First Days…

New job activities…
    Windows Updates and updating/installing other useful software on laptops
    Cleaned off old user files and other unnecessary files on desktop lab
    Discovered Video Tele-Conferencing – how it works and how to use
    Obtained keys, passwords, alarm codes, supplies
    Acquainted myself with Active Directory, and other network resources
    Changed the administrator password on the PGS laptops (it appeared that students had been logging into that account and installing software)

Scheduling…
Updating and troubleshooting can be quite time consuming. I feel that I may be more efficient at this shared position if I work 2 full days at each position and have Fridays be either alternating or half days. This way I wouldn’t have to leave things “half done” at either place. I mentioned this to Brian. Brian talked to Leanna and NCI is contemplating the schedule change.

Wireless Network…
    Suggested that we create another wireless network for NCI Student computers
    Would allow for easier network troubleshooting and administration of these devices
    Current unsecured network does not allow for use of any internal network resources – only internet traffic
    Mike was already working on this and we tested a WPA2 protected network on Wednesday

Sycom…
    Met with Mike and Alan from SyCom
    Learned a great deal about NCI’s network at it’s current state & where we plan to go with it
    The network is too complex for our needs and could use lots of simplification
    Active Directory is also in dire need of upgrading and cleaning up
    Must keep in mind the implications on the network with the future addition of the new building on the Baldwin block

Research…
    Began research on Governor’s Schools in the state of Virginia
    Visited the websites of several different Academic Year Schools
    I was curious as to the similarities and differences between our PGS program and others throughout the state – both Technological and Academic
    Discovered an interesting device for charging multiple iPads - Kanex Sydnee


Pre-existing Issues…
    Deloris and Cynthia reported that their desktops were unacceptably slow.

    Updated Windows and other applications
    Uninstalled unnecessary applications and browser toolbars
    Stopped unnecessary services and removed them from running at startup
    Seemed to increase the performance of the machines

    On Thursday, I was able to get the new eno board fully functioning
    Discovered a network problem in King 304

    There is a 100Mb Linksys router in that room that is actively routing and performing dhcp service
    The workstation in that room is on a 192.168.1.1 subnet
    This is not in the scope of NCI’s network and could be causing a degradation of video transmission
    Reported this problem to Mike and he placed a request with Debbie to order 2 Cisco Gb switches to replace the router and a 100Mb switch that is in King 106 (could also be causing a “bottleneck” in the network)