NJCU - Information Technology

This page is divided into the following support topics to help you go directly to the material you need. Click on a link to go to that section. If you still require assistance use the contact information in the first section to send a support request to the University Helpdesk.

Help Desk Services and Service Forms

Network Services
(incl. GothicAir Wireless Networking)

Telephones Services

University E-mail

NJCU GotMail?

NJCU Community List Help

Help with Building Web Pages

OS and Applications Tips

Many of the following documents require Adobe Acrobat Reader (FREE) to view .pdf files. In order to obtain the most current version of this program, simply click on the "Get Adobe Reader" icon, shown to the right and follow the download instructions.

Help Desk Services: Call HELP (x4357)

Hours of Operation

Technology support services are provided through the IT Help Desk unit. This support unit is committed to delivering quality customer service and technical solutions in support of campus wide technology. Please call HELP (x4357) or send E-mail to helpdesk@njcu.edu for your technology support needs.

Please review the Help Desk Service Level Agreement

(PDF File - 225kb) outlining specific services, priorities, procedures and responsibilities related to the support of technology at the University.

Your satisfaction with our services is important to us. Please feel free to send any comments or suggestions you may have regarding our support services to helpdesk@njcu.edu.

NJCU Hardware and Software Standards

SURVEY: Tell us how our HELP DESK can assist you better!

Service Forms

Computer Equipment Assignment
Employees who have been provided with University-owned computer equipment must download, read, and sign this policy upon receipt of the equipment. The signed copy must be returned to the Department of IT.

Equipment Installation Acceptance Form
This receipt is to be completed by the installation technician and the recipient of computer equipment. The signed copy must be returned to the Department of IT.

Inventory Transfer Form
Before transfering or disposing an inventory asset, you must download, fill-out and have this form signed by your immediate supervisor and submitted to the Controller's Office for final authorization.

Technology Equipment/Software Receipt
Helpldesk technicians should use this equipment receipt form if the Acceptance form is not required.

Network Services

The Department of IT provides the following network services for all users of the campus community.

GothicAir Wireless Networking

Implemented over the Spring 2005 semester, GothicAir is the University's 802.11b/g wireless data network. Also known as Wi-Fi and "wireless hotspots," this service is similar to wireless networks provided by hotels, airports, and other businesses. Whether new to wireless networking or an experienced user, this section provides documentation on policy, current coverage areas, and helpful information on how to connect and get the best use of NJCU's wireless network. For additional information, please see the GothicAir FAQs.

Wireless Networking Policy and Procedures
All members of the University community should read and be familiar with NJCU policies and procedures for using the GothicAir wireless network.

Wireless Service Request Form
Installation, engineering, maintenance and operation of the wireless network and access points on any property owned or tenanted by the University are the sole responsibility of the Department of IT. Any department that has obtained separate funding for the implementation of wireless services must arrange installation with the Department of IT. Please use this form to begin the process.

GothicAir User Guide
This 6 page document covers the basics on hardware requirements, how to set up your laptop for wireless connectivity, and accessing the GothicAir wireless network.

GothicAir Guest Access Form
This is an electronic copy of Appendix B in the Wireless User Guide. Filling this form out online and clicking the "Submit Request" button will begin the process for obtaining a GothicAir guest account. Or download, fill out and submit the printed version to the IT Help Desk for processing.

Related links & documents

Wireless Security Recommendations (Windows Secrets article reprint)

Hints for Wireless Road Warriors (Computerworld article reprint)

Remote Network Access

Remote Network Access is a service that allows faculty and staff to access campus network services from off campus.

Faculty and staff can access NJCU network services from off campus using Virtual Private Networking (VPN) software provided by the Department of IT. VPN offers a secure network connection over the public Internet between an individual and a private network using 128 bit encryption. By utilizing the public Internet for data transport, VPN provides a low cost solution to remote access or connectivity. In effect, this allows members of the University community to access NJCU network resources as if they were on campus. It is an essential tool for those who need to work while off campus. For additional information, please see the Remote Access FAQs.

Remote Network Access - Policy & Procedures

Remote Network Access - Online Request Form
For access to the University network through NJCU authorized VPN software, please complete this online form. Helpdesk staff will process your request under normal priority as defined in the SLA. By submitting this form and installing the VPN software you agree to NJCU policy on Information Security & Confidentiality.

VPN - Setup Instructions

Data Network Storage

Data Network Storage is a service offered by the Department of IT that utilizes Network Attached Storage (NAS) technology to provide a private data storage space for faculty, staff and students to save important, university-related documents and files. Contents of this server are backed up daily, offering a high degree of recoverability for lost and damaged files. For additional information, please see the Network Storage FAQs.

Network Storage Policy & Procedures

Network Storage Guidelines
Recommended guidelines for storing data on the NAS drive. This document is focused on the creation of a departmental filing system. However, it can be used as guidelines for personal storage and backup as well.

Network Storage Backup Guide
Guide for creating automated backups procedures for departmental or user data to NAS. (Coming soon.)

Network Storage - Online Request Form
All university departments interested in acquiring centralized network must fill out and submit this online form or download, fill out and submit the printed version to the IT Help Desk for processing.

Multi-function Network Printers
In an effort to contain costs and provide better controls on the consumption of paper and printing products, NJCU is promoting the use of departmental network-attached printer/copiers as a replacement for the single-function copier. The cost savings are significant. Operating costs per page is less than a penny as compaired to a standard computer-attached printer at approximately three cents a page. Sharing printers also allows the university to invest in units with better resolution and multi-function capabilities.

Using the Multi-function Network Printer/Copier
This document provides complete, step-by-step details with pictures on how to install and use the mult-function network printer/copier. (7 pages)

Using the Multi-function Network Printer/Copier, Abbr.
For those who are familiar with mult-function printers/copiers, this is a two-page abbreviated version of the full document.

Campus Network Infrastructure Upgrade!

The Department of Information Technology is pleased to announce the kick-off of a major project: the upgrade of the campus network infrastructure to Gigabit Ethernet. The Department of IT has been planning for this network infrastructure upgrade for over a year and is now ready to begin the installation of the new network design. NJCU has partnered with Cisco Systems to provide our Gigabit network solution.

The new state of the art network backbone will provide:

Higher throughput speeds
Increased performance
Improved network security
Increased network redundancy
Ease of management
Scalability for future growth and expansion
Reduced maintenance costs

Telephone Services

General Instructions
Includes a current list of emergency numbers, basic phone instructions, campus building abbreviations and more.

Single Line Phone Features & Instructions
Provides details for single-line, analog telephone features and how to use them.

Aastra 9116 User Guide

Voice Mail (Call Pilot™ from Nortel ) Instructions (User Guide)
This is the voice messaging user's guide. This guide includes information on topics such as: logging in, playing messages, replying to messages, composing messages, remote notification and more. Please note that all features are not available at this time.

- Or, download the (Voice Mail (Call Pilot™ from Nortel) Instructions - Quick Reference Card). (This quick reference card provides easy to use instructions for many of the most commonly used features. Please note that all features are not available at this time. )

Authorization Code Request Form
Long distance calls can be made from any campus phone, but access is restricted through the use of a personal authorization code system. All employees who require long distance access must apply for an access code using this form. All requests must be signed by the department head. (NOTE: This form can be filled out electronically, then printed for the signature.)

University E-mail

Having trouble with email? Or, just want to know more about the email system you are using? The following documents provide information on accessing NJCU email through various software offered by the University or readily available commercially. Help with NJCU GotMail? follows below this section.

Accessing NJCU Email
This 6 page guide explains the various access methods and configurations in detail. All students, staff and faculty have an account on the NJCU E-mail System. The information provided within this document includes tips regarding configuration of Outlook and other systems capable of retrieving NJCU Email.

Internet Access Configuration
This 1 page data sheet provides setup parameters to access the University E-mail system through a local E-mail client, such as Outlook or Eudora.

Setting Authentication In Microsoft Outlook
Outlook users who wish to use Outlook from off campus to send email through the University's SMTP server must set the application to authenticate before sending. Authentication is required in order to prevent malicious hackers from using NJCU email servers to send spam and viruses. This PDF provides step-by-step instructions for setting up this important security feature.

Optimize Outlook Mail Checking
This document shows you how to minimize the impact on network utilization and E-mail processing by checking and resetting two Outlook setup parameters, with step-by-step snapshots of the process. These instructions are for the current university standard, Outlook 2002 (XP). They are similar to procedures for previous versions with slight variations. A six page print (PDF) version of the same information with slightly smaller illustrations is also available.

E-mail Utilities

Notes:

Each link in this utilities section takes you to a service or login page on a different server.
"User name" refers to your E-mail account name. This is the part of your email address that comes before @njcu.edu.
"Password" refers to your E-mail account password

Change your E-mail Password
Use the above link to change your password. You will first be prompted for a new password, which you have to enter twice as verification. You will be asked for your E-mail "User name" and "Password" in a pop-up window after you click the "Change Password" button.

Create/Change/Manage A Forwarding Address
Use the above link to set a forwarding address. You will be asked for your "User name" and "Password" in a pop-up login window first. Then, enter the forwarding E-mail address in the input box and click the Submit button.

Manage A Vacation Notice and Mailbox Filters
Use the above link to set/remove/change a vacation notice and/or basic mailbox filters. This link will take you to a set of options on a new web page. Select one of the options and follow the instructions. You will be asked for your "User name" and "Password" in a pop-up login window to proceed or complete your modifications.

The Vacation Notice facility allows you to automatically send a reply to all E-mails received with a pre-defined message that can be customized (per use) by you. The message is typically a notice that tells the sender that you may not be able to reply for a certain period of time, and to provide alternate contact information for that period.

After clicking the above link to "Manage A Vacation Notice and Mailbox Filters," you begin creating your vacation message by clicking on the link titled Modify Vacation Notice, which appears under the category item titled Vacation Notice. You can then turn on (enable) the vacation notice by placing a check in the box provided, or you can turn off (disable) the vacation notice by un-checking the box. There are also other vacation notice options available including the ability to set a "Do Not Send To" list, a "Send Only To" list, etc. When you are done creating the vacation message, simply click on the Submit button to save your changes.

The Mailbox Filters facility allows you to block specific E-mail addresses and domains. It is a rudimentary anti-spam solution that has been superseded by PreciseMail Anti-Spam Gateway services.

PMAS Announcement and Simple Instructions
In order to limit the volume of spam delivered to NJCU e-mail accounts, Information Technology has implemented anti-spam software on the e-mail server. The PreciseMail Anti-Spam (PMAS) Gateway traps spam, phishing and virus threats as mail passes through the university mail server. For more information, please review the following PMAS information.

Manage PreciseMail Anti-Spam Filters
Use the above link to check your personal Spam Quarantine Queue and configure your personal Spam filters. PreciseMail checks all messages and filters suspected spam to a special quarantine queue before it reaches the University mail server. While it is very good product, it can sometimes mistaken a valid message for spam. Therefore, you should check the quarantine queue for misdirected messages frequently. Use this service to also allow specific list mail through and to set permanent blocks on specific E-mail addresses and domains. This is an Opt-in service, but as 80% of all E-mail is spam, it is highly recommended that you turn it on. You will be asked for your "User name" and "Password" in a pop-up login window before proceeding.

GotMail? is the University's web-based E-mail application. Use GotMail? to access your NJCU Email over the Internet using any standard Internet web browser. Click the GotMail logo, above, to log in.

Accessing GotMail? Overview
This is a one-page overview on how to access NJCU email using GotMail?.

Reading & Sending Email with GotMail?
This is a one-page overview with step-by-step instructions on reading and sending email using NJCU GotMail? (web-based email client).

PDF NJCU GotMail? Essentials
This document is a brief (4 page) primer on how to access and read/reply/send email using GotMail?

Transferring Email Messages from Webmail to Gotmail?
This document is for NJCU Students, Faculty, and Staff who have used the previous web-based email client, WebMail, and wish to transfer messages from the old email client to the new client, GotMail?.

Creating & Using Gotmail Contacts
This document shows you how to add contacts from scratch or from received messages. It also discusses the creation and management of contact groups, which can be used for small distribution lists or organized contacts into categories. (11 pages)

Importing Outlook Contacts to Gotmail?
This document is for those who wish to import Outlook Contacts information into GotMail?. Please note that GotMail? is not a replacement for nor does it supersede the use of Outlook. Those who prefer using Outlook may continue to do so.

For additional information, please see the GotMail? FAQs.

NJCU Community Electronic List Help
NJCU Community List Help

This list is designed to provide an open forum for discussion on a wide range of topics (e.g., personal announcements, condo rentals etc.). Subscription to this list is voluntary and available to all faculty and staff E-mail account holders.

Supplemental Information

Netiquette Resources
Showing good manners when communicating over the Internet is a highly desirable skill that everyone should acquire. This document provides links to some of the best resources available on the 'net. Here you will also find a quiz to test your knowledge, learn some of the most common Internet Acronyms, and much more.

Help with Building Web Pages

Building a Website
This is the official web development policy & guidelines page for NJCU-related websites. The webpage provides a complete set of documents created and/or updated by the Web Development Task Force and approved by the NJCU Technology Steering Committee, Fall 2002. The six, official NJCU colors and two font specifications are defined on this page. Also available on this page are the official logo's for web publication. Finally, this page offers recommended tutorial links that will help you develop a website. Additional training is offered through the Center for Instructional Technology and Innovation (CITI).

OS & Applications

The following documents provide tips that may help in working with the current operating system and application standards in use by the University. In addition, there are several documents provided to help in selecting common computer hardware peripherals. If you would like to see other recommendations and tips, please email your suggestions.

Microsoft Office Tips

Provided below are tips and hints for Microsoft Office that you might find helpful. Also read through our collection of MS OFFICE FAQ's for more useful information.

NJCU Word Templates
Templates are a convenient method of creating a document without re-typing departmental information. This link will begin a Zip file download containing Microsoft Office templates that match the University's standard documents. Within the zip file you will find templates for Memo, Letter, Purchase Order Request, Reports, Fax, and Request for Travel. You will need to extract the templates from the zip file to where your Word templates are currently located. After extraction, edit each template and personalize them with your department information. There is a place holder for each information item. Once edited, select File -> New, and then select the appropriate template to begin your document.

MS Outlook 2000 "General Information Tutorial"
Microsoft Outlook is a personal information manager and E-mail Client. It is a collaboration-oriented application that provides electronic mail, personal calendar and group scheduling, contact address book and task management. Outlook helps you organize, find, and view all of this information - all in one place. This 42 page document takes you on a tour of the various features available in Outlook and shows you how to use them. Note: Although this document was written for Outlook 2000, it applies to previous versions as well as Outlook 2002 (a.k.a. Outlook XP).

MS Office "Special Characters"
Did you ever try to enter a special character in EXCEL? Unlike WORD, you do not get a selection grid to choose from, making it difficult to find/select a character from the various type fonts available. Here is a chart of Wingdings & Monotype Sorts characters and the associated keyboard keys for each. Note that shifted (upper case) keys give you a separate set of characters to choose from. For example, need a check mark for a features chart? That's Monotype Sorts, keyboard key '3' (normal) or '4' (bold)!

Moving Outlook PST/PAB Files
Here are instructions for moving Outlook 97/98 Personal Address Book (.pab) and Personal Message Store (.pst) files to a user-defined directory.

WORD Privacy Tips
You've written a document in WORD but you don't want anyone else who uses the same computer to know that you wrote the document - let alone to see what you wrote ....

Creating A Return Address Template
How to create a custom return address template using the NJCU standard business envelope with the NJCU logo ....

Windows OS Tips

Provided below are links to frequently asked questions pertaining to Windows OS as well as informative and useful documents.

Tips To Organize Your PC Files
If you have ever found yourself looking for one or more lost files, that somehow just disappeared, avoiding this dilemma may be easier than you might think. Here are some helpful hints on how to organize your computer files with ease.

How To Set Up McAfee AV Auto-Update
These documents provide graphic, step-by-step instructions for setting up your copy of Norton or McAfee AntiVirus to update itself automatically at a set day and time of your choosing. If you do not have an AntiVirus program running on your computer, place a service call to IT Services to have one installed.

Utilities

NJCU PrimoPDF Installation & User Guide
NJCU has standardized on PrimoPDF to provide a simple means of creating PDF files. The program is free to download and use. While not a full-featured application, this program provides the basics, including security and access controls, and produces PDFs very quickly. This document also provides specific tips on creating PDFs and a comparison of this product with Adobe Acrobat, Standard edition, and the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

PrimoPDF Manual
This is the 19 page user manual provided by ActivePDF (the developers of PrimoPDF) after installation of the program. It includes detailed installation instructions, which some readers may find a useful cross-reference to the NJCU-provided instructions.

Miscellaneous Topics

Selecting A Scanner
You'll find a concise yet extensive amount of useful information contained within this report. It includes everything you need to know about scanners to select the right one for your application. This report is a compilation of articles from Zdnet.

Selecting the Right UPSThis document provides guidelines for selecting an appropriately sized uninterruptible power supply (UPS). It is highly recommended that you use one to protect your computer investment.

Dell Laptop Power Transformer Recall
The Department of IT has received a letter of recall from Dell Inc. for certain laptop power adapters (transformers). That is, the small, black, brick-sized block of plastic that gets plugged into a wall electrical outlet and provides external power -- NOT the battery. According to the notice, some of these transformers could cause a risk of fire or electrical shock. The list of models effected by this recall is extensive. Please review this important safety advisory notice.