Volume 1, Issue 1

September 1997

QCT

Quick Computing Topics (QCT) is an electronic Newsletter published by Computer and Telecommunication Services and Media Services/User Support for CSUB Faculty, Staff, and Students. Past issues will be archived on Computer and Telecommunication Services and Media Services/User Support homepages. Please address any comments or suggestions to: Melanie Butler on First Class, mbutler@csubak.edu, or call extension 2115.

Welcome from the Directors of the Computer & Telecommunications Services and Media Services/User Support

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome faculty and staff back to campus. One of the things we will be doing this year is sending out a periodic electronic newsletter keeping users informed about various topics and issues concerning computing at CSUB. The newsletter will be brief and deal with one topic per issue. While we already have many topics in mind, we hope our readers will also offer suggestions. Our first topic is Windows 95. If there are subjects that you would like to see addressed please let us know.

-Ron Langley and Clarke Sanford

It's about time...

WINDOWS 95 is here.

User Support is now supporting the Windows 95 operating system for IBM-compatible computers. Microsoft Windows 95 is a 32-bit preemptive multi-tasking operating system. To get the full benefit of Windows 95 you must exclusively use 32-bit windows based programs, such as those products bearing the "Designed for Windows 95" logo, however most Windows based software will work.

Windows 95 may be purchased by individual departments through Procurement or from Media Services for $56.87. If you are not an expert, we recommend you have User Support install Windows 95 on your computer to make sure it is optimally configured to the CSUB network. You may call the User Support Help Line at extension 2307 to schedule an appointment to have Windows 95 installed.

System Requirements

System requirements are at least: 486/25 or higher processor; MSDOS 3.31 or higher, Windows 3.0 or higher, or OS/2 version 2.0;16 MB RAM; 100 MB hard drive space available, but1.2 GB hard drive is recommended for running Windows '95 applications; VGA video adapter; CD-ROM drive; and a mouse.

Some Concerns

Most CSUB users have been using Microsoft's Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs that are based on the Windows 3.1 operating system. In order to take full advantage of Windows 95 capabilities new versions of these packages developed for Windows 95 should be purchased. There are some other Windows 3.1 applications that may not run under Windows 95. User Support is in the process of testing all of CSUB's applications on Windows 95.

The following problems or concerns have been identified:

Windows 95 long file names do not function properly, so be sure to use the old eight point three character file names such as document.doc.

If you use CSUB mainframes, such as Academic VAX, BANNER, and the ULTRIX, you will need a new communication package. Please contact User Support for installation of NetTerm.

Some non-Microsoft programs may not operate properly with Windows 95.

If you have any problems with Windows 95, please call User Support at extension 2307.

A few Windows 95 Features

Windows 95 supports Plug and Play technology that allows automatic installs of compatible CD-ROM drives, sound cards, and other add-ons and peripherals. It features Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser and Microsoft Windows Messaging client for accessing the Microsoft Network "MSN." Windows 95 is designed for the Windows 95 32-bit applications and when these applications are used there is a noticeable increase in speed and ease of use. A more user-friendly desktop environment makes a Windows-based machine look and act more like a Macintosh. Users on campus who use, or must learn to use, both Macintosh and Windows 95 will find moving back and forth easier. The built-in network capabilities of Windows 95 make supporting this platform much easier for the technical staff.

Computer Labs using Windows 95

Education Building room 128 and the Pentium Lab in the Library, room 14, are migrating to Windows 95 for the Fall '97 quarter. Classes that must use Windows 3.1 in the Pentium Lab will have the option of choosing either format upon startup.

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