it over IE but not firefox.
As for open office, it was ok, but when you are used to word then it is a little confusing and not as user friendly. They are so very close in many ways but their differences can be annoying when you are used to word.
I am still having issues with my computer that I did not have before zenworks. Yesterday morning my computer just restarted for no reason. A little frustrating when you are in the middle of something and have to start over. When I try to log off, restart, or even shut down the computer it often will not. I have to try it two or three times before it will shut down / restart. Sometimes it will not and I have to power it off with the power button. Not sure if others are having that same problem.
I have also been deleting large files lately from my home folder (lots of pictures) and when they are in the process of deleting I can not do much else on my computer or it freezes. I am not sure if this is zneworks or an issue with the home folder. Finally I just started logging on to a student computer and using that to delete files so that I could still work on mine.
I will try to work with more of the programs today and tomorrow and let you know what I think. I hope this helps.
I do like firefox especially for all things google. If I am going to be online, I am pretty sure it will be firefox, it just runs better. I like the search bar much more than IE.
Chrome is ok, I have used it often in the past but only a little recently. I think some people will be confused because there is not a "search" bar like in the other browsers but it is ok. I would probably prefer it over IE but not firefox.
As for open office, it was ok, but when you are used to word then it is a little confusing and not as user friendly. They are so very close in many ways but their differences can be annoying when you are used to word.
I am still having issues with my computer that I did not have before zenworks. Yesterday morning my computer just restarted for no reason. A little frustrating when you are in the middle of something and have to start over. When I try to log off, restart, or even shut down the computer it often will not. I have to try it two or three times before it will shut down / restart. Sometimes it will not and I have to power it off with the power button. Not sure if others are having that same problem.
I have also been deleting large files lately from my home folder (lots of pictures) and when they are in the process of deleting I can not do much else on my computer or it freezes. I am not sure if this is zneworks or an issue with the home folder. Finally I just started logging on to a student computer and using that to delete files so that I could still work on mine.
I will try to work with more of the programs today and tomorrow and let you know what I think. I hope this helps.
Please Take Survey! (if you haven't already)
If you haven't already taken the satisfaction survey, please scroll down to the post for May 18th and complete it there. Your input helps us make changes that will benefit everyone this fall!
There will be one last exit survey that will be available starting this Thursday...please be sure you've had an opportunity to try the applications out and let us know - for better or for worse - how they're working out for you.
Thanks again for all you do!
There will be one last exit survey that will be available starting this Thursday...please be sure you've had an opportunity to try the applications out and let us know - for better or for worse - how they're working out for you.
Thanks again for all you do!
Friday, May 20, 2011
More applications being added today
More applications are being added to your ZENworks Window this afternoon.
When you have the opportunity to use them, please just note what does or doesn't work and what you like or don't like about them and post those thoughts here or via email to desktoppilot@eanesisd.net.
Let us know if you have any questions, as well!
When you have the opportunity to use them, please just note what does or doesn't work and what you like or don't like about them and post those thoughts here or via email to desktoppilot@eanesisd.net.
Let us know if you have any questions, as well!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
GroupWise removed from ZEN window
GroupWise has been temporarily removed from the ZENworks Window because our team discovered an issue - this application could cause an unintended reboot of the user's machine - yikes!
Until we investigate and solve the problem, we're removing it from the window so you don't get rebooted. We'll let you know here when it's been replaced!
Until we investigate and solve the problem, we're removing it from the window so you don't get rebooted. We'll let you know here when it's been replaced!
Skyward
Some people have mentioned Skyward running slow today - but a lot of Zen-free users have reported it, as well.
If you notice Skyward running slow, could you try one thing first? Could you log in to a different machine without Zen and let us know if it is slow there too?
If you notice Skyward running slow, could you try one thing first? Could you log in to a different machine without Zen and let us know if it is slow there too?
Keep us posted!
Hey everyone!
We've been assessing the slow-running machine issues one-by-one, and unless we've specifically talked with you about it, we have installed anything new on your machines these past few days.
What this means is that if your machine suddenly starts running reeeeealllly slow...we need to know about it ASAP! Chances are, it has to do with too many processes running in the background - most of you had 70+ proccesses running...too many for our district machines, unfortunately.
Blog, email, or call us. Give us a time window (usually about 30 minutes) we can look at it remotely and we'll let you know the outcome.
Again - we can't thank you enough! Your feedback prompts changes on our part each and every day!
We've been assessing the slow-running machine issues one-by-one, and unless we've specifically talked with you about it, we have installed anything new on your machines these past few days.
What this means is that if your machine suddenly starts running reeeeealllly slow...we need to know about it ASAP! Chances are, it has to do with too many processes running in the background - most of you had 70+ proccesses running...too many for our district machines, unfortunately.
Blog, email, or call us. Give us a time window (usually about 30 minutes) we can look at it remotely and we'll let you know the outcome.
Again - we can't thank you enough! Your feedback prompts changes on our part each and every day!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Here's What I'm Thinking So Far
1) Skyward Finance - can that be put back on?
2) Internet Explorer:
- I don't like the Delicious side bar that pops up when you first open it
- I would rather have my Google Search bar in the top-right hand corner instead of Bing
3) Firefox: annoying that Skype opens up in new tab each time you open it
4) Adobe icon in ZENworks Window - what do I do with this. Nothing really installed.
5) Open Office: what is this and why? I'm not liking the programs in this. They are similar to Word and PowerPoint but I'm having a hard time figuring out how to do some of the things I've done before. Word equivilient - I couldn't figure out how to save it as a working .doc (saves as a .odt) b/c I changed it to save as a .doc but then I couldn't open it on another computer with Word.
6) I have Jing installed (or did before this trial) and I think everyone would benefit from having Jing
7) I miss my little Icon down in the bottom of the screen that allows me to access my desktop and minimizes all my open screens
8) Print is defaulting to "SMART notebook print capture" instead of my local printer
2) Internet Explorer:
- I don't like the Delicious side bar that pops up when you first open it
- I would rather have my Google Search bar in the top-right hand corner instead of Bing
3) Firefox: annoying that Skype opens up in new tab each time you open it
4) Adobe icon in ZENworks Window - what do I do with this. Nothing really installed.
5) Open Office: what is this and why? I'm not liking the programs in this. They are similar to Word and PowerPoint but I'm having a hard time figuring out how to do some of the things I've done before. Word equivilient - I couldn't figure out how to save it as a working .doc (saves as a .odt) b/c I changed it to save as a .doc but then I couldn't open it on another computer with Word.
6) I have Jing installed (or did before this trial) and I think everyone would benefit from having Jing
7) I miss my little Icon down in the bottom of the screen that allows me to access my desktop and minimizes all my open screens
8) Print is defaulting to "SMART notebook print capture" instead of my local printer
Speed/Groupwise
Speed is better today. Not what I'd call fast, but better than yesterday.
In Groupwise today, I needed to replicate a long list of email recipients from a previously Sent email, to send another one out. In the past I've been able to select-copy-paste. Today that didn't work. . .may be a moot point since Groupwise is going away!
In Groupwise today, I needed to replicate a long list of email recipients from a previously Sent email, to send another one out. In the past I've been able to select-copy-paste. Today that didn't work. . .may be a moot point since Groupwise is going away!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Slow machine? Check this...
We've noticed a few machines are not connecting to the right server, so the connection is running very slow.
To check this, right-click the red N at the lower right-hand side of your screen and select "Novell Login".
In the Novell Login window that appears, click the Advanced tab and the window should appear as shown:
Make sure the information in the "Server" field matches the campus that you are located at (ie: BPE_SERVER for Bridge Point). If it does not match, let us know and we can make sure you're connected to the right server for your campus.
To check this, right-click the red N at the lower right-hand side of your screen and select "Novell Login".
In the Novell Login window that appears, click the Advanced tab and the window should appear as shown:
One-on-one with slow machines...
Andy and Paul, our imaging specialists, will be fanning out today to a few piloters who mentioned incredibly slow machines. They'll investigate and work on them and try to find common problems so we can address them quickly and effectively.
Users being visited today: Pat Northington, Dara Frazier, Pam Ricker, Robie Clark, Sherrie Johnson, Martha Hansen, and Laura Haneman.
We'll update everyone on our findings soon!
Users being visited today: Pat Northington, Dara Frazier, Pam Ricker, Robie Clark, Sherrie Johnson, Martha Hansen, and Laura Haneman.
We'll update everyone on our findings soon!
Single Sign-on working?
We're had a few mentions of the single sign-on feature not working properly (Laura Haneman from HCMS just mentioned it).
Could you comment here if you still have to log in to Novell (the actual client, not GroupWise) separately once you've logged into the machine?
Thank you!
Could you comment here if you still have to log in to Novell (the actual client, not GroupWise) separately once you've logged into the machine?
Thank you!
Monday, May 16, 2011
More applications being deployed today
GroupWise, Firefox, Internet Explorer 7, and Open Office are being sent to the application window.
Everyone with the ZENworks window should be able to access these by tomorrow...let us know if you don't see them.
As always, please post your feedback here!
Sluggish machines: Part II
We're busy looking into the sluggish machines issue and whether or not it is related to ZENworks or caused by it or if it is totally unrelated :)
Sherrie Johnson (FTE) mentioned she sill had to log in twice...anyone else?
Emily Molina's (HCMS) machine is running verrrrrrrrry slow...we've got our Network Coordinator looking into it now.
Please email, call, or post here if/when you experience issues! We'll updated everyone when we know something definitive!
Sherrie Johnson (FTE) mentioned she sill had to log in twice...anyone else?
Emily Molina's (HCMS) machine is running verrrrrrrrry slow...we've got our Network Coordinator looking into it now.
Please email, call, or post here if/when you experience issues! We'll updated everyone when we know something definitive!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Sluggish Machines?
We're looking into it and will do so even more on Monday.
We have had reports of sluggishness on numerous machines that ZENworks wasn't installed on, but if you notice a marked difference, let us know by commenting here or emailing/calling us.
We have had reports of sluggishness on numerous machines that ZENworks wasn't installed on, but if you notice a marked difference, let us know by commenting here or emailing/calling us.
Network problem?
I am able to get to the Abode Reader in Zenworks, however my computer is no longer able to access the network drives. Any idea if this is a Zenworks issue? Any suggestions? Also it seems that the computer is slower in loading once I tried to restart it (FYI).
Zen windows close to being 100% deployed
Nearly everyone should have the ZENworks application windows by this evening. There are a few stragglers, when computers weren't turned on and such, but we're pretty close to 100% deployed.
For now, there's just Adobe Reader in there. Double-click to open it up and you can test it that way, or when you go to open something in Reader, it should default to this test version. If you encounter any problems, please post here or email us.
We plan to have a few more applications for you to try out sometime next week. We'll post that information here and on our website.
For now, there's just Adobe Reader in there. Double-click to open it up and you can test it that way, or when you go to open something in Reader, it should default to this test version. If you encounter any problems, please post here or email us.
We plan to have a few more applications for you to try out sometime next week. We'll post that information here and on our website.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wesbite updates page
Please view our updates page for the latest information on the pilot!
We will post more information as we progress...
We will post more information as we progress...
Active Directory Integration
We decided at the last meeting that Zenworks testing should be done on computers that are joined to the Active Directory domain; the integrated login is much simpler than having to use multiple logins.
This means that for test computers, we will first join the computer to the domain before pushing the Zenworks agent. We copy the local "EISD" account to the "default users" profile so that any new user profiles created will have the same data as before, with only a couple of differences: 1) the background image may not automatically get applied to the new profile; 2) desktop icons will all be there, but probably not in the exact same locations.
This means that for test computers, we will first join the computer to the domain before pushing the Zenworks agent. We copy the local "EISD" account to the "default users" profile so that any new user profiles created will have the same data as before, with only a couple of differences: 1) the background image may not automatically get applied to the new profile; 2) desktop icons will all be there, but probably not in the exact same locations.
Last call for computer names!
Please submit your computer names (if you haven't already) if you would still like to be a part of the pilot to jringersma@eanesisd.net or desktoppilot@eanesisd.net.
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All the computer names we receive by 2:00 pm today will receive their test window tonight. Details will be posted this afternoon here and on our pilot updates page!
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Don't worry...this is a lot of communication for what will essentially be an easy task...to use the programs you already use and let us know if anything doesn't work properly.
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*reminder*
Please leave your workstations powered on when you leave work today!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Computer Name requests sent out!
Email requests were sent for everyone's computer names - these can be found on your machine at: My Computer>>Properties>>Computer Name. If you haven't already, email yours to jringersma@eanesisd.net.
We are asking for these so we can target where the test window for applications gets sent.
Just a heads-up, we'll be sending out another email on Wednesday to ask everyone to leave their computers on Wednesday when you leave so we can be sure your machine gets the test window!
I am here
Just let me know what I can do to help out. I will be assessing, grading, and then doing more grading in the meantime. But love to help out with technology.
Monday, May 9, 2011
MS Office 2003 Package
We had some problems Friday with MS Office, though only on the older image. The installer was failing trying to configure what appeared to be 'voice recognition'. We rebuilt the package this morning, removing any references to 'voice', and it no longer gets the same errors. But it still opens a new installer EVERY TIME you open an MS Office app. One of the items it is currently trying to configure seems to be 'Handwriting recognition'. So we are working to remove those reference from the package now.
We do not have these issues on all computers, and only on non-reimaged computers. This will not be a problem this summer because every computer will be re-imaged, but it may cause some issues with our testing (we will not be re-imaging for most of the test computers).
We do not have these issues on all computers, and only on non-reimaged computers. This will not be a problem this summer because every computer will be re-imaged, but it may cause some issues with our testing (we will not be re-imaging for most of the test computers).
PowerPoint issues with test computer
From Debbie Smith at CCE:
"What we noticed today when a student tried to access PowerPoint on computer Gg is that it took an inordinate amount of time to open. She was trying to open a PPT file that her teacher had had her drag to the desktop and simply clicking on the file did not open it. So, she had to open PPT and navigate to the file which then took a long while to open. Meanwhile, the rest of the class is well into the project."
Reply from Andy - Desktop Imaging Team:
"We rebuilt the Ms Office package this morning, trying to fix a problem with it running the installer every time it opened. That is probably why it took so long to open, it had to download the new package. I just checked and MS Office is working well on the GG computer now; though the 2nd computer is still getting an installer when any office app is opened. We are trying to fix that now.
"What we noticed today when a student tried to access PowerPoint on computer Gg is that it took an inordinate amount of time to open. She was trying to open a PPT file that her teacher had had her drag to the desktop and simply clicking on the file did not open it. So, she had to open PPT and navigate to the file which then took a long while to open. Meanwhile, the rest of the class is well into the project."
Reply from Andy - Desktop Imaging Team:
"We rebuilt the Ms Office package this morning, trying to fix a problem with it running the installer every time it opened. That is probably why it took so long to open, it had to download the new package. I just checked and MS Office is working well on the GG computer now; though the 2nd computer is still getting an installer when any office app is opened. We are trying to fix that now.
Rights for everyone! Yipee!
It loooks like Janice has given us rights to post new topics. I am thinking that as you find things that need to be considered on the new image that you create a new post with the title of the post relating to the issue. This way we can all comment on the topics as they are posted. Just an idea for how this blog will work to help us get the images ready for next year. A naming convention of some sort for each post - like the program name first so we are not duplicating posts.
Just an idea!
Just an idea!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Welcome to the EISD Desktop Imaging Pilot!
Welcome to Google Blogger, if you haven't already given it a whirl!
We hope to provide an easy-to-use format for you to tell us how the applications are working (or not working) out for you.
You can link to this site from our EISD Desktop Imaging Pilot website or directly, if you choose.
Issues? Questions? General well-wishes? Click here to contact Janice and let her know!
Have fun with this pilot and have a great rest of the year!
We hope to provide an easy-to-use format for you to tell us how the applications are working (or not working) out for you.
You can link to this site from our EISD Desktop Imaging Pilot website or directly, if you choose.
Issues? Questions? General well-wishes? Click here to contact Janice and let her know!
Have fun with this pilot and have a great rest of the year!
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