Important Notes
Hello and welcome to the January Tech Report!
Upcoming Testing Information
The second half of the school year has started and that means we will soon enter testing season. On February 7, we will conduct the ISTEP Statewide Readiness Test (SRT) as required by the state of Indiana to gauge how well their servers can handle all schools testing at once. In the past we have experienced issues related to app compatibility as well as Pearson servers not performing as needed. That is why these tests are performed…to iron out all the kinks before the actual test begins.
To make sure we are prepared as a school for a smooth SRT, it is imperative everyone is running a compatible iOS. Due to a security flaw, iOS 11, 11.01, and 11.02 will not work with the Testnav application. As of right now, the following iOS versions are compatible:
Mac OS High Sierra
After the bug reported in last months Tech Report, Apple released an update alleviating the issue. Last week, it was revealed High Sierra users running the most recent update of 10.13.2 experienced another security flaw allowing outsiders to gain access to app store settings.
This issue is not near as dyer as the previous issue reported last month; however, please be careful not to give others access to your computers. Additionally, make sure you do not have remote access selected on your computers. We do not need remote access to your computers. It is off by default.
Finally, if you are running OS 10.13.1, do not update your computer until Apple releases a new update to remedy the security flaw.
Viruses, Malware, and Spyware
Tis the season for virus, malware and spyware. As was revealed over winter break two new viruses Meltdown & Spectre, could give computer access to hackers. This is why it is extremely important not to download weird email attachments, to immediately close pop up pages asking for personal information, to be aware of scams. Make sure to check your address bar to make sure you are really on google when it’s asking for your email and password. Do not send money to an address claiming to be a part of Publisher’s Clearing House. You did not win $30 million…you do not have a fifth cousin king who just died leaving you all their possessions. These are all scams. I ask you to be aware of your activities online so you do not accidentally download one of these viruses!
Additionally, if you receive spam emails from yourself, this DOES NOT mean your email has been hacked. This is a common way spammers are hiding the source of their content. Mark it is as spam…do not click on the links provided. If you receive spam email from another student or teacher, inform them and me immediately.
Tech Support Tickets
Recently we have been receiving a large number of support tickets with students and staff spelling their emails incorrectly. This may not seem like a big deal, but in order for us to communicate with you and take advantage of our support ticket system, we need the correct emails. Please double check your email spellings to make sure you have spelled it correctly!
Support Ticket Breakdown
December was the slowest month yet for support tickets. Our highest topic was PowerSchool, though it has dramatically dropped since the beginning of the year. We had several laptop issues, a few frozen iPads, and some wifi issues. All but one of the issues with wifi was resolved by turning wifi off and then on again. The other issue was related to a profile exchange on a new laptop. January is typically another slow month and things should begin picking up by the end of February.
Missing iPads December
Missing or lost iPads reached it’s highest total this year with 12 in December. Please remind students to be more responsible with their iPads and aware of where they leave them. All 12 were recovered.
Insurance Claims December
Insurance claims peaked back up to 6 in December. All were broken screens. Once again, remind students to be more protective of their devices.
Additional Notes
- Please remember to fill out a support ticket when needing support. We receive too many emails a day to sort through support emails. Support tickets go into a spreadsheet for us making it easier to stay organized. Do not send students down to our office!
- If you have a broken iPad, please pay your deductible to receive a replacement. You will need your device to take NWEA and/or ISTEP, as well as to complete your school work.
- We will be cleaning projector filters this week on Thursday, January 18.
- Please remember your internet searches are monitored through our web filter. While we do not sit and watch the web filter all day, reports let us know any suspicious searches and any inappropriate websites accessed. This works no matter where your iPad is connected…school or home.