MLTI Tech Lead FAQ

Tech Lead Podcast #5

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:47:24 EST

I discuss the Buffer Pool, the image, Studywiz accounts, and an official farewell to David McKee!

Tech Lead Podcast #4

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:46:28 EST

Enhanced podcast overviewing the new MEA Online system.

Tech Lead Podcast #3, October 2, 2007

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:41:42 EDT

Enhanced podcast with images on how to import MEDMS data to create Studywiz user accounts.

I've been asked to return devices to the Buffer Pool because my school's enrollment is dropping. How do I do that?

Mon, 21 May 2007 13:15:45 EDT

Please see instructions for this process posted here.

When is the new image going to be released? How will I get it?

Mon, 21 May 2007 13:14:31 EDT

The new image will be released in mid-June. It will be a Tiger-based image very similar to the current image. Each school will receive DVD media sets mailed to the school. Please keep an eye out for this maiing in mid-June. The DVDs will include instructions on how to use the media to update your 1to1 Firewire Restore Drives. Once you have updated your firewire drives, you can use them to reimage MLTI devices to the new image.

Tech Lead Podcast #2, February 15, 2007

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 13:35:43 EST

Tips for Studywiz user creation.

To subscribe to this podcast in iTunes, click here.

Tech Lead Conference Call Podcast

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:16:13 EST

The first of, hopefully, more recordings of technical support conference calls for MLTI Tech Leads.

Adobe Photoshop and/or Photoshop Elements crash when I try and use them. What do I do to make these work?

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 12:02:35 EST

Go to System Prefs > Appearance, and change the "Turn off text smoothing for font sizes" setting to 8 or smaller. In general, simply changing the value to something different should work. Once the change has been made, you should be able to launch Photoshop or Elements. The setting may be changed again back to the original value once you have launched the application at least once. This change should be done from within the user account that is using the software. Doing the cahnge from admin will only affect the admin login.

Should I update the firmware on the MLTI installed Airport Extreme Base Stations?

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:24:29 EST

No. The firmware version that is already installed on the MLTI installed Airport Extreme Base Stations is the correct version. Upgrading the firmware on the MLTI Airport Extreme Base Stations will cause network performance issues and is a violation of the MLTI Agreement between the SAU and the Department of Education. Schools should not alter any settings or firmware on the Airport Extreme Base Stations.

What is the minimum character length for email/Studywiz passwords?

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:24:09 EST

Passwords that are set manually should be at least 8 characeters long.

What is the format for the bulk upload file for creating email/Studywiz accounts?

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:23:45 EST

Schools must obtain the bulk upload file from MEDMS. In each SAU at least one MEDMS login will allow an SAU to download the necessary file that is already formatted and prepared to the exact specifications needed for upload. To download the file, schools should have their MEDMS administrator login to MEDMS, then select "Download Data" on the first drop down menu then click Go. Then select "Student Enrollments" from the second drop down menu then click Go. On the Download Data screen, select "7th and 8th Grade Students for MLTI" from the "Select a file to Download" drop down menu.

The file that is downloaded will be named "MEDMS_StudentDownload.xls". Do not open/edit/modify the file. Simply upload it using the interface in the MLTI Asset Manager.

A laptop was transfered to my school, but it doesn't show up in the Asset Manager. How do I get the iBook added to our school's asset manager list?

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 15:31:46 EST

When a laptop is transfered to a different school, the sending school should initiate a transfer of the Asset Manager record. To do so, click on the Details link for the laptop, then click the Request Transfer button. Select the new school from the drop down menu, and enter any applicable notes, then click Transfer.

This request will be queued up in the Department's transfer queue. Once approved, it will then queued in the receiving school's Asset Transfer Notifications block. When the device is received, the receiving school should inspect the device to make sure it wasn't damaged in transit. Then, accept the trasnfer in the Asset Transfer Notification module of the Asset Manager. This will complete the transfer in the Asset Manager, and signifies the receiving school's acceptance of responsibilty for the device. You will need to wait 24 hours after acceptance before you can create a repair dispatch on that device.

Where is the MLTI Policy Manual? Can I download it? Can I get a printed copy?

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 15:30:51 EST

The MLTI Policy Manual is currently available in web form only. The document is still under revision and new sections are being added. Therefore, at this time, it is published on the web only to ensure that you are seeing the most current version. You can find the most current copy of the MLTI Policy Manual here.

Where can I get a copy of the NoteShare document distributed at the Tech Lead workshop?

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 15:29:57 EST

That document is currently archived in the pre-production Studywiz server.

Where can I find tutorials on how to use the software on the iBooks?

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 15:28:33 EST

Every iBook has Apple's Learning Center preloaded on its hard disk. These tutorials cover Apple software titles including the operating system, iLife, and iWork suites. In addition, it has tutorials on using Apple Remote Desktop. These tutorials even include quicktime videos with demonstrations. You can find these resources by following the springboard link on the default MLTI dock labeled "Learning Center". If you have removed that icon, the content is found at:

/Library/Documentation/Learning%20Center/Learning_Center/index.html

In addition, Apple has many online guides on their web site. Please see:

http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/
http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/
For third-party software loaded on the MLTI device, you may find resources on each manufacturer's web site. A list of these sites can be found here.

Can I run Software Update on the MLTI iBooks?

Thu, 05 Oct 2006 08:43:44 EDT

NO. The MLTI image is a custom version of Mac OS X. If you run any of the Apple updates delivered through Software Update, that program may become unusable. If you run the Mac OS X 10.4.8 updater, you will render the entire device unusable. In order to restore the device, you will have to dispatch the unit to the MLTI Local Depot to be restore. Please call the AppleCare Help Desk (1-800-919-2775 [4MLTI]) and follow normal dispatching procedures.

How do I request a Buffer Pool replacement laptop?

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 16:41:09 EDT

Buffer replacement laptops will be shipped in exchange for the broken device from the MLTI Local Depot. If a laptop requires non-warranty repairs, please follow these steps:

Contacts the MLTI Applecare Help Desk (1-800-919-2775 [4MLTI]) for an out of warranty repair. Get your case number.

Dispatch the unit to the MLTI Local Depot using the same online web site, https://mlti.bellind.net/apple/ that is used for warranty repairs. When completing the dispatch, please include "OOW Repair - Estimate Requested" in your response to Enter the symptoms as reported by the user:.

The MLTI Depot will contact the MLTI Tech Lead with a cost estimate for repair. The school may choose to pay for the repair, request a Buffer Pool replacement, or have the laptop returned to the school.

If you choose to request a Buffer Pool replacement, then use the MLTI Asset Manager (http://assets.mlti.org) to request a replacement (go to the Detail screen in the MLTI Asset Manager for the iBook in question, then click on Request Replacement).

The MLTI Project Office will approve or deny the request. If approved, the MLTI Local Depot will keep the damaged unit and ship to your school a replacement device. Your school's Buffer Allotment will be reduced by one. If the request is denied, the broken unit will be returned to the school.

If a Buffer Pool replacement request is denied, or the school chooses to have the device returned unrepaired, the school is still responsible for returning the device to good working order. Work should be done by an in-house certified mobile computer technician or by a Department approved Apple Authorized Service Provider.

When a teacher's laptop wakes from sleep, it asks for the teacher's password. Why?

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 08:52:02 EDT

This setting is to protect teacher data. This ensures that non-authorized users do not gain access to a teacher's laptop or data which likely contains sensative student information. Using the default energy saver settings, if a user connects the iBook to the power adapter, it will never sleep. Other sleep settings can be selected and viewed in the 1to1Prefs Preference Pane in System Preferences. Any user may select from among the 5 preset energy saver configurations.

What do I need to do for the Battery Recall? What about the MLTI HS or old MLTI iBook G3s?

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 08:58:14 EDT

In the new MLTI iBook G4 deployment, only four devices were identified by Apple as having batteries that were subject to the recall. Those schools have been contacted, and Apple is working directly with those schools to replace the battery. For more information related to the new MLTI iBook G4 deployment, please click here.

For devices deployed as part of the MLTI HS program or the first MLTI Middle School deployment, schools should check the batteries in these devices to determine if they should be replaced. Specific instructions and protocols for checking and ordering replacements are included in the following documents: Battery Letter (.pdf) | Battery Order Form (.xls)

When I login to the laptop, it takes a very long time. Is this normal?

Wed, 30 Aug 2006 13:45:57 EDT

The first time a user logs in to the MLTI laptop, it will take a longer than normal amount of time to get to the desktop. This initial login process should only occur once. Subsequent logins should be faster.

How come I can't share a NoteShare notebook?

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 15:21:23 EDT

By default, all may connect to a shared notebook, but they cannot initiate the sharing of a notebook to other users. If you want to enable sharing for all users on a laptop, login as the admin user and run the "EnableNoteShareSharing.pkg" package found in the MyApps folder. You can use Apple Remote Desktop to run the package remotely on one or many laptops. To disable NoteShare sharing, run the "DisableNoteShareSharing.pkg" package. To do, use the "Send Unix command" option on the Manage menu in ARD. Send the floowing command to as many iBooks as needed, and send it as the root user:

installer -pkg /Users/admin/MyApps/EnableNoteShareSharing.pkg -target /

The above command is a single line, no line breaks.

How do I enable Bluetooth?

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 15:19:43 EDT

By default, Bluetooth is disabled for all users. To enable Bluetooth on one iBook, login as the admin user. In the MyApps folder of the admin user, you will find a package called "EnableBluetooth.pkg". Run this package to enable Bluetooth. To disable Bluetooth, run the package called "Disable Bluetooth.pkg" found in the same folder. To enable Bluetooth on multiple iBooks or to enable Bluetooth remotely, use Apple Remote Desktop. Use the "Send UNIX command" option on the Manage menu in ARD. Send the following command to as many iBooks as needed, and send it as the root user.

installer -pkg /Users/admin/MyApps/EnableBluetooth.pkg -target /

The above command is a single line, no line breaks.

Is there a command line interface to Apple Remote Desktop?

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 15:07:00 EDT

Yes. There are two very powerful (Geek alert! These tools are powerful, but do require command line experience!) tools, networksetup and systemsetup. They are buried deep in the system and can be found at /System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDagent.app/Contents/Support

Does a user need administrative rights to configure add a printer? Use ARD? _____?

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 15:05:36 EDT

No. Any user may add printers using the Printer Setup Utility, and non-administrative users may be granted rights to use Apple Remote Desktop from the Sharing preference pane (you must login as admin to set the privileges once).

If additional printer drivers are needed, the building Tech Lead may push software, drivers, or any other files to the iBooks through the network using Apple Remote Desktop.

My desktop says "UNSUPPORTED". What happened?!

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 15:04:29 EDT

There are two scenarios when this will occur: 1) If an admin user creates a new user account, that user account will get the UNSUPPORTED desktop image, or 2) If an admin user enables "Administrative Rights" for the teacher, student, or parent account, that user will get the UNSUPPORTED desktop image.

Why is the computer saying words to me while using Safari?

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 14:13:49 EDT

Eloquent Software and MetaTheory donated to software to MLTI which allows a student to point at a word in Safari, then the computer will download and play a recorded human voice speaking the word. For many students, hearing words spoken by a person is more effective than hearing a word generated by a synthesized computer voice. In addition, the plug-in will display a popup that shows a dictionary definition of the word.

Does the new MLTI Firewire Restore Drive work like the old one?

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 14:13:04 EDT

Yes, the MLTI Firewire Restore Drive does work like the old drive. Just as in the previous deployment, to reimage a laptop, connect the drive to the computer's firewire port, then select the drive from the laptop's Startup Disk preference pane in System Preferences. Then reboot. You may also place packages (ends in .pkg) into the Packages folder on the drive, then those packages will be installed after the image is restored to the laptop.

The image will take about 35 minutes to restore a computer because the new image is much larger than the previous image.

NEVER use the included USB cable or the USB power cable.

What happened to middlemaine.org? Where are the TC Conferences?

Mon, 21 Aug 2006 17:56:25 EDT

The middlemaine.org domain has been retired. Those functions previously associated with that domain are being migrated to the mlti.org domain name. Electronic mail addresses will be made available this fall hosted on servers managed by Apple. A new collaboration and online learning management system will be introduced as well. Specific details on these systems will be distributed as they become available. Technical conferences previously called the TC Conferences will also be incorporated into the new collaboration environment.

I received a Tech Update email from Apple with lots of great information, but now I can no longer find it. How do I get another copy?

Mon, 21 Aug 2006 17:55:11 EDT

Tech Updates are archived in the MLTI Asset Manager. You can find them here.

What happened to Bluetooth?

Mon, 21 Aug 2006 14:53:51 EDT

Bluetooth was disabled by default. It may be enabled by running a package that is preinstalled in the admin user's MyApps folder. To do so, you can either manually login to an iBook as admin, and run the package called "EnableBluetooth" or use Apple Remote Desktop to run the packkage remotely. To do so, use the Send UNIX command feature to send the following command:

How do I enable the Dashboard?

Mon, 21 Aug 2006 14:52:28 EDT

Dashboard has been disabled on the MLTI laptops and cannot be reenabled. Dashboard provides easy access to web-based information, but it is also a battery drain. In order to help ensure adequate battery life, Dashboard was disabled.

We received a box of Tech Tools CDs from Apple. What are they for?

Mon, 21 Aug 2006 14:52:08 EDT

The Tech Tools CDs were shipped as a normal procedure since the Apple MLTI iBooks are covered by the Applecare Protection Plan. However, the CDs should not be used on MLTI laptops.

Does the Tech Lead have to set dial up usernames and phone numbers for students and teachers?

Mon, 21 Aug 2006 10:20:57 EDT

No. Any user may launch the Internet Connect application and enter dial up settings.

Can I give the teacher user administrative rights?

Mon, 21 Aug 2006 10:19:07 EDT

No. The Teacher user should not be given administrative rights. If a teacher needs administrative rights, the Tech Lead should set that teacher's iBook's admin password to a unique password and share it with that teacher. If you change the teacher user to an administrative user, the MLTI image will not function correctly. The user will see inconsistent behavior and could experience data loss. Once done, you cannot change the user back. If a teacher user is granted administrative rights, the laptop MUST be reimaged.

What is the easiest way to change the passwords on the new iBooks?

Mon, 21 Aug 2006 10:17:30 EDT

Both the new deployment and the MLTI HS deployment included a copy of Apple Remote Desktop. Using the Send UNIX Command option, you can change the password(s) on the laptops remotely. Provided a target machine is turned on and not sleeping, select the device (you may select multiple devices as well. Shift-click will allow you to select groups of devices, and Command-click will allow you to select non-contiguous devices in the list). Then use the Send Unix Command to send the password change command as the root user. You may need to authenticate to do this. When prompted to authenticate for a device, you must enter "admin" as user and then the current admin user password on that device.