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Environments - Windows/Active Directory Environment

Everyone in the HSC that has HS credentials has an account synchronized into Active Directory, our Microsoft Windows environment. This gives you an opportunity to better interconnect your user-to-user networking in a variety of ways. The following shows just some of the benefits that you and your users can enjoy:

Migration from Novell to Microsoft

Migration from Novell to Microsoft Over the next few months, IT Services will begin migrating file/print and groupware (email/calendar) services from Novell to Microsoft. Our Help Desk and Networking staff will be working with your departmental Computer Support Contact in making this transition. The file/print services migration will begin in November and run through January. Once this migration is complete for all departments, we will continue by transiting from GroupWise to MS Exchange (Outlook). This transition will further simplify the user interface and provide better integration and functionality with the clinical enterprise and computing systems in general. Tools will be used in migrating groupware data including inbox, cabinet file folders, archives, address books, etc. Watch for future email updates regarding this migration.

All users:

• Users can be granted access to WVUH software via the trust relationship between the HSC and WVUH Windows domains. Users needing access to WVUH programs, such as Merlin, can be granted access by the WVUH IT staff to these applications easily without extra logins and passwords.
• Simplify Windows file sharing between users in your and other departments
• Easy access to Student software
• Better virus scanning and removal

Windows 2000/XP Pro users:

• Automatic hotfix updates and service packs.
  Via Group Policies combined with the new production service, Software Update Service, Windows 2000 and Windows XP Professional hotfixes and service packs can be automatically installed to your computer keeping your system up to date and secure.
• Ability to push applications to users.
  If desired, applications can be distributed to your department using Group Policies either directly to the computer or as an option in the Add or Remove Programs applet in the Control Panel. Currently, any CSC’s that are running Windows 2000 or XP Professional and are logging into the HSC Windows domain will see they have an option to install and use the Health Sciences Center’s site licensed version of Microsoft’s Technet which features a vast amount of information on all Microsoft products which can greatly aid in troubleshooting or just for learning more about Microsoft products.
• Easy over-the-network assistance from other users or our staff.
  XP users can take advantage of the new Remote Assistance feature. This allows a user to ask for assistance over the network. Your question or problem can be fixed while you watch (after you give the person assisting you permission to help you) without you or the person helping you ever leaving your respective desks. NOTE: This feature is only available if both parties are using Windows XP.
• Change your password online.
  We have a secure, easy method for users to change their Windows Active Directory passwords via a web form located here.