OT Talk

Your MasterID is the key to unlock many resources at WVU. Without this account, campus users could not access network files and printers on Active Directory or AD; campus visitors could not use the wireless connection; county users could not access the leave reporting system; and all users in slate (Web content management system) could not maintain their Web sites. (See other uses of MasterID.)

But, it is complicated to use sometimes. Remembering the account name shouldn’t be hard since the name is usually comprised of the first letters of both your first and middle names and your full last name.

It shouldn’t be difficult to use, but a few things about this account can make it frustrating: 1) if it is not used within 60 days, it becomes inactive and 2) the password expires every 90 days. The first issue is not a problem for campus users and slate users since they login frequently with this account. However, off-campus users may not use it often enough to keep it active, and most people don’t remember to login every 30 days. The second issue is non-negotiable since it’s for the protection and security of your resources. (Sorry, but you’re just going to have to deal with it!)

Using Your MasterID at MasterApps
Your MasterID (incorrectly called “Citrix account”) enables you to use applications, like GroupWise and Internet Explorer, in a secure environment. This secure “Citrix environment” at Masterapps is where you can login to the WVU Intranet and then access the leave reporting system, use File Explorer to access network-stored files, access the GroupWise client to approve another’s leave, use MAP, and many other applications.

When you use the Masterapps site (http://masterapps.wvu.edu), you might have trouble logging in. If that’s the case, then you do have a MasterID problem.

However, if you have trouble accessing the resources once you have logged in, your problem might lie with getting your computer to “talk” with the remote Masterapps computer. One reason for this might be the file to download (“plug-in”) to make your computer “talk” with the Masterapps site did not download or install properly. Or, the downloaded Citrix plug-in just might not work on your computer.

What do you do? You would need to use the “java interface” instead of the default “Citrix client interface.” Huh??? The handout Masterapps and Java Interface explains how to use this method to connect to Masterapps. This is also something an OIT Help Desk support representative can guide you through.

What happens when a user doesn’t have a functional connection? The user starts blaming the MasterID account or the leave reporting system or anything or anyone in the way of him/her signing out annual leave to go on vacation! And, usually this is around 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. the day before the vacation starts. This is natural. However, don’t panic. Someone can usually guide you through getting you connected to your resources. Please try to make sure your MasterId account works before signing out leave late in the day or before coming to a slate class.

Even if you aren’t having problems with your MasterID login at the Masterapps site, you still might want to check out some of the resources below.

Resources:
Office of Technology MasterID FAQs
Office of Information Technology MasterID Info

Keep in mind that you can do the following without calling the OIT Help Desk:
– Activate MasterID
– Change the Password
– Reset the Password

Just click on the appropriate button at http://oit.wvu.edu/masterid/.

Friend or foe? Most of the time your MasterID account is your friend.

Agree? Disagree? Let’s talk.

Many of you have already been on the Office 2007 “bandwagon” since last year. However, some users are seeing it for the first time with the arrival of their new machines. After you get over the initial shock of the new interface, I think you’ll kind of like this new software. You will first need to locate the Microsoft Office button since this replaces the File menu. (Yeah, that will really throw you!) Anyway, after locating that element and “poking” around a bit and clicking here and there, you might start to think Microsoft is “onto something.”

To feel comfortable with Word, I had to use it for about two weeks, but I did start liking the way Microsoft grouped commands and features. The software seems more intuitive and in some ways makes more sense. Still, almost two years later, there are some seldom-used commands I can only find with “help.” (Hint: “Help” is represented by the question mark icon near the top right of the screen.)

You can find many training and support resources on the Web by searching for “Office 2007” and the feature you need, such as “tabs” or other command or feature. Microsoft has resources at the Office support site, and you can search for topics there.

Our office has pulled together some of the many resources, so you can check out the FAQs and training sites.

Note: Publisher users, take heart! I think Microsoft ran out of steam, so there aren’t many changes.

Please feel free to share your comments, questions, and tips.

Let’s TALK!