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Systems Support Users
Group Minutes |
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Systems Support Users
Group Minutes |
Users Group Purpose
After introductions, Hodges
expressed appreciation for the diversity of membership of the Users Group (UG),
related to computer technologic expertise, then briefly reviewed the purpose of
the Users Group: to present and
discuss new ideas, share technological needs of departments, and address
application methods. The intention
is for the Users Group to be mutually beneficial by serving in an advisory
capacity to Systems Support Services (SSS) and by providing information and
direction for members who represent campus units served by SSS.
Hour-long meetings will be scheduled monthly via MeetingMaker. The general format of each meeting will be: 1) summarize the previous meeting and present/discuss between-meeting research and assignments, 2) present and discuss new issues, and 3) share individual tech problems and consider solutions.
A list-serve has been
established to facilitate group interaction:
usersgrp@sys.ilstu.edu.
As needs arise from group discussions, Hodges will use this vehicle to
generate surveys, “homework” assignments and other research activities
(offering pros and cons of issues when appropriate).
A lively discussion occurred
regarding e-mail, related to both permanent staff and student employees
SSS staff presented the pros
and cons of three Eudora file storage options and elicited input from the UG:
1)
storing files on local computers—there is no space limit, but there is
also no portability
2)
storing files on servers, either entirely or partly on servers and partly
on local computers—the limitation is the finite space on the central host
server
3)
using a “hybrid model,” i.e., having files on a central server but
with local mail boxes on the hard drive—this option allows no reliable record
of file back-up locations
In
seeking the optimal situation, UG discussed the potential of standardization of
file storage practices that will eliminate loss of data and down time during
deployments. However, individual
user preferences and practices—and varying levels of computer savvy—make
standardization problematic. The
solution may be to allow each user to select an option then commit to adhering
to that option. There may be other
technological solutions to the e-mail problem with the possibility of using
exchange servers to store the mail. SSS
will be considering the various options and UG comments in order to determine
the right balance before implementing procedures within the next month.
Because of the transience of
student employees, using Eudora at their work stations is not the best practice
and SSS is considering encouraging employing departments to have their students
use web or other mail. Before our
next meeting, Hodges will collect information via the list-serve regarding
departmental practices and needs related to student employee e-mail.
E-mail Configuration (next
meeting)
Windows 2000 Configuration
(next meeting)
Specialized E-mail Uses (next
meeting)
Systems Support Services’ Current Projects (some future meeting)
Cheryl Young and Kathy Beal
10/12/01