Joe Stenger, Network Manager and Brian Wilson, Systems Manager

    The Information Systems Office is pleased to announce that a major server upgrade is planned over the next three months.  The plan has three main phases.

    First, a new server will be purchased for use as a main file server.  Programs such as Microsoft Office 97 will reside on this server.  This will also be the location for storage of files that reside on the S:\ and U:\ drives.  The new server will have dramatically increased processing capability as well as greatly increased storage capacities.

    Second, we will reconfigure the existing server to take over the operations needed to run GroupWise as well as printing capabilities.  Currently these services reside on the main file server.  We are parceling these operations to a separate machine for better performance.  Also, this makes it possible for maintenance to the GroupWise system to be conducted independent of the main file server.  Unlike past times, a GroupWise failure would not necessarily cripple the entire system.

    Finally, GroupWise will be updated from its current version of 4.1a to version 5.2.  This will allow for many improvements to be seen in GroupWise.  Since GroupWise 5.2 is a “32-bit” program, it will be compliant with other software such as Microsoft Office 97.  The problem of being unable to cut and paste into GroupWise 4.1a into a Word document will be resolved.

    Also, the new version of GroupWise has the capability for web-based access.  This means that if you have a connection to the Internet at home (i.e.: HomeNet, AOL, CompuServe, etc.) you will have the ability to access your GroupWise mail and calendars.  All that is needed is a compliant web browser such as Netscape Navigator (version 4 or higher).

    We are very excited about the changes that will be occurring.  We hope to make this transition with a minimum of discomfort on your part.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 8-5635.

Brian Wilson, Systems Manager

   The Information Systems Office has been selected to participate in the OSU Technology Expo to be held October 14 at the Ohio Union.  The expo is a showcase of technology being used around campus and is a great way to gather and exchange ideas concerning the latest trends in the computer industry.

    If you get the chance please come by and see us at our booth between the hours of 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.

Robert McKenney, FAAMA, Director
 
    Having recently attended an information systems conference, I am reminded of the fact that the Y2K impact will be felt beyond computer hardware and software.  Any equipment with a date chip may be negatively impacted when our calendars roll over to January 1, 2000.  The College of Medicine and Public Health is currently looking at options of enhancing the distribution of Y2K information.

    In regard to such efforts, IS customers are encouraged to visit the College’s Y2K Web Page.  Once there, you will find links where you can learn more about the Y2K matter and even check to see if their software is Y2K compliant.  One example is the Microsoft site, which tells users of any problems with Microsoft software concerning Y2K.  When you check Excel 97 for example, the web site returns the information that confirms Y2K compliance.  The IS Office is also using information such as this to ease the Y2K transition.

    Please check the web site frequently as we continue to update and add new information about this issue.

Brian Wilson, Systems Manager

    Last month, I gave you a series of tips on Microsoft Word 97 to help you increase productivity.  This month, we’ll be focusing on a tip for Excel 97.

    In Excel, you may create fairly complex spreadsheets with large volumes of information.  Sometimes, after the sheet has been created and the data has been entered, you may forget certain details of the information.  For example, you may have a budget sheet with a negative balance for a month.  Why did this happen?, you might ask yourself.  Excel 97 allows you to enter comments that appear on the screen automatically when you point to a cell.

    To create a comment, select the cell where you want the comment to appear.  Then choose Comment from the Insert menu.  A text box will appear that looks like a yellow Post-It note.  Type your comment.  When you are done, click another cell and the box will close.  A red triangle will be placed in the upper right hand corner of the cell, letting you know that a comment exists for this cell (see picture below).  To edit the comment later, click the cell and choose Edit Comment from the Insert menu.