It’s official, we have entered the 2021 – 2022 school year. On your newly imaged computer, you will find some new features and possibly some missing ones. This year, all staff members will have admin rights on their machine and can install software and customize their computer to their liking. In addition to this change, the district will be utilizing Software Center (Windows) and Self Service (Mac).
We’ve added the district’s most popular software titles to these portals so that they are easily accessible to everyone. In addition to that, via the software center and Self Service, we will be able to remotely push out updates, scripts, and fixes to common issues. You can also find information on how to get in touch with the Help Desk or an IDS team member. Please take a few moments to check out the guides below to get started on your new computer!
Software: Access, Install, Update
Accessing Software Center – Windows:
Software Center is pinned to the taskbar of the new Windows computers. Click the icon to view available software.
Note: It may be several days after you first log in to your new device for the Software Center to sync all available software. If you require the use of software immediately, please contact the Help Desk: helpdesk@iowacityschools.org or ext. 4357.
Installing Software
Selecting Applications on the left-hand side will show you available software.
Click the application you would like to install and then click the blue Install button.
During installation, the Install button will become unavailable. Depending on the size of the application this could take a few minutes.
Once the installation is completed the Install button will change to “Uninstall”. This process can be reversed by pressing Uninstall.
NOTE: It is not required, but recommended that you restart your computer after each software installation/uninstall.
Installing Updates
Select Updates on the left-hand side. This will allow you to see any scheduled or available windows updates.
It is recommended that you select the Install All option on the top right-hand side. This will kick off each update one after the other. You will be prompted to restart if a restart is required.
The status of both application installs and Windows updates can be found under the installation status on the left-hand side.
Accessing Self Service – Mac:
You can find the Self Service Icon on your dock.
Self Service can also be found by opening LaunchPad.
Once in Self Service, click the gray “Install” button for the desired application.
During installation, the button will change to “Executing”.
Upon completion of the installation, the button will change to “Reinstall”. You can find installed applications by opening LaunchPad (swipe trackpad to see all installed applications).
Google: Access Chrome and Sync Bookmarks
Windows & Mac
Chrome should be preloaded onto your taskbar (Windows) and in Launchpad (Mac).
Open Chrome and you will be prompted to sign in.
Use your full email address lastname.firstname@iowacityschools.org
Once you’ve entered your password, the 2-step Verification window should pop up.
Verify your sign-in.
If you have not yet set up 2-step verification, you will be prompted to do so.
Instructions on how to enroll in 2-step verification can be found HERE.
Further information about 2-step verification is available at the Tech Blog.
Google will then ask you if you wish to “Turn on sync?”
Click the blue “Yes, I’m In” button.
This will sync your Google account information, including your bookmarks and saved passwords.
Note: If you have any problems with 2-step verification, please contact the Help Desk, helpdesk@iowacityschools.org, or ext. 4375.
Google Drive for Desktop (Formerly Google File Stream)
Google Drive for Desktop is available for download from Software Center (Windows) and Self Service (Mac).
To ensure against loss of documents, photos, and other important files, the tech department encourages everyone to save to Google Drive for Desktop.
Connecting to the Classroom Projector
Connecting with Windows
Click the Action Center icon on the taskbar. It will be located on the bottom right of the screen. You may need to click “Expand” to view all options.
Click the display for your room in the list that appears. The device name should correspond to the room number.
Enter the PIN for the display; the PIN is the same district-wide.
PIN: ******** (get from other staff or help desk; will also be emailed to all staff at the start of the year)
If you need to use the interactive functions of the projector (pen, touch), make sure to check the “Allow mouse, keyboard, touch, and pen input” box. Your computer may freeze for a couple of seconds as this applies for the first time.
To choose between duplicating or extending the laptop display, hold the Windows + P keys.
If you are having trouble connecting after following these steps, restart your device by clicking on the Start Menu button, then power, and finally restart. Repeat steps 1-5 after your device has restarted.
When you are finished connecting, repeat steps 1 and 2, then click the Disconnect button.
Connecting with Mac
Open Control Center from the top menu bar.
Select Screen Mirroring.
A list of available devices will be displayed by building and room number, for example Horn-001.
The building and room number will also be displayed by the projector on the classroom whiteboard.
Select your building and current room number.
Please be sure to select the correct building and room number.
When prompted enter the Airplay Code for the selected projector.
Airplay Code: ******* (get from other staff or help desk; will also be emailed to all staff at the start of the year)
Click “OK”.
In the Control Center, duplicate the laptop screen to the projector by selecting “Mirror Built-in Retina Display”.
Or extend the laptop display by selecting “Use As Separate Display”.
To disconnect Screen Mirroring, Select the connected display (blue icon) and Control + Click. Or select Display Preferences…
From the Airplay Display drop-down, select “Off”.
Chromebooks (including the staff Chromebook model Dell 5300) cannot wirelessly connect to classroom projectors. To connect a Chromebook an HDMI cord must be connected between the device and the HDMI input beneath the whiteboard labeled “To Computer”.
Questions? Concerns?
Please reach out to the Help Desk. You can also find contact information in the Software Center by clicking “Contact Us” on the sidebar menu.
Summer Hours (until Friday, August 6th):
Monday – Thursday
7:30 am – 4:30 pm
School Year Hours (Resuming Monday, August 9th):
Monday – Friday
7:30 am – 4:30 pm
HappyFox: https://iowacityschools.happyfox.com/
Click “Login with Google Apps.”
Enter your contact information and a message, and a technician will contact you.
Email: helpdesk@iowacityschools.org
Phone: ext. 4357 (HELP)
Chat: Click the orange bubble at the bottom right-hand corner of the ICCSD Technology & Innovation Blog
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