Quirks and Perks of Technology at SMC

Since many of my fellow blogger friends have done posts catered to the incoming class (check them out here: Alex, Mike, and Gracie), so I thought I would write a post on Technology at SMC!
Working at the Helpdesk is awesome! You can check out a post on info here and here and how I enjoyed working here during the summer! I just got off the phone with a parent who was downloading Microsoft Office on her daughter's computer and got to talking about all different aspects of SMC - gotta love it!

So as promised: here are some Quirks and Perks of Technology at SMC:

1. New this year: the mySMC portal! Clicking on the link brings you a a page where you can sign in with one password and access your KnightVision account, SMC e-mail, eCollege, and other resources on campus. It really cuts down on the number of passwords you need to remember and makes it more convenient for everyone. *Note: this will be open to ALL undergraduate students today! Faculty and Class of 2016 should already have access. 

Take a look at what you'll see!

2. Also new this year, you can reset your Mikenet password yourself! Just go to passwordreset.smcvt.edu You can enter in your Mikenet username, pin number (the last four digits of your Social Security Number), and your SMC ID number (without the 80), and then change your password within the parameters listed on the side.

3. Once you get on campus, you can set up your computer on the campus-wide FREE printing! Just follow the documentation here for both Mac and PCs. 

4. Also once you get on campus and you have gaming devices (xbox, playstation, etc.) you can get them hooked up online. Connect them with an ethernet cord to the data jack in the wall and submit the MAC address to ithelp@smcvt.edu and you can get online!

5. This is something I found that I use on my Kindle - A list of Apps that are free to help in all aspects of college life! 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me!  
Katelyn :)

IT Helpdesk!

In today's world, Information Technology is extremely important. Luckily for me I get to work at the IT Helpdesk at Saint Michael's during the school year. Like last year, I have the privilege for working up here for the summer! 

This summer is a bit different since I am living in the suites along with other work-studies, Fire and Rescue, student researchers, and students taking classes. It's a different dynamic not knowing everyone you live with, but it should be an interesting time!

Right now, I am working in both the Helpdesk and the LLRC. Each has its perks; being able to work with great bosses who get you food and provide a fun workplace is one of the reasons I enjoy working in IT so much. 

A coffee provided by my wonderful boss!

We got a delivery of 26 iPads for our new iPad cart!

My co-worker DJ sitting in the box the cart came in!
Looks like it's fort time!

Working in IT has given me the ability to become more computer savvy which can be both a good thing and a bad thing. I would say I'm pretty good at Windows 7, but when it comes to Macs (except for setting up printing!) I'm basically clueless. The good thing about working at the Helpdesk is that my boss Erik (yep there are two eric/eriks in the office!) uses each time we don't know something as a teaching experience. Without him, I wouldn't know half the things I do! 

Saint Michael's is largely a PC campus and has our campus HP program  which I chose to utilize. Now, I might be a little biased, but this program is awesome! Should I ever accidentally trip and drop my computer, spill coffee on it, or the screen gets cracked, campus HP guy Eric can fix it at no extra cost! It's all included in the price you pay and that warranty is good for four years at Saint Mike's! While I haven't had any problems like that...yet...it's just one part of the wonderful service the Helpdesk provides. 

Customer service is really crucial in this area considering many of us, including myself, get frustrated when this don't work the way that they do. Maybe you've spoken to me on the phone, seen me in our office, or gotten an e-mail from me  - I hope it has always turned out well in your favor! We try to cater to you at the best of our abilities and with a smile. I know that sounds cheesy but it's true! Sometimes I think that makes all the difference. 

P.S. A new and exciting thing happened yesterday! Instead of having to call the Helpdesk to rest your Mikenet password, you can do it yourself! Just click here and enter in your username, SSN, and ID number and voila! You have the ability to reset your password to something you can remember.

On that note, I will be writing another blog post about the LLRC probably next week - I'm still finding out awesome things that I didn't even know existed! 

I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day and enjoy your weekend! 
Feel free to ask me a question, tweet me, or comment below :)
Sending all my love, 
Katelyn :)

A Summer Job!

This is my first summer away from home after moving away from college. My first summer away from my family, friends, and even the beach. I miss the ocean so much.

A picture of me and my friend Ian last summer at the beach!

I've got this summer job at the Saint Michael's College Information Technology Helpdesk. Basically my first real '9 to 5' job where I get to unleash my inner nerd.

At the Helpdesk, we're responsible for helping all those associated with Saint Mike's with their computer queries and problems. Sounds pretty simple right?

Coming from someone who knows little about computers, sometimes it gets pretty hectic. It's a definite learning environment. I've learned to reset passwords, establish internet connectivity, change hard drives, and trying to generally figure out why someone's computer isn't working the way it should. OH and I have one of THE best bosses in the entire world. I kinda love my job.

Not gonna lie, my job is pretty easy most of the time. Until something crazy happens. Like today we had to do some hot swaps of computers that had gotten fried by the weather last night. It was a bit crazy - tornado warnings and all!

Anyways, within this time I can make a dent in my long list of things I want to accomplish this summer. For instance, check out my Summer Bucket List for a clue.

So far my summer has been really relaxing and I get to focus on what I want to do and reflect on the direction my life is going. It's a wild ride but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Keep checking back for more!