As of Jan. 6, 1997, Cornell Information Technologies (CIT) will be implementing a change that will affect all computers connected to Cornell networks, whether linked directly via Ethernet or via EZ-Remote dial-up access.
In order to improve the stability of access to both Cornell and worldwide Internet-based services, CIT has added a new campus domain name system (DNS) server on a reliable network and will be removing an old server Jan. 6.
DNS servers allow your computer to communicate with other networked computers on the Internet by translating the computer name (such as www.cornell.edu) to a numerical address (called an IP address). This translation allows you to use services like the World Wide Web and e-mail.
Anytime before Jan. 6, you should modify the configuration of your communications software so that it contains up-to-date information about the DNS servers at Cornell and can contact them when given a name. Although Cornell has three DNS servers to provide backup during a failure, many computers have only one DNS server configured in their software. It is recommended that all three servers be entered into your computer's configuration so that if one DNS server is not reachable, your computer can find the other servers.
If this recommendation is not followed, your computer may be unable to access Internet-based services, such as e-mail and the World Wide Web.
For instructions on how to make this change and a more complete explanation of DNS servers visit "Updating Your Computer's DNS Information," located on the Web at http://www.cit.cornell.edu/cit-pubs/misc/dns.html . If you have further questions or concerns, contact the HelpDesk, HelpDesk@cornell.edu , 255-8990.
Attention technology trainers and consultants
Technology Training Services (TTS), the section of Academic Technology Services responsible for facilitating training opportunities for the campus community, wants your feedback. This fall TTS is offering courses such as Browsing: Beyond the Basics, Imagemaps: From Picture to Links, HTML Tables, Using Forms to Your Advantage, and Supporting Windows '95. These courses are intended for trainers and consultants on campus who are responsible for training others in the use of various popular technologies.
"We want to know what types of courses technology trainers and consultants need and if we are satisfying those needs," says Sharon Sledge, Technology Training Services manager. Sledge adds that the TTS staff are available to consult with trainers about locating and using resources that will enhance classes they currently teach.
Additionally, TTS is updating its list of trainers and consultants. If you are a technology trainer or consultant and would be interested in receiving information about TTS events and services, please contact TTS. (E-mail address and telephone number are listed below).
If you are interested in taking or providing a course, please visit the Technology Training Web page http://training.cit.cornell.edu/ for more information, and let TTS staff know what you think of their current offerings. Send questions or comments by e-mail to cit_training@cornell.edu or call Sharon Sledge at 255-3781.
CIT HelpDesk has new location
The CIT Service HelpDesk has moved to a new office in the Computing and Communications Center (CCC). Formerly located in 124 CCC, the HelpDesk can now be found in 119 CCC (when you enter the CCC building from the main entrance, turn right). This move will not affect the HelpDesk phone or e-mail support of the campus.
Please send us your feedback! If you have questions or comments about this column, send e-mail to citnews@cornell.edu . For more technology news visit the CIT News@cornell.edu Web site at http://www.cit.cornell.edu/cit-pubs/news/ . This column is compiled and edited by Daisy Dailey of CIT.