Adobe reader email function

Question: Is it possible to change Adobe Reader (on the student computers) to automatically allow email?

Response: The Adobe email function requires that the person using the machine have it set up with their *personal* email information so that it can send the message. In a public environment, this is not possible. The machines are set up with a generic profile, with all of the settings locked down so that email cannot be personally configured. If it were otherwise, one person could then send email as another which would lead to chaos and lawsuits.

I fight with this concept continually, as large companies assume correctly that 95% of computers are set up properly for individual use- and they cater to this configuration. They rarely allow these confusing options to be disabled or removed for public use computing.

Running textbook CDROMs or other external software products

Question: A CD-ROM text/product for a Chemistry class (“Bridging to the Lab”) does not work on our PCs. (When you click on the .exe file, it comes up with an error message about the shortcut being moved). I tried but then explained to the 2 students that we don’t support outside software/applications/products, etc. and suggested the computing center. Is this correct? (The one student said that at her home it just opens automatically in flash).


Response: We have had problems with students trying to install software, and we do not allow it in an uncontrolled manner as running rogue EXE files can introduce viruses and cause multiple problems. Let them know that to install the software on our machines would likely be against their software license for their book. Even if it is flash based, likely it has to install support files onto our computers.

The campus computing labs have a relationship with and support the faculty so that software packages that are properly licensed and are properly licensed for installation on the machines. We do not have the staff for this type of effort, nor is it our role. We try to meet about 80% of what users need with general applications, with emphasis on library support applications.

Online submission of PDF files

Poynter computers open all PDF documents with Acrobat (the full version). In order to work with a form that needs to be submitted electronically, the backup computer at reference and the two end computers in the horsehoe have been set to open PDF from within the browser. Students who need to submit this form (FTIC First Time in College) can now do so. Please note that you may have a problem printing from PDF’s to the Ricoh machines. If you do please save them and then reopen then in Acrobat Reader.

Printing Word docs from Blackboard

Some Word documents can not be printed easily while viewing them within Blackboard. If you click on the file name from the list screen (not the open document), then you will have the option to SAVE to Temp D. From Temp D, you can open the file in Word, check the print preview and send the file to the printer.