I'm going to let you in on a little secret in the Information Technology World. Information Technology people love information. Not the kind of information like who won the Falcons - Saints game or why we are getting fewer (or more) holiday days this term. Technology people love information about the problem you may be having with technology.
For example, there is some information on the top, right-hand corner of your desktop (or maybe not, depending upon how your computer is set up). It probably doesn't mean very much to you and may even be a little annoying, but it has valuable information that can be used to trouble-shoot the extent and seriousness of the problem you may be having.
The first item is the boot time. The boot time reports when your computer was restarted. Many problems can go away by simply restarting your computer. Updates often take effect after your computer is re-booted. And updates take place all the time.
The next two items are the host name and the ip address. The host name is your computer's name, while the ip address is like your computer's number. The name and the ip address must be unique. If you imagine our network to be a city, the host name is your house and the ip address is your address. In order for your mail to be delivered to your correct address, the ip address must belong to you and you alone. If someone has the same name or the same ip address, it creates what is called a conflict. We don't want any conflicts.
When you use the Helpdesk feature on the system website to report your problem, the helpdesk logs your ip address, so, if you are reporting a problem using the helpdesk feature, please use the computer that is having the problem...if you can. When we know your ip address, or the host name of the problem computer, we can use other utilities to trouble-shoot and diagnose the problem you are having...the most important of which is the Remote Desktop feature. Knowing your IP address allows access to your computer remotely...Remote access means someone can be on their computer in their office and accessing your computer in your office or classroom. That means you don't have to wait for someone to drive to your school to assist you. which leads to a quick resolution of your problem. We like quick resolutions!
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