Monthly Archives: March 2020

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Everything! Now Remote!

So my colleagues and I have been super busy writing documentation, creating videos, and making websites to help folks move EVERYTHING so that it can be done remotely.  This is not only true with classes, as BCC has switched to remote learning for the remainder of the semester, but also for support both on the student and faculty side.  Getting everything as ready as it can be took a huge effort!  Here’s a short list of some of the things I did to prepare:

And this is all on top of attending nine virtual interviews in Zoom for two search committees I’m a part of!  So as a result you might expect I haven’t written here much.

As technology often can be a moving target, now with people working from home via the internet it is even more so.  This week there have been stories about crashed Zoom meetings, internet and cloud service slowdowns, and to boot Microsoft is changing the name of Office 365 in the middle of all this!  One thing is for sure, working with technology is hardly ever boring!

Geesh! Here’s that meditation video I mentioned above to help you destress!

I’m going back to writing documentation!

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How to Properly Clean Your Computer

clean your workstation sign

Sings used on workstations in the Digital Commons

Keeping your computer properly clean is important, especially during the cold and flu season.  If you use a shared workstation or a public workstation in a library or computer lab setting this is particularly important.  Using keyboards, mice, mouse pads, and touch screens can all be opportunities to come in contact with others and spread germs.  Here’s some helpful tips when it comes to cleaning your

computer:

  • Use a disinfectant wipe or solution
  • After wiping, wipe your equipment with a dry cloth
  • Do NOT allow the cloth to be overly damp – moisture can damage your computer
  • Do NOT use bleach – it can damage the plastic your computer is made of

For more details, and videos, please check out these sources:

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Tips to Maximize Your Home Bandwidth

Internet connection speeds across Berkshire County vary widely depending on where you live.  To make things more complicated, your home location often determines your choices of available internet service providers also known as ISPs.  When working on your course assignments from home the quality of your internet speed and connection can have a big impact.

Here are some tips for maximizing your internet speed, sometimes also called bandwidth, at home.  Remember, in most cases all the devices on your Wi-Fi share the same internet connection.

  • Don’t watch Netflix, YouTube, or use other streaming services on your home network
  • Turn off other devices connected to your home network such as smart TVs, cell phones, speakers, etc.
  • Ask your family members to help by limiting their internet usage, including downloading large files or games until you are done

Check out SpeedCheck.org for a free speed test of your internet.  Scroll down on this site for more information and tips on how to improve your internet speeds.

If all else fails there are many places in Berkshire County that offer free internet access via a shared or public Wi-Fi.  Berkshire Community College is one of those places and you can often get good Wi-Fi signal from the parking lots.  For a list of other free Wi-Fi hotspots check out this website complied by The Berkshires 24-7.com.

For more questions, or to discuss specific issues with bandwidth or internet access please reach out!