January/February 2002

Content
. . . Responsible Use of University Computers and Information Systems
. . . Microsoft PowerPoint Tips
. . . Troubleshooting an Old WordPerfect File (see March 2005 update)

Responsible Use of University Computers and Information Systems

Over the course of the past two decades, computer accesses at the University of Nebraska has evolved from a limited opportunity for a privileged few into a privilege accorded to all but a few. Access to computers and networks is so prevalent and ubiquitous that it is difficult to imagine a modern university without them. As information technology has become tightly woven into the fabric of academic endeavor one thing has not changed; computer access at the University of Nebraska remains a privilege, not a right.

Our responsibilities

For the overwhelming majority of university computer users, the responsibilities that accompany this privilege are taken quite seriously. University of Nebraska Memorandum 16, Policy For Responsible Use Of University Computers And Information Systems spells out the terms and conditions we agree to when accepting access to University computers and network resources. The guidelines and rules appear to be nothing more than common sense. Unfortunately, at universities and colleges around the country violations of policies such as this one are becoming an increasingly troublesome issue. Our institution is no exception.

There are numerous policies that govern the conduct of University of Nebraska faculty, staff, students, and administrators. Computers and networks have the potential to extend the reach and access of individuals both professionally and personally. This is both good news and bad. Flexibility and tolerance are key points of Memorandum 16. To quote from Section 4.a "...personal use is permitted so long as it conforms with this Policy and does not interfere with University operations or an employee user's performance of duties..." This seems quite generous indeed. Further on in Section 4 can be found the answer to the oft-asked question "Can I use my University e-mail account to send mail to my [insert relative here]?" Of course you can.

Serious violations involve legal and moral issues

Serious and damaging violations of higher educational computer policies involve legal and moral issues. File sharing is right at the top of the list. The illegal distribution of movies, songs, copyrighted software, and any other activity that violates the law risks incurring the wrath of the aggrieved party. The more serious the violations are perceived to be, the greater the chance that the University of Nebraska could be in as much, if not more, trouble than the irresponsible individual. Right up front, Memorandum 16 points out "Failure to so conduct oneself in compliance with this Policy may result in denial of access to University information systems or other disciplinary action." It is worth noting that activities that place the University of Nebraska in an awkward legal position are more likely to be associated with the most severe forms of "disciplinary action" including termination of employment.

Moral issues can be just as serious. Again file sharing causes numerous problems. Memorandum 16 forbids "Downloading or posting illegal, proprietary or damaging material to a University computer" (Section 6.s). This includes downloading and distributing information that is generally considered to be offensive or morally objectionable. There is little tolerance for using publicly financed resources to participate in activities of this sort — not from the University administration, not from co-workers, and certainly not from concerned citizens.

Common sense

People make mistakes. For the most part, the University of Nebraska is a supportive and forgiving employer. The explosion of information technology opportunities that have given us access to an un-imaginable treasure of resources comes with a small price: responsibilities. Those responsibilities are found in The Policy For Responsible Use Of University Computers And Information Systems. Please take the time to become familiar with this policy. It is simply common sense.

~ Ron Roeber

Microsoft PowerPoint Tips

I receive Microsoft PowerPoint Tips by e-mail from Element K Journals and found several to be very useful. You can see sample tips at their “Free Weekly Tips” Web page and subscribe to receive tips through e-mail (www.elementkjournals.com/tips/). Below are three tips from Element K.

Keyboard shortcuts for screen shows

• F5 - Launch a Screen Show
• Esc - Quit a Screen Show
• F1 - Display a list of the shortcut menu
• B - Display a black screen or return to slide show from a black screen.
• W - Display a white screen, or return to the slide show from a white screen.
• E - Erase writing or drawing done during a screen show
• Number followed by Enter - Go to a specific numbered slide while running a screen show
• CTRL+P - Change pointer to a pen
• CTRL+A - Change the pen to a pointer
• A - Show/Hide the pointer tool and box with arrows in left bottom corner
• Hold both mouse buttons down for 2 seconds - Returns to the first slide

Change the color scheme of multiple slides

You can change the color scheme of a few slides in your show without having to change it for all of them. (NOTE: This only works with template designs that come with the PowerPoint program. It does not work for those created specifically for IANR use.)

To change the color scheme, switch to Slide Sorter view. Hold down the SHIFT key and click on each slide you want to modify. Choose Format > Slide Color Scheme and make your changes. Click Apply so the new color scheme applies only to the selected slides. Clicking on Apply All applies the new color scheme to all the slides in your show.

Make copies of text or an object and quickly reposition it

Want to create a copy of an object, image, or block of text and position it in a new location at the same time? Select the item you want to copy, hold down the [Ctrl] key ([option] key on the Mac) and drag to create a duplicate of the selected object.

~ Lana Johnson

Editor's Note: Please see the Tips, Tricks, and Techniques website for more PowerPoint Tips.

CIT Information is published by Communications and Information Technology - Computing section, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Newsletter articles may be copied and distributed for nonprofit, educational purposes only and the source must be acknowledged. Direct all correspondence to the editor, Pamela K. Peters (E-mail: pkpeters@unlnotes.unl.edu; Phone: 402/472-5630; FAX: 402/472-5639).

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is an affirmative action - equal opportunity employer.