ITSS Help Desk Procedures



                           ITSS HELP DESK PROCEDURE MANUAL

                                                      TABLE OF CONTENT

TERMS OF REFERENCE........................................................................................................................................4

GENERAL OVERVIEW...........................................................................................................................................5
   LOCATION DETAILS A ND OFFICE HOURS........................................................................................................5
   M ETHODS OF CONTACT .....................................................................................................................................6
   HELP DESK RESPONSIBILITIES...........................................................................................................................7
     Service Request Administration....................................................................................................................7
     Email Administration......................................................................................................................................8
     Dial-In Service Administration.....................................................................................................................8
     ITSS Reception Duties ....................................................................................................................................8
     Software Support .......................................................................................................................................... 10
     General Assistance....................................................................................................................................... 11
     General Concepts:........................................................................................................................................ 11
     Call Forwarding........................................................................................................................................... 11
     Supported Clientele ..................................................................................................................................... 12
     In-House Help Desk Duties......................................................................................................................... 14
HELP DESK PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................................... 16
   ROSTERED OFFICE HOURS.................................................................................................................................16
   M ETHODS OF CONTACT ....................................................................................................................................17
     Telephone....................................................................................................................................................... 17
     Email............................................................................................................................................................... 18
     Fax Mail ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
     Personal Visit................................................................................................................................................ 19
     Web Pages...................................................................................................................................................... 20
     Infra-Help Call Tracking System............................................................................................................... 20
   SERVICE REQUEST A DMINISTRATION............................................................................................................23
     Application to Use University Computer Services................................................................................. 23
     Request for Telecommunications Services............................................................................................... 26
     Application for Direct Access to the Internet from the University Network ...................................... 27
     Application to Use Support Systems......................................................................................................... 28
     Dial-In Access to the University Network ................................................................................................ 29
     Request to Change a Production System Managed by ITSS ................................................................ 30
   A DMINISTRATION DUTIES ...............................................................................................................................33
     Email Alias Administration ........................................................................................................................ 33
     Establishment of Mailing Lists................................................................................................................... 40
     Postbox Administration............................................................................................................................... 48
     Dial-In Service Administration.................................................................................................................. 52
   ITSS RECEPTION DUTIES..................................................................................................................................55
     Visitor Administration................................................................................................................................. 55
     Delivery And dispatch Duties..................................................................................................................... 57
     Resource Depot............................................................................................................................................. 58
   SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................................60
     Application Software ................................................................................................................................... 60
     Backup Services............................................................................................................................................ 61
     Billing Costs .................................................................................................................................................. 61
     Call Tracking Software ............................................................................................................................... 63
     Campus Computers ...................................................................................................................................... 64
     Dial-In............................................................................................................................................................. 64
     Electronic Campus....................................................................................................................................... 66
     Email............................................................................................................................................................... 67



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ITSS Help Desk Procedures


      Hardware ....................................................................................................................................................... 69
      Internet ........................................................................................................................................................... 69
      Library Systems............................................................................................................................................. 70
      NetAccount .................................................................................................................................................... 71
      Network .......................................................................................................................................................... 71
      Operating Systems........................................................................................................................................ 72
      PeopleSoft ...................................................................................................................................................... 74
      SPSS/SAS ....................................................................................................................................................... 75
      Telecommunication Systems....................................................................................................................... 75
      Telnet Applications...................................................................................................................................... 76
      Virus Issues .................................................................................................................................................... 78
      Y2K Issues ...................................................................................................................................................... 78
   IN-HOUSE HELP DESK DUTIES .........................................................................................................................80
      Call Taking & 1 st Level Resolution........................................................................................................... 80
      Call Management ......................................................................................................................................... 80
      Statistics ......................................................................................................................................................... 80
      Office Safety ................................................................................................................................................... 80
      Office Security ............................................................................................................................................... 80
      Leave Requests.............................................................................................................................................. 81
      Staff Inductions............................................................................................................................................. 81
      Personal Projects.......................................................................................................................................... 81
      Stationery Administration .......................................................................................................................... 81
      ITSS Information Centre.............................................................................................................................. 81
APPENDICES......................................................................................................................................................... 82
   APPLICATION TO USE UNIVERSITY COMPUTER SERVICES .............................................................................................I
   REQUEST FOR UNIVERSITY T ELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES................................................................................... II
   APPLICATION FOR DIRECT ACCESS TO THE I NTERNET FROM THE UNIVERSITY NETWORK ............................................ III
   APPLICATION TO USE SUPPORT SYSTEMS.................................................................................................................. IV
   APPLICATION FOR DIAL - IN ACCESS TO THE UNIVERSITY NETWORK ............................................................................V
   REQUEST TO CHANGE A P RODUCTION SYSTEM MANAGED BY ITSS .......................................................................... VI
   REQUEST FOR FILES TO BE RESTORED FROM BACKUP ............................................................................................. VII
   SERVICE REQUEST FORMS FLOW - CHARTS ...............................................................................................................VIII
   I NCOMPLETE SERVICE APPLICATION ........................................................................................................................ IX
   YOUR DIAL - IN ACCOUNT HAS BEEN CREATED ........................................................................................................... X
   LOGIN ACCOUNT HAS BEEN CREATED ...................................................................................................................... XI
   ITSS INTERNAL PHONE LIST....................................................................................................................................XII
   ITSS SUB- DIVISIONAL LIST.................................................................................................................................... XIII
   ITSS MOBILE PHONE LIST ......................................................................................................................................XIV
   USEFUL ITSS CONTACT LIST.................................................................................................................................... XV
   LOCAL IT SUPPORT LIST........................................................................................................................................XVI
   FACULTY /DEPARTMENTAL IT SUPPORT .............................................................................................................. XVII
   LIBRARY SYSTEMS LIAISON OFFICERS ................................................................................................................. XVIII
   UNIVERSITY NOVELL SERVERS & M ANAGERS ....................................................................................................... XIX
   T ELEPHONE COORDINATORS LIST...........................................................................................................................XX
   I MPORTANT CLIENTELE IN THE REGISTRY .............................................................................................................. XXI
   CHANGING YOUR PASSWORD IN NOVELL FOR W INDOWS NT ............................................................................... XXII
   CHANGING DIAL - IN ACCESS PASSWORD ..............................................................................................................XXIII
   CHANGING YOUR PASSWORD FOR SIMEON 4. X .................................................................................................... XXIV
   CHANGING YOUR PASSWORD IN NOVELL FOR W INDOWS 95 ................................................................................ XXV
   FINDING IP ADDRESSES USING W INDOWS OPERATING SYSTEMS ......................................................................... XXVI
   CREATING CCNOV2 ACCOUNTS ........................................................................................................................XXVII
   CREATING ACCOUNTS ON CCU1....................................................................................................................... XXVIII
   HP L ASERJET 18 AUX IO NT RDY ERROR ........................................................................................................XXIX
   UPDATING THE LICENCE FOR SAS......................................................................................................................... XXX
   APPLE BOOT KEY COMBINATIONS .......................................................................................................................XXXI
   T IPS FOR FINDING HELP DESK SOLUTIONS ........................................................................................................ XXXII
   LISTENING SKILLS AND WAYS TO IMPROVE THEM............................................................................................. XXXIII
   NEW STAFF INDUCTION GUIDES........................................................................................................................ XXXIV
   SUPPORTING STUDENT SERVICES........................................................................................................................XXXV
   P EOPLE SOFT I SSUES ........................................................................................................................................ XXXVI
   APPLICATION TO USE UNIVERSITY COMPUTER SERVICES................................................................................. XXXVII




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ITSS Help Desk Procedures


HELP DESK CALL HANDLING ........................................................................................................................XXXVIII
MISSION STATEMENT ....................................................................................................................................... XXXIX




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ITSS Help Desk Procedures




TERMS OF REFERENCE
This manual has been compiled to assist the Help Desk staff with a documented guide to the procedures
& responsibilities of the ITSS Help Desk.

It has been broken down into the following Sections:

♦   General Overview:

        Generalised details of help desk procedures, and ITSS staff responsibilities


♦   Help Desk Procedures:

        Operational instructions for procedures carried out by the ITSS Help Desk.

♦   Appendices:

        Useful information relating to ITSS and University IT issues.


This document was requested by the Support Services Manager, Richard Bright, and written and
compiled by the ITSS Help Desk Manager, Ron Wynyard.

The document was completed on Friday 14th May 1999, and is subject to six monthly reviews, to ensure
that the policies and procedures documented are accurate.


Acknowledgment

Much of the information compiled in this manual has been provided thanks to the provision of IT
related documentation by the ITSS Help Desk and other ITSS support staff.




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ITSS Help Desk Procedures




General Overview
This section provides generalised details of the Help Desk    procedures, and ITSS staff
responsibilities.




Location Details And Office Hours


Help Desk Location:

ITSS Computer Centre
24 Symonds Street
Private Bag 92019
Auckland

Ph: (09) 373-7599 ext 5100
Fax: (09) 373-7666 or ext 4366
Email: helpdesk@auckland.ac.nz


Hours Of Operation:

♦   ITSS Help Desk Centre

        Operating Hours:             7:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday
        Reception/Dispatch Hours:    9:00am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday




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ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Methods Of Contact

Customers can contact the ITSS Help Desk by using the following mediums:

♦      Telephone              (09) 373-7599 Ext: 5100

       The primary contact method for calls placed by help desk customers.

♦      Email                  helpdesk@auckland.ac.nz

       The second most utilised contact method from help desk customers. Quite often used for Email
       administration request due to the necessity for correct syntax.

♦      Paper Mail             ITSS Help Desk, City Campus1

       Generally used by external contacts or internal customers returning application forms for IT
       Services.

♦      Personal Visit         Location listed on previous page.

       Customers who wish to drop off or pick up resources such as Service Request Forms, or Loan-out
       software generally carry out personal visits.

       Reception Duties such as visitor administration and courier retrieval/delivery responsibilities.

♦      Fax Mail               (09) 373-7016 or ext 4016 for internal contact to Central Help Desk

       Primarily used for receiving emergency request for service forms or receiving information from
       external contacts.

♦      Web Pages              http://www.auckland.ac.nz/itss/desktop/helpdesk/HD_Home.html

       Available to peruse various documentation and information that is provided by the Help Desk.
       Email requests can also be made from the web pages.

♦      Infra-Help Call Tracking System

       Calls can be forwarded to the Help Desk Group via the Infra-Help application by various IT staff
       who have been granted access to this system.




1
    Full postal contact details are listed on the previous page.


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ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Help Desk Responsibilities

The ITSS Help Desk performs a variety of tasks and duties as listed below:


Service Request Administration

The following service request forms are processed and administered by the Help Desk:

♦   Application to Use University Computer Services

    Used for creating, disabling, and modifying passwords on servers administered by ITSS.
    Also used for the creation of Email aliases.

♦   Application for Direct Access to the Internet from the University Network

    Used for requesting access to the Internet from a desktop machine.

♦   Application for Dial-in Access to the University Network

    Used for creating dial-in accounts with either internal intranet access or including external Internet
    access.

♦   Request to Change a Production System Managed by ITSS

    Used by IT Staff to request authorisation to make changes to production systems, servers, and
    networks managed by ITSS

♦   Request for University Telecommunications Services

    Used for requesting the following telecommunication services:

        1.   Telephone Directory Listings
        2.   Toll Call Access (National & International)
        3.   New Or Movement Of Telephone Extensions
        4.   Request for Telephone Equipment (Standard & Screen/Display phones)

♦   Application to use Support Systems

    Used by IT Staff to request accounts on the ITSSNOV1 software server for the following categories
    listed below:

        1.   Infra-Help Call Tracking System
        2.   Site Licensed Software Distribution Service
        3.   Microsoft Software Purchase/Installation Service




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ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Email Administration

The Help Desk is responsible for looking after the following Email service administration.

♦      Email Alias creation, adjustment on Mailhost server

       To create or redirect Email aliases as requested through logged calls and processed Application to
       Use University Computer Services forms 2.

♦      Major-domo mailing list creation and adjustment on Mailhost server
       To create mailing lists as requested through logged calls and providing basic support to designated
       “List Owners”. Also, to provide general information in regard to created mailing lists.

♦      Email account creation, adjustment, and trouble-shooting on IMAP Postbox server.

       To create postbox accounts as requested through logged calls and processed Application to Use
       University Computer Services forms.

       Other Postbox administration duties include:

           I.        Changing passwords
           II.       Checking account details
           III.      Adjusting quota for mail accounts
           IV.       Rebuilding of corrupted postbox accounts




Dial-In Service Administration

Account administration for Intranet & Internet access via dial-in services

♦      RAC           -Dial-in account server (aka ccnops)

       Used to create dial-in accounts with appropriate access to the Internet or Intranet only depending
       on authorisation from users department or faculty. Accounts are created after the processing of the
       Application for Dial-in Access to the University Network forms.

       Other dial-in administration duties include:

           I.        Changing passwords
           II.       Checking account details
           III.      Adjusting Internet or Intranet access via dial-in.

ITSS Reception Duties

The following tasks are the responsibility of the Help Desk in regard to reception duties:

♦      Courier arrivals and deliveries

       Ensuring that ITSS staff is contacted in regard to any packages and documents delivered for them.

♦      Visitor Administration



2
    Requests for removal of created aliases are forwarded to the Postmaster.


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ITSS Help Desk Procedures


    Contacting relevant ITSS staff in regard to any visitors who arrive and/or taking messages from
    these visitors as necessary.

♦   Service Request Maintenance

    Ensuring that the Request For Services documentation is up to date and available for pick-up by
    visitors.

♦   SAS, SPSS, and Lynix Loan-Out Service

    The sign-out and return service for the statistical applications SPSS, Version 7.5 and 8.0 for
    Windows, SAS Version 6.11 and 6.12 for Windows and 6.10 for Macintosh systems. The Lynix
    UNIX operating system is also available for loan.

♦   Diskette Supply

    The provision of 3.5 floppy diskettes to staff for both PC and Macintosh systems can be obtained
    from the help desk reception.

♦   Service Request and Filing Administration

    Ensuring that the Help Desk Service Request Stand is stocked with the appropriate forms, as well as
    looking after any day to day filing of customer account details.

♦   Drop-In Support

    Provision of the Help Desk supported services directly from the reception desk including the
    delivery of Service Request Forms.




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ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Software Support

The ITSS Help Desk provides basic and advanced support for the following applications and services.

If immediate assistance cannot be obtained from the Help Desk, the staff will endeavour to forward their
request or query to the most appropriate person or group.

Operating Systems:

♦   Windows 95             Advanced                     ♦   Windows 98             Basic
♦   Windows NT             Advanced                     ♦   UNIX Systems           Basic
♦   Novell NetWare         Advanced                     ♦   Mac OS 7.x             Basic
♦   Mac OS 8               Advanced                     ♦   Dos 6.x                Basic
♦   Windows 3.x            Basic

MS Office Suite - 95 & 97:

♦   Word                   Advanced                     ♦   Access                 Basic
♦   Excel                  Advanced                     ♦   Outlook                Basic
♦   PowerPoint             Advanced

Web Browsers 3:

♦   Netscape Navigator 3.x          Advanced
♦   Netscape Communicator 4.x       Advanced
♦   Netscape Navigator 2.x          Basic

Email Applications:

♦   Simeon                 Advanced
♦   Pegasus                Basic

Call Tracking Software:

♦   Infra-Help             Advanced

Telnet Applications:

♦   Win QVT                Basic
♦   WS FTP                 Basic
♦   Ewen                   Basic

Virus Prevention Software:

♦   Norton Anti Virus      Basic




3
 Customers can use Internet Explorer or other web browsing software at their own (or departmental)
discretion. However, the Help Desk staff may not be able to provide appropriate assistance.


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ITSS Help Desk Procedures




General Assistance

The following general assistance should be available to all members of The University of Auckland, as
well as the general public:

♦   General Computing Advice                              ♦    University Web Page Navigation
♦   University Services                                   ♦    University Resources
♦   Local IT Support Sections


General Concepts:

It is not possible for the Help Desk to be able to support all applications, but support officers should
have a general concept of the following list:

♦   Eudora                                                ♦    Student View
♦   GroupWise                                             ♦    Net Account
♦   Elm                                                   ♦    MS Mail
♦   Pine                                                  ♦    MS Front Page
♦   SPSS/SAS                                              ♦    MS Publisher
♦   PeopleSoft                                            ♦    MS Schedular
♦   Heat Call Tracking Software                           ♦    Citrix Winframe


Call Forwarding

Infra-Help is used to log calls solved by the Help Desk. It is also used to forward calls to the appropriate
IT specialists when calls cannot be resolved directly at the Help Desk.

Calls can be forwarded to the following groups via Infra-Help 4.

ITSS Groups:

♦   ITSS Data Network Services       à Data transmission issues & queries
♦   ITSS Desktop Support             à Desktop support issues for registry users
♦   ITSS Help Desk                   à 1st Level support for ITSS services
♦   ITSS Ed.Tech                     à NetAccount Administration
♦   ITSS Kevin & Mark                à Novell Administration for ITSS services
♦   ITSS Library Systems             à Library IT issues & queries
♦   ITSS Network Engineering         à Network connectivity issues & queries
♦   ITSS Operations                  à Maintenance & backup of supported servers/services
♦   ITSS Software Admin              à Site licensed software issues & queries
♦   ITSS Sys & Prod                  à Maintenance of production systems
♦   ITSS Tamaki                      à IT support & services for Tamaki Campus issues & queries
♦   ITSS Telecoms                    à Telephony & Voice issues & queries
♦   Infra Help                       à Call tracking technical issues
♦   Electronic Campus                à IT support & services for Electronic Campus issues & queries

Secondary Groups:

♦   Arts Faculty                     à IT support & services for Arts Faculty issues & queries


4
 Calls from users that require service from local departmental or faculty groups not within Infra-Help
should be directed to the appropriate support people, although with urgent issues we can contact them
ourselves via Email.


                                                                                                   Page 11
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


♦   Commerce                         à IT support & services for Commerce Faculty issues & queries
♦   CPD                              à IT support & services for Centre for Professional Development
♦   FinancialPSoft                   à PeopleSoft issues & queries 5
♦   Maths & Stats                    à IT support & services for Mathematics & Statistics department
♦   Med School                       à Calls are no longer directed to this group6
♦   PsoftTechSuppt                   à PeopleSoft Technical Support Group7
♦   SOAPP – Architecture             à IT support & services for Architecture & Property/Planning
♦   SRS Help Desk                    à IT support & services for Student Record Services

Supported Clientele

The following table gives detail as to which registries, departments, and faculties the Help Desk
supports and what level of assistance is provided.

Support Level          Supported Clientele                  Services Provided
Primary Support        Academic Registry                    ♦   Desktop Hardware and software support
                       Audio Visual                         ♦   Software and hardware support for
                       Centre       for      Professional       networks, and systems maintained by
                       Development                              ITSS
                       Electronic Campus                    ♦   Service Request Administration
                       Faculty of Science 8                 ♦   Dial-in and Simeon Configuration
                       Human Resources                          assistance
                       ITSS                                 ♦   Call taking and follow-up on assigned
                       Library                                  requests and queries
                       PeopleSoft                           ♦   General local knowledge support
                       Property Services Registry
                       Recreation Centre
                       Research Office
                       Student Affairs
                       Student Learning Centre
                       Tamaki Campus
                       Vice Chancellor’s Office9
Secondary              Architecture       &      Property   ♦   Software and hardware support for
Support                Planning 10                              networks, and systems maintained by
                       Commerce Computing 11                    ITSS
                       Faculty of Arts 12                   ♦   Service Request Administration
                       Mathematics & Statistics             ♦   Dial-in and Simeon Configuration
                       Student Resource Services                assistance
                                                            ♦   Call taking and follow-up on assigned
                                                                requests and queries
                                                            ♦   General local knowledge support
ITSS        Services   General & Academic Staff             ♦   Support for networks and systems
Only                   Sponsored Post Graduates                 maintained by ITSS
                                                            ♦   Service Request Administration
                                                            ♦   Dial-in and Simeon Configuration
                                                                assistance
                                                            ♦   Call taking and follow-up for ITSS

5
  All PeopleSoft issues are currently directed here with the exception of HR PeopleSoft issues, which are
forwarded directly to Support Officer Jason Nichol
6
  Users are referred to Linda Stubbs, Medical School Divisional Support Manager on ext 8376
7
  Calls are generally logged to this group by FinancialPSoft group or Jason Nichol
8
  Faculty Office only.
9
  10 minutes for initial response, 1 hour for 2nd level support, 24-hour resolution expected.
10
   Includes ELAM School of Fine Arts
11
   Includes Faculty of Business & Economics, Executive Programmes
12
   Includes Continuing Education.


                                                                                                 Page 12
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


                                  services
                              ♦   General local knowledge support

General      Students         ♦   General local knowledge support
Assistance   General Public




                                                                    Page 13
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




In-House Help Desk Duties

Help Desk has a variety of in-house tasks and duties that need to be carried out. An overview of these
issues are listed below:

Call Taking & 1 st Level Resolution:

♦   Calls are received and logged into Infra-Help via a number of communication methods. It is the
    Help Desk staffs responsibility to attempt to resolve any issues or refer on to IT specialists within
    ITSS and the University for completion if a solution cannot be obtained within a reasonable
    timeframe.


Statistics:

♦   Help Desk staff should be able to produce relevant statistics on request by the Help Desk Manager
    or ITSS managerial staff.


Office Safety:

♦   Staff should ensure that the Help Desk office environment is non-hazardous as stipulated in the
    Health & Safety Regulations manual for the University of Auckland.


Office Security:

♦   Ensuring that data and Help Desk systems are sufficiently protected from security breaches.


Leave Requests:

♦   All leave requests are provided to the Help Desk Manager within a reasonable amount of time.


Staff Inductions:

♦   Current staff may be required to assist new staff to become proficient in their new role.


Personal Projects:

♦   Personal projects may be request to help enhance Help Desk operations.


Stationery Administration:

♦   All staff is required to ensure that the Help Desk office has sufficient stationery for operational use.


ITSS Information Centre:

♦   To record or provide relevant information regarding ITSS operational procedures.




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                 Page 15
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Help Desk Procedures

Rostered Office Hours


♦    Shifts will be rostered by the Help Desk Manager or the Support Services Manager accordingly.

♦    Staff who cannot work their rostered shifts should notify the Help Desk Manager or the Support
     Services Manager as soon as possible. If for any reason these people are unavailable, a message
     should be left with the Help Desk staff13.

♦    Help desk staff based upon the number of officers available will carry out the following rostered
     shifts.

            Hours                 Lunch                  Morning Tea        Afternoon Tea
Shift 1     7:30am – 4:00pm       12:00am – 1:00pm       9:45               2:30
Shift 2     8:00am – 4:30pm       12:30am – 1:30pm       10:15              3:00
Shift 3     8:30am – 5:00pm       1:00am – 2:00pm        10:45              3:30
Shift 4     9:00am – 5:30pm       1:30am – 2:30pm        11:15              4:00

Under-Staffed Shifts:

♦    If the Help Desk is operating without a full compliment of staff, the following shifts should be filled
     in the order specified below.

     1.   Shift 2   8:00am – 4:30pm
     2.   Shift 3   8:30am – 5:00pm
     3.   Shift 1   7:30am – 4:00pm
     4.   Shift 4   9:00am – 5:30pm

Lunch and Coffee Breaks:

♦    Lunch and coffee breaks can be adjusted if required, provided these changes have been discussed
     with either the Help Desk Manager or the Support Services Manager. If these people are
     unavailable, then negotiation with other working staff to cover the time can be arranged.

♦    Lunch breaks are an hour long and should be taken as directed unless arrangements have been
     made with the Help Desk Manager.

♦    Coffee breaks are fifteen minutes long and should also be taken as directed unless other
     arrangements have been made.




13
  Joy Gilchrist is our administration manager, and needs to be eventually notified for all absences
lasting more than one day.


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ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Methods of Contact



Telephone

Help Desk Phone Numbers

The following numbers are internal to The University of Auckland, and require external callers to first
dial (09) 373-7599 followed by the appropriate extension, or (09) 373-7999 to contact the University
telephonists for assistance.

♦    Primary Help Desk Number:                        ext 5100

         This number will randomly assign the phone call to an individual member of the Help Desk
         hunt group. All Help Desk call takers have their phone extension placed in this group.

         Any member of the hunt group can pick-up a call directed to another phone in the group by
         pressing ‘22’ on their phone keypads to access the group pick-up service.

         Dialling ext 5599 and activating the voicEmail services can retrieve voicEmail for extension
         5100. All members of the Help Desk hunt group have rights to do this.

♦    Emergency Help Desk Back-door Number:            ext 4688

         This number will automatically ring on all phones that are associated with the Help Desk hunt
         group, even if they are diverted.

         The number is used for emergency calls by various IT staff when necessary.

♦    The Help Desk Hunt Group

         All Help Desk phones have been placed into the hunt group to enable random transfers of
         incoming calls, providing access to group pick-up and group voicEmail.

         The table below gives detail as to what numbers are currently in the hunt group.

Ownership                                 Extension
Help Desk Manager: Ron Wynyard 14         4775
Reception Desk: Office Use                8799
Support Officer: Bernadette Mooney        8924
Support Officer: Nicola Walden            5786
Support Officer: Shannon Blaymires        2333
Support Officer: Yohan Gunasegaram        6790


Response Procedures

♦    At least one of the Help Desk phones will be available to receive in-coming calls during operation
     hours unless special circumstances dictate otherwise15.

14
   Although a member of the hunt group, this phone does not have ext 5100 calls randomly transferred
to it. It can however be accessed by group pick-up and retrieve Help Desk voicEmail.
15
   Such as fire drills and important meetings that cannot be interrupted.


                                                                                              Page 17
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




♦      Help Desk staff should endeavour to answer calls on the 3rd ring whenever possible.

♦      No more than five to ten minutes should be assigned to an initial call. If a solution can not be
       found in this time, ensure that you have taken the relevant details to either call back later once you
       have found a solution, or forward the call to 2nd level support staff.

♦      VoicEmail should be checked regularly to ensure that nobody has been missed. Normally the
       voicEmail light flashes on the phone to indicate a message has been left. However, the warning
       light is sometimes delayed or inactive, and a random check as time permits ensures whether or not
       there are calls waiting.

♦      All calls received to ext 5100 during operating hours should be responded to within twenty minutes.




Email

The second most utilised contact method from help desk customers. Quite often used for Email
administration requests due to the necessity for correct syntax.

Help Desk Email Addresses

♦      Primary Email Address:          helpdesk@auckland.ac.nz

           This address is pointed to the Postbox account ‘helpdesk’ This account requires password
           access to use.

           Calls requesting adjustments to Email aliases and IP addresses, must apply via Email16 to
           ensure that we have documented instructions of the request.

           It is generally prudent to only have one support officer administering the Help Desk Email
           account at one time. This avoids confusion as to who is working on what message at the same
           time.

♦      Help Desk Email List: itss-help@auckland.ac.nz

           This mail list has all staff members of the Help Desk team in it. It is used for sending Email to
           the all group members, rather than having to send a message to each individual.

           Useful messages that come from the primary Help Desk Email account should be forwarded to
           this mail list to ensure that all staff receives relevant updates of information as required.


Response Procedures

♦      All calls that are sent to helpdesk@auckland.ac.nz during operating hours should be responded to
       within twenty minutes.

♦      Unless identified as an urgent request, adjustments to Email aliases are considered 2nd priority to
       other Emailed queries. They have a turn over period of 24 hours during the working week.

All calls from customers should be acknowledged with a return Email stating the resolution, or current
state of play with their request. It is recommended to quote the log number of the call within this
message for reference.

16
     Or some other written method for documentation purposes.


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ITSS Help Desk Procedures




These replies should have the initial call content within the message. This provides the Help Desk with
a method of recording the call & its initial response together17.

Paper Mail

Generally used by external contacts or internal customers returning application forms for IT services.

The Help Desk Mail Run

♦      A designated Help Desk staff member collects the mail twice a day. Once in the morning, and again
       in the afternoon.

            à Morning Run:              Between 10:00am – 11:30am
            à Afternoon Run:            Between 2:00pm – 3:30pm

♦      During these collections, the blue book used for Service Request Administration is taken to record
       any details for forms that can be passed on in the mail-room directly.

♦      Any mail that is in the Help Desk’s ‘Out’ tray is taken down to the mail room and either placed in
       the appropriate ITSS pigeonhole, or put into the mailbag for further processing.



Fax Mail

Primarily used for receiving urgent Service Request forms, or information from external contacts.

♦      Fax messages are sent to the following numbers:

            à City Campus external number                  (09) 373-7016
            à City Campus internal number                  ext 4016


♦      Received fax messages are picked up during the Help Desk mail runs stated above.

♦      To send a fax, Help Desk staff use the one available in the Telephony Operators office next door.



Personal Visit

Customers who wish to drop off or pick up resources such as Service Request forms, or loan-out
software are the most common visitors to the Help Desk18.

Visiting Hours

♦      City Campus             Doors are open between 9:00am – 4:30pm19




17
     All replies of calls have copies saved to the ‘sent-mail’ folder.

18
  Although reception duties may bring other clientele to the Help Desk reception area.
19
  Due to this reason, it is important that the Help Desk is staffed during this period by at least one
Support Officer.


                                                                                                    Page 19
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Web Pages

A web site is available for customers to peruse various documentation and information in relation to the
Help Desk’s services.

♦    URL Address:            http://www.auckladn.ac.nz/itss/desktop/Help Desk/HD_Home.html

♦    Email can be sent to the Help Desk via links from these pages.

♦    It is also envisaged that in the future, these pages will be re-assessed and updated to provide better
     publicity and support to the services provided by the Help Desk.




Infra-Help Call Tracking System

Calls can be forwarded to the Help Desk group via the Infra-Help application by various IT staff who
have been granted access to this system.

For statistical purposes, Help Desk staff endeavour to log all the calls they receive into the Infra-Help
system20. Calls that are not resolved immediately can be forwarded to 2nd level support staff, or deferred
until they can be re-examined at a more suitable time.

Refer to the ‘Infra-Help User Manual’ for more detailed instructions.


Gathering Relevant Information

♦    Enter Client Details

         Gather information on the client such as, their name, phone extension, department, Email
         address, ID number, location, and UPI.

         If the customer is listed in the University Corporate Database (CorpDB), the information
         mentioned above will generally be auto-filled after one identification field is entered.

♦    Enter Problem Details

         Gather as much relevant information as possible. This will assist 2nd level support if the call is
         assigned to them and perhaps save them the necessity of contacting the user again for the
         information. Repetition and experience, will help identify the various details and questions
         required for the myriad of questions and queries that come through the Help Desk.

         It is suggested that a brief sentence that describes the problem is used at the beginning of the
         problem description field (ie Mac cannot print to networked Registry Printer). This enables 2nd
         level support staff to get a brief overview of the problem at a glance.




20
  Currently, all calls should be logged into Infra-Help except instantly resolved Email queries. These are
recorded manually to combine with the Infra-Help statistics on a monthly basis.


                                                                                                  Page 20
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


Also include a suitable ‘Problem Type’ description and ‘Priority Level’ to assist in
categorising problems received at the Help Desk, and identifying the urgency level for further
support action.




                                                                                     Page 21
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


♦   Enter Your Actions & Solutions

                                                                                          nd
        Enter the advice or action you performed in relation to the query. This can help 2 level
        support staff identify what has already been done, and perhaps provide a solution to a
        particular problem that can be referred to again at a later date.

♦   Close or Refer Call As Necessary

        Add relevant information and either, close call, or refer it to 2nd level support staff for further
        follow up.

♦   Keep Client Informed

        Ensure that you inform the client of what action you are taking and who should be contacting
        them next (if necessary). It is good to repeat your definition of the problem to the client to
        ensure that you have understood what is required.

        Always provide the customer with the Infra-Help Call Number. This will assist in finding the
        call details if necessary at a later date.


Call Maintenance

♦   Help Desk staff should ensure that calls logged to 2nd level support staff are picked up within a
    reasonable time frame, especially if the priority is of a high level.

♦   Forwarded calls that have not been picked up by another Support Officer will stay on the sending
    officer’s screen until this action has taken place. If a call has not been picked up in an appropriate
    amount of time, it is the responsibility of the Help Desk Officer to inquire as to what is the current
    status of the call and what action should be followed.

♦   Help Desk staff may also have to follow up on forwarded calls if requested by customers. They
    should first check the logged call details to see if there is any relevant information to provide.

    If not, they should either find the information out directly from the support group that the call was
    forwarded to, or leave a message for them to contact the customer in regard to their query.




                                                                                                  Page 22
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Service Request Administration


These procedures should be followed when dealing with the following Service Request Forms.


Application to Use University Computer Services

Target Turnover Time 21

♦    Novell Account:                         1-3 days.
♦    UAITNET Account:                        1-2days
♦    Alias and/or other Helpdesk actions:    1-2days

♦    Total:                                  3-7 working days.


Novell Servers Administered By ITSS22

♦    ITSSNOV1                                            ♦    CASHNOV1
♦    REGNOV1                                             ♦    TMKNOV1
♦    REGNOV2                                             ♦    TMKNOV2
♦    CCNOV1                                              ♦    TMKNOV3
♦    CCNOV2                                              ♦    TMKNOVSUPPORT
♦    STACNOV1


UAITNET Access

Requests for UAITNET access should be provided for the following:

REGNOV1, REGNOV2, ITSSNOV1, CCNOV1, and CCNOV2 server accounts. Or in fact any staff that are
members of the Property Services, Finance, Student Affairs, ITSS, HR, and Academic Registries of the
University of Auckland.


Postbox Accounts

When the form has been returned to the Help Desk, Postbox accounts should be created for all users
quoted above, even if currently they request their alias to point to server accounts. It is envisaged that
at a later date, all supported staff will be shifted to Postbox.




21
  Working days since form is received until when all the requests on the form are actioned
22
  NT servers administered by ITSS are currently application servers only, although access to the
UAITNET domain is a necessity for the REGNOV1, REGNOV2, ITSSNOV1, CCNOV1, and CCNOV2
servers. Administration and access to NT servers is currently handled by Desktop Support.


                                                                                                 Page 23
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Responsibilities

♦      Verification of Signatures for this form is the responsibility of Helpdesk, and as with any service
       application form, this should be signed off after verification23.

♦      If the user insists that the signatory has changed ring the Old Signatory or the New Signatory to
       confirm the changes and then dispatch the Signing Authority form. Indicate that future requests for
       service will not be actioned until the new signatures are on record 24.

♦      If Forms for the Medical School are received they should be sent back to Graham Keane (Medical
       School Network Administrator) via the Internal Mail system. The normal procedure for the Medical
       School is that Graham creates these accounts and then sends Email to Helpdesk to create the
       aliases. The same is true for the Arts faculty. These forms should be sent to Arts Helpdesk, Arts
       faculty. Only accounts for Fine Arts, Asian Languages and Literature are processed by ITSS.

♦      If the servers are other than the above (eg: ANTNOVX, PSYCHX, SBSNOVX, ENGNOVX,
       EDUNOVX, etc.) they should be sent to the departmental or faculty administrator for that particular
       server.

♦      Comment sign and date any portion of the form that was actioned by you, as this would aid others
       in the team.




23
     The Help Desk has a list of authorised signatories in a large black binder titled ‘Signatories’.
24
     Without having to personally contact the signatory to verify authorisation.


                                                                                                        Page 24
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


Process Procedures

1.   If the form has been dropped in directly to the Help Desk, ascertain if form has been correctly and
     completely filled in while the user is present. Return the form directly if any shortcomings are
     noted.

2.   If the form is correct, note in the Blue Log25 and place in the ‘Out’ Tray to be sent to Kevin Lai &
     Mark Bonos (ITSS NetWare Administrators). If the form requires only helpdesk action for Email
     administration, place it in the ‘To Do’ Tray, after entering it into the Blue Log26.

3.   Forms collected from the mailroom should be checked for completeness (except for verification of
     signatures) while there, and noted in the Blue Log. Leave a blank box in the ‘Check’ field if the form
     has to come back to helpdesk27.

4.   If the form is incomplete, send it back noting it in the Blue log with an Incomplete Service
     Application form accentuating the areas of insufficiency28. Place verified forms in the ‘Kevin Lai
     /Mark Bonos’ pigeonhole if a Novell login account is requested.

5.   If the user requires access to the UAITNET domain 29, log an Infra-help call to desktop support
     noting the call number on the right hand side of the Service Request form. The following
     information should be placed into the body of the call:

     ‘UAITNET account requested. ID #: 1234567, UPI: jblo001, Password: ******* (if unique
     password has been requested) Department: (same dept as person authorizing the form)
     Kindly inform the user and ‘any other person’ on Ext**** when the account has been created.’

6.   Create a Postbox account if required. (Users in Finance Registry must be given a postbox account)

7.   Create an alias and point it to the source Email account server as required.

8.   Test the Email alias by sending a test message to the appropriate address, and then inform the user
     by phone, mentioning that the UAITNET login account will be created by desktop support and that
     they will inform the user once this has been actioned.

9.   File the application form in our filing cabinet, in alphabetical order!




25
   ‘S’ is code used for ‘Form’ field & K/M is code for ‘Destination’ field. The Help Desk dates the
‘Check’ field once the form has returned for Email administration.
26
   Ensuring check box is ticked, as no further action from external parties is required.
27
   A date can be entered into this box once the form has returned to the Help Desk.
28
   Use ‘ISA’ code in the ‘Destination’ field
29
   REGNOV1, REGNOV2, ITSSNOV1, CCNOV1, and CCNOV2 server accounts. Or any staff that are
members of the Property Services, Finance, Student Affairs, ITSS, HR, and Academic Registries of the
University.


                                                                                                  Page 25
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Request for Telecommunications Services

Target Turnover Time 30

♦      Entry of details into University Directory:        1-7 days.
♦      New extension /move existing extensions:           8 days.
♦      New voicemail set-up :                             5 days
♦      PIN change on voicemail:                           2 days.
♦      Faults:                                            24 hours.


Responsibilities

♦      Do not divulge telecommunication-staffing shortages if queried by clientele about delays. Rather
       say it will be attended too as soon as possible.

♦      We do not log any receipt of these forms in our Blue log.



Process Procedures

1.     Ascertain if there is any service requested on the form.

2.     If there is no service request, and the form only contains information to be added to the telephony
       database, the form will be placed in the pigeon-hole for Margaret Rizzi (Telephony Supervisor)
       when Help Desk staff make their next visit to the mailroom.

3.     All telecommunication forms that request a service of some sort are placed in the mailroom
       pigeonhole for John Henry. This is done even if the form also has information that is to be added to
       the telephony database system31




30
     Working days since form is received until when all the requests on the form are actioned
31
     The Telecommunications team will pass this form on accordingly themselves.


                                                                                                  Page 26
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Application for Direct Access to the Internet from the University Network

Target Turnover Time 32

♦    Accurately filled in form:       1-2 days.


Responsibility

♦    Verification of signature for this form is done by DNS, as it is filed within their department.


Process Procedures

1.   If the form has been dropped in directly to the Help Desk, ascertain if form has been correctly and
     completely filled in while the user is present. Return the form directly if any shortcomings are
     noted 33.

2.   Forms collected from the mailroom should be checked for completeness while there, and noted in
     the Blue Log. If the form is correct, place in the pigeonhole for Mark Bradley (Data Network
     Services).

3.   If the form is incomplete, send it back noting it in the Blue log with an Incomplete Service
     Application form accentuating the areas of insufficiency34.




32
   Working days since form is received until when all the requests on the form are actioned
33
   Signature authorisation is not required with this form, although a valid IP address is.
34
   Use ‘ISA’ code in the ‘Destination’ field


                                                                                                       Page 27
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Application to Use Support Systems


Target Turnover Time 35

♦    Infra-Help or Heat accounts:     1-2 days.
♦    Other Software requests:         1-3 days


Responsibilities

♦    Software access requests are the responsibility of Anne Harvey-Williams (Software Administration
     Supervisor).
♦    Requests for Infra-Help and Heat accounts are the responsibility of the Help Desk Manager36.
♦    If the form is sent initially to the Software Administration team and an Infra-Help or Heat account
     are requested, they will send a copy of it to the Help Desk stating that an account needs creation.
♦    Sectional and departmental IT Manager are required to sign for authorisation for such requests.
♦    Only local IT Support staff are entitled to apply for access to the software site37. They are also
     responsible for any support issues that arise from installing software from the archive.


Procedures

1.   Ascertain if the Form has an Infra-help or Heat account requested. If so, hand over the form to the
     Help Desk Manager who will process the Call Tracking account accordingly and then pass on the
     form to the Software Administration team afterwards.

2.   If the Help Desk Manager is unavailable, Bernadette Mooney is able to process these forms also.

3.   If the Form is requesting software access only, place form in the mailroom pigeonhole for Anne
     Harvey-Williams.

4.   Enter details in the blue logbook38.




35
   Working days since form is received until when all the requests on the form are actioned
36
   Or the Senior Support Analyst if the Help Desk Manager is absent.
37
   Software is maintained on the ITSSNOV1 server.
38
   ‘Anne HW’ in the destination field if sent to Software Administration or ‘HD’ if the form goes to the
Help Desk Manager.


                                                                                                 Page 28
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Dial-In Access to the University Network


Target Turnover Time 39

♦    Accurately filled-in Form:       1-2 days.


Responsibilities

♦    Verification of Signatures for this form is the responsibility of Helpdesk, and as in any service
     application form this should be signed off after verification40. The form requires the signature in two
     separate places 41.

♦    If the user insists that the signatory has changed ring the Old Signatory or the New Signatory to
     confirm the changes and then dispatch the Signing Authority form. Indicate that future requests
     for service will not be actioned until the new signatures are on record 42.

♦    The ‘To Do’ tray has forms that are complete with signatures verified and logged into the blue
     book. Where as, the ‘Inbox’ Tray is a receptacle only, and forms could be in any stage of
     processing.


Process Procedures

1.   If the form has been dropped in directly to the Help Desk, ascertain if form has been correctly and
     completely filled in while the user is present. Return the form directly if any shortcomings are
     noted.

2.   Forms collected from the mailroom should be checked for completeness (except for verification of
     signatures) while there, and noted in the Blue Log.

3.   If the form is incomplete, send it back noting it in the Blue log with an Incomplete Service
     Application form accentuating the areas of insufficiency43.

4.   Ensure that the user has a University of Auckland alias by checking the alias file. It is ITSS policy
     that an alias exists prior to creation of the dial-in account as this is used for billing purposes to the
     users faculty or department.

5.   Check if the user exists in the rac.auckland.ac.nz UNIX system.

6.   Action the requests by utilizing the Remote Access Maintenance script.

7.   Document accordingly, sign off, and date the bottom of the application form.

8.   Send the form ‘Your Dial in account has been created’ to the user through the internal mail44.

39
   Working days since form is received until when all the requests on the form are actioned
40
   The Help Desk has a list of authorised signatories in a large black binder titled ‘Signatories’.
41
   The first is for agreement to the creation of a dial-in account. The second is to verify Internet or
Intranet access.
42
   Without having to personally contact the signatory to verify authorisation.
43
   Use ‘ISA’ code in the ‘Destination’ field.
44
   For users who require their access details faster, send the details in an Email to their account. It can
be considered a potential breach of security to give this information over the phone unless the Help
Desk staff member is completely sure who is on the phone.


                                                                                                     Page 29
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




9.   File the application form in our filing cabinet, in alphabetical order!

Request to Change a Production System Managed by ITSS


Target Turnover Time

♦    Dependable on time of outage & additional notification to client groups.


Responsibilities

♦    The initiator of the change should complete Section A and then discuss the change with their
     Section Manager (Section C) to identify other relevant sections of ITSS (Section D) and the major
     client groups to be affected.

♦    The initiator is responsible for discussing the change with any relevant ITSS Managers.

♦    The Help Desk Manager should consult with any identified Managers of the major client groups
     that will be affected45.


Process Procedures

1.   The Help Desk Manager will inform identified Managers of major client groups of the proposed
     disruption and obtain agreement or disagreement for the outage. If there is a disagreement, the
     Help Desk Manager will consult with the initiator of the disruption to arrange a time period that is
     satisfactory for all parties concerned.

2.   The Help Desk Manager will sign Section E of the form stating whether the outage can proceed or
     not.

3.   Upon agreement from identified major client groups, the Help Desk Manager will ensure that a
     ‘Network Notification’ is posted to the mail list ‘networknotices@auckland.ac.nz’ providing the
     relevant details of the outage.

4.   The Help Desk Manager will ensure that a call is logged into Infra-Help and forwarded to the
     initiator of the outage with relevant details included46.

5.   The logged call number is written into the appropriate field 47 of the Change Request form and
     passed onto the ITSS Operations group.

6.   Once the outage is completed, the initiator will sign off the form (Section B) and return it to the Help
     Desk to file.




45
   If the Help Desk Manager is unavailable, the Senior Help Desk officer can either attempt to contact the
Help Desk Manager to see what is next required or pass the form to the Support Services Manager to
follow up on accordingly.
46
   Normally, a copy of the Emailed disruption notice is cut and pasted into the call details.
47
   Located on the top right hand side of the form.


                                                                                                    Page 30
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


Examples Of Disruption Notices Sent To Mail List networknotices@auckland.ac.nz


To:      networknotices@auckland.ac.nz

Subject: Network Notification: [System that dis ruption will occur on]

Greetings from the ITSS Help Desk.

SYSTEM:                      [System(s) affected]

DATE:                        [Date outage is scheduled for]

TIME:                        [Time outage is scheduled for]

REASON:                      [Description & reason for proposed change]

SERVICES AFFECTED:

                             [Consequences for proposed change]

GROUPS AFFECTED:

                             [Groups affected by proposed change]

If there are any queries, feel free to contact the ITSS Help Desk on ext 5100.


To:      networknotices@auckland.ac.nz

Subject: Network Notification: Repartee voice Processing System

Greetings from the ITSS Help Desk.

SYSTEM:           Repartee Voice Processing System

DATE: Wednesday 19th May 99

TIME: 7:00pm - 11:55pm (19:00hrs - 23:55hrs)

REASON:

Software & hardware upgrade to Repartee Voice Procession
System to enable y2k compliance

SERVICES AFFECTED:

No incoming calls from outside the University on 373-7999 and 373-7599.
No voicemail services

GROUPS AFFECTED:

All users of phone system.

If there are any queries, feel free to contact the ITSS Help Desk on ext 5100.




                                                                                                  Page 31
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




                 Page 32
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Administration Duties


The Help Desk is responsible for looking after the following administrative services:

♦    Email Alias creation, adjustment on Mailhost server
♦    Major-domo mailing list creation and adjustment on Mailhost server
♦    Email account creation, adjustment, and trouble-shooting on IMAP Postbox server
♦    Dial-in account creation, adjustment on RAC server



Email Alias Administration

At present ITSS does not have a Network Users Database and uses the Email Alias File as a defacto
Network Users Database. The first contact ITSS has with most users of the University Network is when
they obtain an Email alias. We utilise this process to capture the information we require to assist in
managing our clientele.

We capture Name and University ID and alias for use in the Mail Address Books and The University of
Auckland’s Web Directory.

If they have a desktop machine, their alias will be used as a component of the name of their machine
which is stored in the ITSS Name Server, which dynamically translates machine names to their IP
numbers and vice versa.

We capture the name of the users mail serve(s) and their user name on the server (mail target) so we can
deliver Email correctly. If a user moves to another server or changes their user name, we can re-map the
alias and continue to deliver Email addressed to their alias correctly.

We capture the users Department/Section and a charge code so that we know where to direct Network
Charges 48.


The Alias File

The source text which is compiled into the alias file is in four text files residing on the UNIX machine
mailhost.auckland.ac.nz

/mail/aliases/auckland     à Main source of user aliases maintained by Help Desk.
/mail/aliases/misc         à Miscellaneous aliases source maintained by Help Desk & the postmaster.
/mail/aliases/majordomo    à Majordomo list server aliases source maintained by the postmaster.
/mail/aliases/system       à Mail system aliases source maintained by postmaster.




48
  Network charges are composed from: a) Email use b) ftp traffic c) web usage d) dial-in services
For detailed charging information see http://www.auckland.ac.nz/itss/Policy/NetworkCharges.html


                                                                                               Page 33
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


Format of Entries

In the main user alias file /mail/aliases/auckland a typical entry is of the following format:

#+7456812 Mike User, Physics – City, <m.user>, phy
m.user:             mju@phy.auckland.ac.nz

The first line is a comment line

#                    à Defines line as a comment line
+                    à Turns on reverse aliasing (- turns off reverse aliasing)
74556834             à Seven digit University ID number of user requesting alias
Mike User            à Name of user requesting alias
Physics – City       à Department/Section to which the user belongs
<m.user>             à Alias enclosed in angle brackets used to associate comment line with its alias line
phy                  à Charge code for charging network traffic to Physics – City department

The second line is the Email alias line

m.user:                à Defines alias m.user@auckland.ac.nz
mju@phy.auckland.ac.nz à Defines the alias target account


Notes

♦      Reverse Aliasing

            If reverse aliasing is turned on, as in the above example, then mail sent from
            mju@phy.auckland.ac.nz will appear to have been sent by m.user@auckland.ac.nz not
            mju@phy.auckland.ac.nz

            If multiple aliases point to the same target, only one can be reverse aliased.

♦      University ID Numbers

       Inclusion of University ID numbers ensure that we can correctly identify and bill a user, and that
       the alias will flow on through to the Corporate Database and into The University of Auckland’s
       Web Directory. Help Desk staff must make every effort to capture an ID number at the time the
       alias is created. Some persons affiliated to, but not employed by the University, will not have ID’s
       at the present time (or a new user has not yet been provided one by HR). In this case it is
       permissible to use the users date of birth as a temporary ID with leading zero (ie DOB 18 June 1938
       corresponds with an ID of 0180638).

       It is a common curtesy to inform the postmaster when a birth date has been substituted for an ID
       number.

♦      Department Names and Associated Charge Codes

            The file /mail/aliases/map_dept.pl contains all valid charge codes and valid department/section
            names in the following format:

            ‘acrsec’, ‘acresec’, #21063 Academic Registry-Secretariat

            acrsec                               à The first item in single quotes is the charge code
            #21063                               à The organisation number49
            Academic Registry-Secretariat        à Department/Section Name

49
     If the record reads #***** then the record is superseded and is not valid in the alias file.


                                                                                                    Page 34
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




                 Page 35
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


           To view the departmental charge code file type:

                     more /mail/aliases/map_dept.pl

           ♦    Use Space-bar to scroll forward through file
           ♦    Use B key to scroll backwards through file
           ♦    Use Q key to quit the “more” command and return to UNIX prompt


Administering The Alias File

Help Desk personnel are responsible for maintaining the alias file, and will have their own login
accounts assigned on mailhost.auckland.ac.nz with appropriate rights.

Mailhost is a UNIX machine and has a command line user interface as opposed to a GUI50. It is
beneficial to have a basic UNIX knowledge to interact with the system and the scripts provided for alias
administration.

3 Scripts have been provided for Email alias administration:

1.     searchaliases            à Used to find a particular alias or group of aliases
2.     editaliases              à Used to add or delete or modify individual aliases
3.     addaliases               à Used to add numbers of new aliases


Searching For an Alias

To search the alias file type:

           searchaliases [alias of user]

           Example                       searchaliases b.mooney

To search for all the smiths type:

           searchaliases smith | more

♦      Use Space-bar to scroll forward through file
♦      Use B key to scroll backwards through file
♦      Use Q key to quit the “more” command and return to UNIX prompt


Adding Or Modifying An Alias Entry

The script editaliases will enable you to use the UNIX editor emacs to modify the chosen alias source
file, and when you exit from the editor, will rebuild the databases used by the mail system.

To prevent overlapping edits by other parties, editaliases locks the alias file while you are working in it.

♦      editaliases

           Used to make changes to the main alias source /mail/aliases/auckland

♦      editaliases misc



50
     Graphical User Interface


                                                                                                   Page 36
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


Used to make changes to the miscellaneous aliases source /mail/aliases/misc




                                                                                 Page 37
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Useful emacs Keystrokes
Key Combinations                   Detail
Ctrl + a                           Move cursor to the beginning of a line
Ctrl + e                           Move cursor to the end of a line
Ctrl + d                           Delete character at cursor
Ctrl + k                           Deletes from cursor to end of current line
Ctrl + Space-bar                   Sets a mark at the current cursor position
Ctrl + w                           Cuts text from mark to current cursor position
Ctrl + y                           Pastes text from cut buffer at current cursor position
Ctrl + x followed by Ctrl + c      Exit emacs editor
Ctrl + x followed by u             Undo last edit
Ctrl + z                           Will suspend the emacs session
fg                                 Will resume a suspended emacs session

Adding A New Entry

♦    Log into mailhost.auckland.ac.nz using a terminal emulation application such as WIN QVT

♦    Type in the command:editaliases

♦    Create a template

          1.   Search for the department by entering Ctrl + s and part of the department name.
          2.   Repeat Ctrl + s until you get the right department51.
          3.   Once you find an alias that is for someone in the department of the alias you are about to
               enter, press Ctrl + a to go to the start of the line.
          4.   Ctrl + Space-bar to mark the start of the line, then press the Down-arrow key twice to select
               both lines of the alias entry.
          5.   Ctrl + W to cut text into the cut buffer, and Ctrl + Y to paste the template back.

♦    Find where to enter a new alias 52

     1.   Press Ctrl + s and search on the surname.
     2.   Once you work out where to insert the new alias press Ctrl + a to go to the beginning of the
          line.
     3.   Press Ctrl + y to paste the copied template from the cut buffer.

♦    Edit the pasted template

          1.   Replace the pasted ID number and user name with the new user’s details.
          2.   Replace the old alias with the new user’s assigned alias.
          3.   Replace the pasted target account with the new user’s target account.

♦    Exit and re-compile the alias file

          1.   Press Ctrl + x followed by Ctrl + c to exit the emacs editor.
          2.   Press y key when prompted to save file dialogue.
          3.   Select option c (Commit) on prompt to Abort Edit Diff Commit dialogue to make the new
               alias operational.




51
   Be careful of departments and faculties. “The Education Department” and the “Faculty of Education”
are different entities.
52
   Aliases are entered alphabetically by ALIAS OWNER daemon.


                                                                                                   Page 38
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


Bulk Adding of New Aliases

Sometimes it is necessary to add many “New” aliases at once, and the script addaliases has been
provided to do this.
Addaliases locks the alias file while you are working on it to prevent overlapping edits by other parties.

Make sure you have all the information at hand before invoking the script, and in particular you have
the ID number and charge code available for each entry.

The script first formats each entry as you enter the data, checks for clashes with existing aliases, and
after all the new aliases have been entered, allows you to merge the new entries into the alias file and re-
compile the alias database.

♦    Log into mailhost.auckland.ac.nz using a terminal emulation application such as WIN QVT

♦    Type in the command:addaliases

♦    Enter new aliases

     Enter each alias by supplying ID, Name, Dept Code, Alias, Target, Reverse alias flag, as a comma
     separated list (eg 7119266, David Ash, dnet, d.ash, davida@mailhost., +).

     Note that if the target machine name is followed by a period then the script will append
     auckland.ac.nz to the machine name (eg davida@mailhost. = davida@mailhost.auckland.ac.nz).

♦    Merge aliases into Alias file

     After all aliases have been entered and corrected, use the m option in the Abort Correct Merge Next
     dialogue to merge new aliases into alias file and make new aliases operational.


Diverting Mail To Overseas Location

On occasion, staff on sabbatical or training leave may require their Email to be diverted to another
location. Such requests for re-direction must be provided to the Help Desk in written form (eg via fax or
Email to helpdesk@auckland.ac.nz). The following steps outline the appropriate procedures to
administer this.

1.   Find the appropriate alias and clarify where the mail alias points (ie what is the source server).

2.   Change the mail alias to point to the external Email location mail is to be forwarded to.

3.   Remove the reverse aliasing flag. This flag is at the beginning of the comment line (ie change + to -
     ).

4.   Send Email to the administrator of the server (Novell or Unix) that the original mail alias pointed to,
     asking them to auto forward the user’s mail to their alias 53.


Removal of Alias Entries

On occasion, requests for an alias to be removed may be logged to the Help Desk. These requests are
forwarded directly to the Postmaster to administer and follow up on.



53
  It may be important to ascertain whether they wish to have mail forwarded directly or to have a copy
left on the server for use when they return.


                                                                                                     Page 39
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Establishment of Mailing Lists

To create a mailing list, an account on the mailhost.auckland.ac.nz UNIX server is required. Using a
terminal emulation package such as WIN QVT allows access to mailhost.auckland.ac.nz.


To Create A Mailing List

♦    Create A List of Subscribers:

         This is the Email list of names to be added to the mailing list that you are about to create.

         A good methodology to follow is to create the list using MS Word or similar MS Windows
         based word processor, and cut and paste via Win QVT, cut and paste directly from MS
         Windows based Email application. The alternative is to enter the Email addresses directly into
         the template discussed below54.

♦    Log into mailhost.auckland.ac.nz using a terminal emulation application such as WIN QVT

♦    Type in the command:md-mklist

         This runs an emacs script that presents a template which when filled in and actioned will create
         the list. The template is labelled ‘Majordomo List Maker’.

         An example of this template is shown below:

         ## Majordomo list maker

         List name                   =   #   newlist
         List owner                  =   #   alias@auckland.ac.nz
         Department code             =   #   dept
         Password                    =   #   password
         Description                 =   #   A one line summary
         Subscription                =   #   closed or open
         Visibility                  =   #   open or ua or hidden
         Subscribers                 =   #   one per alias line

         ## End of form - - DO NOT REMOVE THIS LINE

         Note: Anything after a hash ‘#’ sign is a comment and is ignored. You should not change the
         text before the ‘=’ sign, as the emacs script will not function correctly.




54
  Ensure that the Email addresses are valid by checking listings given when list is requested or using
the alias file as a check.


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ITSS Help Desk Procedures




♦   Fill in the values

         Using the template provided, fill in the values as shown in the example below:

         ## Majordomo list maker

         List name               = computer-support
         List owner              = postmaster@auckland.ac.nz
         Department code         = itss
         Password                = bigsecret
         Description             = A way to contact computer support people...
         Subscription            = open
         Visibility              = ua
         Subscribers             = # one per alias line
         a.alias@auckland.ac.nz
         b.balias@auckland.ac.nz
         c.calias@auckland.ac.nz
         ## End of form - - DO NOT REMOVE THIS LINE

         Note:

         ♦    If you have a number of people who should be subscribed to the list, you can put them
              into the file as shown in the above example. If there are none, you can leave a blank line.

         ♦    For lengthy lists of Email addresses, it may be better to cut and paste directly into template
              where aliases are shown in the example above.




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ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Field Definitions & Additional Information
List Name           ♦ The name of the list being created.
                    ♦ Do not use upper case characters.
                    ♦ Hyphens             can        be      used       to        separate        words.
                        ie computer-support or itss-infra-help
List Owner          ♦ The person responsible for administering the mailing list.
                    ♦ A list of Majordomo administration commands can be obtained by sending
                        Email to majordomo@auckland.ac.nz with the word ‘help’ in the subject line.
Department Code ♦ The charge code associated with the department or faculty requesting the
                        mailing list for billing purposes.
                    ♦ This charge code is the same as that used in the alias file.
Password            ♦ Password used by list owners to administer the mailing list.
                    ♦ The password is stored in plain text.
                    ♦ Don’t bother to make it too cryptic.
Description         ♦ A one-liner to provide a brief description regarding the use of the mail list.
Subscription        ♦ Sets rights as to who can subscribe to the mail list.
                    ♦ Open lists allow anyone to subscribe/unsubscribe. They are used for general
                        University lists such as computer-support.
                    ♦ Closed lists must have the list owner to subscribe/unsubscribe list users.
Visibility          ♦ Controls how the list shows up on the list-of-lists.
                    ♦ open lists allow anyone in the world to see them55.
                    ♦ ua lists allow only people within The University of Auckland to view them.
                    ♦ closed lists cannot be viewed by those without appropriate Majordomo rights.
Subscribers         ♦ Email addresses for all people within the mail list.
                    ♦ Each address is on an individual line as shown in the example previously.
                    ♦ Ensure there is no empty lines between the last subscriber and the end of form
                        comment.

♦      Save the file and exit emacs Script

            1.   Ctrl + X followed by Ctrl + C is used as with the alias file.

            2.   A menu will appear prompting for the following options:
                 (a) Abort    (e) Edit         (c) Create list   Which?

            3.   If the list maker does not like what you have put into the file, it will complain with a
                 message. You should press the ‘E’ key followed by a Return to edit the list accordingly.

            4.   Press the ‘C’ key followed by a return to create the list. You will see similar syntax as
                 shown below if you are successful:
                 /mail/aliases/misc: 234 aliases, longest 769 bytes, 17429 bytes total
                 /mail/aliases/auckland: 4783 aliases, longest 43 bytes, 184509 bytes total
                 /mail/aliases/system: 17 aliases, longest 36 bytes, 279 bytes total
                 /mail/aliases/majordomo: 498 aliases, longest 122 bytes, 29278 bytes total

♦      Check that mailing list has been created

            Use one of the methods outlined below to ensure that the list has been created. In the
            following examples, it is assumed that you have created the mailing list ‘computer-support’:

            1. md-findpass computer-support

                 The command above should send back the password set for the mailing list.


55
     Shows the name of the list, but not the subscribed addresses within the list.


                                                                                                       Page 42
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


2.




                      Page 43
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


              ls /mail/majordomo/lists/computer-support*
              The command above should produce the following output to your screen:

                    /mail/majordomo/lists/computer-support
                    /mail/majordomo/lists/computer-support.owner
                    /mail/majordomo/lists/computer-support.config

         3.   By subscribing to mail list, sending a test message to computer-support@auckland.ac.nz,
              and then unsubscribing, you can see the message you have posted56.

              The commands to subscribe and unsubscribe are shown below:

              md-sub computer-support alias@auckland.ac.nz
              md-unsub computer-support alias@auckland.ac.nz

♦    Confirmation of list creation

         1.   Upon the creation of the mailing list, Email should be despatched to the person requesting
              the creation of the list, as confirmation of its origin.

         2.   It is helpful to include hints on how to administer the mail list57.


Removing A List

         md-rmlist [listname]

The command above will not ask for confirmation. It will automatically remove the mailing list and return
the following information to the screen:

         listname:   removing subscriber list
         listname:   removing list owner
         listname:   removing list configuration
         listname:   rewriting majordomo alias file


Listing The Lists

         md-ls | more

The command above will list all the lists we serve. The ‘more’ command allows a pause break to view the
lists more easily.

         ♦    Use Space-bar to scroll forward through list
         ♦    Use B key to scroll backwards through list
         ♦    Use Q key to quit the “more” command and return to UNIX prompt


Finding A List’s Password

         md-findpass [listname]


56
   This method will also send the test message to all members of the list as well as notifying the list
owner that you have done this.
57
   Send a copy of the Majordomo help file within the Email to the list owner along with a list of Email
addresses added to the mail list.



                                                                                                   Page 44
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




The command above will provide the following feedback to your monitor (example uses computer-
support for the listname:
         computer-support: admin password               ‘6elqplv2’


Subscribing and Unsubscribing for Help Desk Staff

ITSS Help Desk staff are granted rights to subscribe & unsubscribe users to mailing lists without using
the standard Majordomo commands that are employed by list owners.

♦    To subscribe someone

         md-sub [listname] a.alias@auckland.ac.nz

♦    To unsubscribe someone

         md-unsub [listname] a.alias@auckland.ac.nz


Subscribing and Unsubscribing for List Owners

List owners subscribe & unsubscribe by sending Email to:        majordomo@auckland.ac.nz

The following commands should be placed into the body of the Email message58:

♦    To subscribe someone

        approve PASSWORD subscribe [listname] a.alias@auckland.ac.nz

♦    To unsubscribe someone

        approve PASSWORD unsubscribe [listname] a.aliase@auckland.ac.nz


Identifying Subscribers to A List

         more /mail/majordomo/lists/[listname]

The command above will provide a list of all Email addresses of those currently subscribing to the list.

The ‘more’ command allows a pause break to view the file more easily.

         ♦   Use Space-bar to scroll forward through listings
         ♦   Use B key to scroll backwards through listings
         ♦   Use Q key to quit the “more” command and return to UNIX prompt


Identifying the List Owner

         more /mail/majordomo/lists/[listname].owner

The command above will provide detail as to who is registered as the list owner for the mailing list
requested in the command.

58
  There should be no signature within the message, if there is, then ‘end’ should be entered after the
subscribe/unsubscribe command.


                                                                                                 Page 45
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




The ‘more’ command allows you to view the list owner




                                                                        Page 46
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


The Majordomo Help File

The following information is a verbatim copy of the file sent from majordomo@auckland.ac.nz when
‘help’ is placed in the subject line.

**** Help for Majordomo@auckland.ac.nz:

This is Brent Chapman's "Majordomo" mailing list manager, version 1.93.

In the description below items contained in []'s are optional. When providing the item, do not include
the [ ]'s around it.

It understands the following commands:

  subscribe <list> [<address>]
        Subscribe yourself (or <address> if specified) to the named <list>

  unsubscribe <list> [<address>]
        Unsubscribe yourself (or <address> if specified) from the named <list>

  get <list> <filename>
    Get a file related to <list>

  index <list>
    Return an index of files you can "get" for <list>

  which [<address>]
        Find out which lists you (or <address> if specified) are on

  who <list>
        Find out who is on the named <list>

  info <list>
         Retrieve the general introductory information for the named <list>

  lists
          Show the lists served by this Majordomo server

  help
          Retrieve this message

  end
          Stop processing commands (useful if your mailer adds a signature)

Commands should be sent in the body of an Email message to
"Majordomo@auckland.ac.nz".

Commands in the "Subject:" line NOT processed.

If you have any questions or problems, please contact
"Majordomo-Owner@auckland.ac.nz".




                                                                                               Page 47
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Postbox Administration

Postbox is a UNIX machine59 running Solaris that provides staff and authorised graduate students with
Email accounts. Their Email is accessed via IMAP clients such as Simeon, Eudora, and Netscape
Communicator60


Responsibilities

♦     It is part of the Help Desk’s duties to create Postbox accounts for users who provide the required
      Service Request form with a verifiable UPI61.

♦     If an account is requested for a person without a UPI, it should be referred to Ian Fa’asalele
      (Systems and Production team).

♦     Help Desk staff is responsible for:

          à Creating accounts
          à Changing passwords
          à Deleting accounts
          à Checking and adjusting quota space
          à Rebuilding accounts


Administration Information

The Help Desk responsibilities listed above can only be accessed from the ‘helpdesk’ account on
postbox.auckland.ac.nz

These administration tasks cannot be performed from an individual Help Desk officer’s postbox
account.

After logging postbox.auckland.ac.nz, the ‘sudo’ command is required to be run. Sudo allows
authorised users to execute a command as the ‘Super-User’. It prompts the user for their password 62 to
verify their administration rights on the server.

The ‘sudo’ command lasts for five minutes. In that time if another sudo command is not submitted, the
next ‘sudo’ command will require the user to enter the password again. Hence, when two ‘sudo’
commands are submitted within less than five minutes between them, the password prompt does not
reappear.


Creating Postbox Accounts

♦     Command:      new-account

>    sudo new-account
>    Password: *******
>    Enter the user’s UPI: jblo001
>    Enter the user’s full name: Joe-Jane Bloggs xt1234
>    Enter the user’s staff-id number: 1234567

59
   postbox.auckland.ac.nz
60
   All Email applications that can handle the IMAP protocol.
61
   Universal Public Identifier which is issued to University staff along with their ID number.
62
   The password for the ‘helpdesk’ account.


                                                                                                 Page 48
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


> Account created

The example above shows how to use the command ‘new-account’.

♦    Sudo is needed to give root privileges.
♦    The password prompt is asking for the ‘helpdesk’ account password.
♦    You are then asked for the new accounts UPI, terminated by the ‘Return’ key.
♦    You are then asked for the user’s name, type the full name and phone extension number if available.
♦    You are then asked for the staff ID number. This is used as the initial password for their account.
♦    The script then creates the users account and other files that the account might need.
♦    The “Account Created” message informs you that the task has completed successfully.


Changing A Password

♦    Command:     changepass

>   sudo changepass jblo001
>   Password: *******
>   New password: ******
>   Re-enter new password: ******

The example above shows how to use the command ‘changepass’.

♦    Sudo is needed to give root privileges.
♦    UPI is needed, in this case the user account jblo001 was included. The ‘changepass’ command will
     not work without a valid UPI typed in.
♦    The password prompt is asking for the ‘helpdesk’ account password.
♦    You are then asked to enter the new password for the user’s account that you are changing.
♦    You are then asked to re-enter the new password to check that you have typed in the password
     correctly.


Deleting an Account:

♦    Command:     del-account

>   sudo del-account jblo001
>   Password: *******
>   Are you sure you want to delete the account jblo001 [y/n]?
>   y
>   Account jblo001 has been deleted.

The example above shows how to use the command ‘del-account’.

♦    Sudo is needed to give root privileges.
♦    UPI is needed, in this case the user account jblo001 was included. The ‘del-account’ command will
     not work without a valid UPI typed in.
♦    The password prompt is asking for the ‘helpdesk’ account password.
♦    You are then asked to confirm that you have the correct account to be deleted, you must type ‘y’
     for Yes to delete the account. The default is ‘n’ for No.
♦    The job then deletes the user’s account and other files that the account uses.
♦    The “Account jblo001 has been deleted.” message informs you that the job has finished
     successfully.




                                                                                                Page 49
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Checking an Account Quota

♦     Command:     checkquota

>    sudo checkquota jblo001
>    Password: *******
>    STORAGE for jblo001
>    -------
>          Total = 10000
>          Used   = 8750
>          Unused = 250

The example above shows how to use the command ‘checkquota’.

♦     Sudo is needed to give root privileges.
♦     UPI is needed, in this case the user account jblo001 was included. The ‘checkquota’ command will
      not work without a valid UPI typed in.
♦     The password prompt is asking for the ‘helpdesk’ account password.
♦     The message “STORAGE for jblo001” identifies who’s account is being queried for their available
      quota space on postbox.auckland.ac.nz
♦     ‘Total’ provides detail as to the total quota that is allocated to the account63.
♦     ‘Used’ indicates how much of the allocated quota has currently been used.
♦     ‘Unused’ indicates how much quota is still available for the account.


Setting A New Quota for An Account

♦     Command:     newquota

>    sudo newquota jblo001 11000
>    Password: *******
>    QUOTA change SUCCESSFUL.
>
>    STORAGE for jblo001
>    -------
>          Total = 11000
>          Used   = 800
>          Unused = 300

The example above shows how to use the command ‘newquota’.

♦     Sudo is needed to give root privileges.
♦     UPI is needed, in this case the user account jblo001 was included. The ‘newquota’ command will
      not work without a valid UPI typed in.
♦     The ‘k quota level’ is needed, in this case the quota 11000 was included (11MB). The ‘newquota’
      command will not work without a new quota typed in.
♦     The password prompt is asking for the ‘helpdesk’ account password.
♦     The message “QUOTA change SUCCESSFUL” informs you that the accounts quota has been
      adjusted successfully.
♦     ‘Total’ provides detail as to the new quota that is allocated to the account.
♦     ‘Used’ indicates how much of the allocated quota has currently been used.
♦     ‘Unused’ indicates how much quota is still available for the account.



63
  The standard rule is that accounts have 10000k of quota, although this may need to be adjusted when
accounts are over quota or special arrangements have been made with Ian Fa’asalele.


                                                                                              Page 50
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


Rebuilding a Postbox Account

♦    Command:      rebuild

>   sudo rebuild jblo001
>   Password: *******
>   When user has logged out of POSTBOX,
>             or exited their Email client,
>       type [C]. . . . . . . . . .continue
>         or [E]. . . . . . . . . .exit   : c
>   tcsh: 6.07.02
>   tcsh: Trying to start from “/dept/itss/jblo001”
>   tcsh: Trying to start from “/”
>   user.jblo001
>   user.jblo001.dir1
>   user.jblo001.dir2
>   user.jblo001.dir3
>   user.jblo001.dir3.sub1
>   user.jblo001.dir3.sub2
>   user.jblo001.dir3.sub3
>   user.jblo001.sentmail
>   user.jblo001.unfinished_mail
>

The example above shows how to use the command ‘rebuild’.

♦    Sudo is needed to give root privileges.
♦    UPI is needed, in this case the user account jblo001 was included. The ‘checkquota’ command will
     not work without a valid UPI typed in.
♦    The password prompt is asking for the ‘helpdesk’ account password.
♦    The script then rebuilds the user’s mailbox recursively. Thus all jblo001’s subfolders will be rebuilt.
♦    This script may take some time to run, depending on how much mail the user has.
♦    Once the rebuild is finished, check with the user whether or not they can see all their mail.
♦    If any problems persist, contact the Systems & Production team.


Searching For an Account:

♦    Command:      grep -i

> grep -i jblo001 /etc/passwd
> jblo001:x:13868:Joe-Jane Bloggs:/home/common:/usr/local/etc/ord_usr

The example above shows how to use the command ‘grep’.

♦    UPI is needed, in this case the user account jblo001 was included. The ‘grep -i’ command will not
     work without a valid UPI typed in. /etc/passwd explains which directory to search for account
     details in.
♦    The ‘jblo001:x:13868:Joe-Jane Bloggs:/home/common:/usr/local/etc/ord_usr ’ message returned from Postbox
     indicates that the account exists. If there was no message at the command prompt, it identifies that
     there is no account created for the UPI searched on.




                                                                                                    Page 51
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


Postbox Tips

If the user can’t see any folders that were previously there, get them to check if they have the missing
folder subscribed. It may pay for them to create the missing folder again, this will require them to enter
the name exactly.

Sometimes Simeon gets confused, especially after some complicated moving of mail, and can’t see mail
in folders even though they are there.

If all else fails, mail can be recovered from the ADSM backup system that is administered by Russell
Street (Data Network Services).




Dial-In Service Administration

Dial-in administration is a procedure which must be backed-up with a properly authorised application
form. There are no exceptions. The form must be counter-signed by a signatory within the applicant’s
department or faculty who has authority to accept charges on behalf of their organisational unit. If
there is any question as to who has authorised the application or what they have authorised, you
should contact the department and double-check the service request.


Service Request Form Requirements

♦   Has the applicant completed the ‘Identification’ section fully?
♦   Has the person authorising the application signed either the ‘University Only’ or ‘Internet +
    University’ options?
♦   Has the applicant signed and dated the ‘Applicant’s Acknowledgment’?
♦   Has the person authorising the application signed and dated the ‘Departmental Authorisation’ and
    printed their name.
♦   Has the applicant provided a valid University Email alias?

If everything is in order, you can proceed with actioning the application.


Login to RAC

♦   Telnet to rac.auckland.ac.nz
♦   Login to the RAC system with the account:         rac
♦   You will also be prompted for the ‘rac; account password
♦   Once at the command prompt (ccnops:~>), Type in the command ‘rac’ to invoke the program
    which allows you to create and administer the dial-in accounts.
♦   The RAC s program will open on the ‘Remote Access Maintenance Main Menu’ page.




                                                                                                 Page 52
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


Creating an Account

♦      Choose option 1 ‘add a user’ by typing ‘1’ in the ‘selection’ field. Then press the ‘return’ key.
       This will take you to the ‘Add A New User’ screen.

♦      In the field ‘login name’, type a login ID. This is normally the first initial followed by a full stop and
       the surname, matching the applicants University Email alias (ie j.blogs).

♦      To move between fields, either use the ‘tab’ key or the ‘up’ and ‘down’ cursor keys.

♦      It is possible the login ID will already be in use, in which case the script will reject the ID and
       produce an alert message warning you of the conflict. You should immediately abort the process of
       creating the account and check the rejected login ID64.

       Doing so will enable you to confirm whether or not the existing account belongs to the applicant or
       another user. It may be that the applicant already has a dial-in account and simply wants it altered
       for full Internet access.

       Alternatively you will have to go back and create an account with a slightly different login ID. For
       example, if j.bloggs is in use by Joe Bloggs, Jane Mary Bloggs could be assigned the login ID
       jm.bloggs.

♦      Note that the dial-in system is case sensitive, and you should always use lower-case letters.

♦      In the ‘Real name’ field, type the full name of the applicant.

♦      Enter a password. You will have to confirm the password in the ‘Verify’ field.

♦      In the ‘Group’ field, you must select a department billing code. A good method of identifying this
       code is to check the applicant’s Email alias and retrieve it from there 65.

       If you do not know the appropriate code you can press the ‘F1’ key to view a list of valid codes.
       You need to use the cursor keys to move through the list. When you find the appropriate code,
       position your cursor on the entry and press the ‘enter’ key.

♦      The next field is ‘User’s Email alias’. An Email alias needs to be provided to assist with the billing
       process.

♦      The next field is ‘Phone contact’. If they do not have a phone number, leave the field blank.

♦      The default for the ‘External IP’ field is ’N’. Press the ‘return’ key if the applicant wants access to
       the University only, or press the ‘Y’ key to grant full Internet access instead (based upon the
       requirements stated in the service request form). If you enter ‘Y’, the next field will automatically
       show ‘slip.auckland.ac.nz’. Press the ‘return’ key once more and a reserved IP address will be
       assigned to the applicant’s account.

       There is no need to give this IP number to the applicant, but it should be noted on the bottom of
       the users service request form.

♦      Note that an ’X’ now appears in the ‘Create’ field. To create the account, simply press the ‘return’
       key.

       You can press the ‘tab’ key to move the ‘X’ into the ‘Cancel’ filed and press the ‘return’ key if you
       need to abort the account.


64
     See the sub-section titled ‘Editing An Account’.
65
     Also helps to identify the applicants dial-in account name.


                                                                                                        Page 53
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




♦    If you wish to exit the RAC system, press the ’Q’ key followed by the ‘return’ key.

♦    To exit from rac.auckland.ac.nz, type ‘exit’ at the command prompt.


Service Request Form Administration

♦    At the conclusion of the account creation, ensure that the following information has been written
     into the ‘office use’ section at the bottom of the form:

         1.   The Account ID
         2.   The assigned password 66
         3.   Your initials in the ‘Actioned’ area
         4.   The date the request was actioned
         5.   The IP address67
         6.   In the space immediately beneath the ‘IP Addr’, add the billing code for the
              faculty/department.

♦    Notify the applicant of their account details and initial & date the ‘Confirmed’ and ‘date’ sections
     once this has been done.

♦    Users may be informed by telephone68, Email, or sending the standard ‘Your dial-in account has
     been created’ form via the internal mail system.

♦    The application form is then filed.


Editing A Dial-in Account

This is most often required when an existing user wants to upgrade their account from ‘University Only’
to ‘Internet + University’ access. Simply use option ‘2’ from the main menu.

You need to know the existing RAC dial-in ID for the user. If you are unsure, or think that there may be
several accounts that are similar, check to ensure that you are editing the correct account.


Deleting A Dial-in Account

Use option ‘3’ from the main menu.

You will also need to remove the appropriate service request form from the filing cabinet. Mark it to
show that the account has been deleted, and note on the form who asked for the account to be
terminated.

This information may be required if the account owner queries their loss of privileges.

The form should then be refiled in the ‘Deleted Accounts’ file 69.




66
   A suggestion is the initials of the applicant with their phone extension placed at the beginning or the
end. ie rw4775.
67
   Applicable only if the request was for Internet + University access.
68
   Only when you are calling them, not vice-versa.
69
   Last file in the main filing cabinet.


                                                                                                   Page 54
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




ITSS Reception Duties


The Help Desk is responsible for looking after the following reception duties for ITSS

Reception Hours:            9:00am – 4:30pm




Visitor Administration

Visitors to ITSS will generally approach the Help Desk when they arrive70. Follow the procedures below
when dealing with these visitors.

Visiting ITSS Staff

♦    Contact and inform the appropriate staff member.
♦    If staff member is unavailable, then take a message.
♦    Allow access and direction to visitor if approved for visit.


ITSS Meetings

♦    Contact appropriate staff members.
♦    Allow access and direction to visitor if approved for visit.


Drop-In Support

♦    Provide appropriate service or assistance.
♦    This includes any resources that the Help Desk is responsible for also.


Courier Deliveries

♦    Check that the delivery is for ITSS
♦    Sign for goods as required
♦    Contact and inform appropriate staff member of delivery arrival.


General Requirements

♦    Acknowledge Visitor

         Greet and assist visitor as soon as possible. If staff is busy, they should acknowledge this to
         the visitor, and tend to them when able.

♦    Service Request Forms


70
  Unless they have already made arrangements to meet the appropriate ITSS staff member previously,
or by use of the telephone by the main ITSS entrance.


                                                                                                Page 55
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


Ensure that the ‘Service Request’ stand in the reception bay has a plentiful supply of Service
Request Forms. If there is a shortage, copies can be made from the ‘Master Copy’ folder.

Service Request Forms should be verified for any requirements while the applicant is still
present, in case the form has to be returned for further completion.




                                                                                     Page 56
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Delivery And dispatch Duties

Dispatch Requirement

♦   The ITSS Staff are responsible for arranging their own goods to be picked-up.

♦   Once arrangements have been made, goods can be left in the Help Desk Reception Bay for pick-up.

♦   If at all possible, ITSS Staff should notify the Help Desk as to who is picking up the goods, and the
    estimated pick-up time.


Delivery Requirement

♦   Ensure the delivery is for ITSS

        Check the accompanying documentation to ensure that good received are for ITSS Staff.

♦   Sign for goods as required

        After ensuring that the goods are for ITSS and have arrived at the correct location. Sign for
        goods when requested by couriers.

♦   Large goods for lower floor are redirected

        Contact and inform the appropriate ITSS group that they have large deliveries to pick-up.

        Direct the courier to the lower floor entrance where a member of the appropriate ITSS group will
        grant access for the deliveries.

        If no member of the group that the goods are destined for is available, then the Help Desk
        should attempt to contact John Henry (Telecommunications Support) to grant access.

♦   Inform staff that goods have arrived

        Once goods have been delivered, Help Desk staff should contact the appropriate person or
        group to inform them where their delivery can be picked up from.

        If no staff member is available, leave a message and make a note of the goods to be picked up
        on the whiteboard.

♦   Delivery times

        Help Desk staff are responsible for City Campus ITSS deliveries during the open reception
        hours. At other times, this is the responsibility of the ITSS Operators team.




                                                                                                Page 57
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Resource Depot

The following resources can be picked up directly from the Help Desk reception bay.

Service Request Forms

These forms are available to all supported clientele.

♦    Telecommunication Services
♦    Dial-In Requests
♦    Systems & Services Requests
♦    Internet Access From the Desktop
♦    IT Support Services
♦    Change Requests 71


3.5 Floppy Diskettes

♦    Diskettes are available to all ITSS staff and provided on occasion to clientele with relevant material
     loaded.

♦    Diskettes are available in both Macintosh and PC formats.


SAS/SPSS And Linux CD-Rom Library

♦    The latest updates supported by the ITSS Software Administration team are provided for loan out
     to University staff members 72.

♦    These CD’s are available for 2-3 day loan out periods.

♦    Staff who are loaning the CD’s are required to leave their ID cards until the software is returned.

♦    A name, contact number, and the expected return date should be noted on the administration card
     where the CD’s are stored.

♦    If somebody has booked a CD in advance, their details should be appended to the appropriate
     administration card to ensure it is not double-booked.


Interconnect Issues

♦    The ITSS newsletter ‘Interconnect’ should be available to all Help Desk customers and visitors.

♦    It is the responsibility of the Interconnect editor to ensure that the Help Desk has been delivered
     the latest copy.




71
   These forms are not placed on the ‘Service Request’ stand, but can be obtained from the main filing
cabinet in the 2nd drawer.
72
   If a graduate requires this software to borrow, it must be picked-up by a staff member.


                                                                                                   Page 58
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




                 Page 59
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Support Responsibilities


Help Desk staff endeavour to resolve as many queries and issues as possible within a reasonable
timeframe. If for any reason they cannot resolve the issue, or it requires local IT support groups and
2 nd level specialists to attend to it, the call will be forwarded to the appropriate group.

The following listings identify common support categories and points out possible responsibilities and
directions that the calls can be forwarded.




Application Software

Help Desk Responsibilities

♦   Providing basic and advanced levels of support for the applications specified on page 9 of this
    manual in the ‘Supported Software’ section. This also includes printer and network connectivity
    issues.

♦   Providing standard configuration and set-up information for the supported software specified on
    page 9 of this manual.

♦   Registering requests for software and their appropriate upgrades to the local IT support groups
    that look after desktop support issues.

♦   Recommending training programs, primarily through the Centre for Professional Development to
    customers that require additional development with specific applications.

♦   Gathering relevant information in relation to the issue when forwarding the call to other IT support
    groups.


ITSS Responsibilities

♦   Desktop Support

        All Applications specified as part of the standard ‘ITSS Desktop Systems’ set-up are supported
        at the desktop level. Page 9 of this manual identifies the software supported.

        The Desktop Support team assists the Registries, Faculties, and Departments that have been
        listed as ‘Primary Support’ clients on page 11 of this manual.

        These supported applications are running on Microsoft NT servers, which are also maintained
        by the Desktop Support team.

        Requested installations and upgrades are actioned by Desktop Support.

♦   Software Administration

        All site licensed software administration queries can be directed to the Software Administration
        group.




                                                                                               Page 60
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


         This team has direct contact with the companies that provide site licensed software to The
         University of Auckland, and can investigate technical issues that cannot be resolved directly
         by IT Support groups.


Backup Services

Help Desk Responsibilities

♦    To provide general network and floppy disk backup procedures to the Registries, Faculties, and
     Departments that have been listed as ‘Primary Support’ clients on page 11 of this manual.

♦    To direct clientele to other backup services that are provided by ITSS.


ITSS Responsibilities 73

♦    Desktop Support

         To identify backup requirements, and to assist, or direct to appropriate ITSS backup services if
         applicable to the Registries, Faculties, and Departments that have been listed as ‘Primary
         Support’ clients on page 11 of this manual.

♦    Data Network Services

         Russell Street and the Data Network Services team are responsible for the ADSM backup
         service.

♦    Systems & Production

         It is the responsibility of the server administrator to deal with backup requests. Kevin Lai &
         Mark Bonos can look into Netware servers. Ian Fa’asalele & Rod Campbell can follow up on
         UNIX issues 74.

         Local departmental & faculty server administrators are responsible for looking after their own
         backup requirements.




Billing Costs

Help Desk Responsibilities

         Directing queries to the current billing costs for Email, Dial-in services, and Internet Access to
         the University of Auckland web page that lists this information. If the customer does not have
         Intranet access, then Help Desk staff can either quote or send a copy of the current cost to the
         client.

         The web page URL listing the billing charges can be located at:

                  http://www.auckland.ac.nz/itss/Policy/NetworkCharges.html


73
   Local IT support for faculties and departments that are not listed as our primary clients on page 10 of
this manual, may have their own backup procedures. It may be prudent to direct clients to these people
in regard to the options available for them
74
   Backup request form can be obtained from http://www.auckland.ac.nz/itss/Forms/it-services.html


                                                                                                   Page 61
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


Queries regarding charges incurred for the above mentioned services should be directed to the
Postmaster, David Ash.




                                                                                     Page 62
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


ITSS Responsibilities

♦    Postmaster   Mr David Ash

         All queries regarding costs incurred for Email, Dial-in services, and Internet Access should in
         the first instance be directed to the Postmaster to investigate.



Call Tracking Software

Infra-Help is currently used by ITSS and various other IT departments and faculties to log, monitor, and
close calls 75.

ITSS is looking at moving from Infra-Help (supported by Delta Software), to HEAT (supported by
Bendata) in the next six to twelve months. Because of this transition and the inability to complete the
HEAT rollout within the previously scoped time frame (HEAT was due to go live in January 99), Infra-
Help is currently running with no support from Delta Software. It is hoped that this application will
continue to run without any major problems occurring.


Help Desk Responsibility

         Administration tasks such as creating accounts and assigning appropriate groups is carried
         out by the Help Desk Manager or the Senior Help Desk Operator, Bernadette Mooney.
         Requests for these accounts are done via the ‘Application to use Support Systems’ form76.

         Assisting users of Infra-Help with standard configuration and operation queries 77.

         Problem solving and redirecting when necessary any queries relating to database and network
         errors.


ITSS Responsibilities

♦    Operators

         The Operations group is responsible for looking after the ‘Help Desk Elf78’. If error messages
         stating that the “Email and Escalation Server is not operating”, the Operations group can re-
         boot this machine which generally fixes the problem.

         Operations can also inform Help Desk staff if there are any problems with the ADBMS1 Server
         where Sybase is run79.

♦    Systems and Production

         The Systems and Production team are responsible for maintaining the ADBMS1 server and
         ensuring that Sybase is operational. Rod Campbell and Mike Forth (Systems & Productions
         Manager) are primary candidates for such queries.



75
   See ‘Call Forwarding’ section on page 9 for listings of groups within Infra-Help
76
   They must initially be signed by the applicants direct manager and then approved by the Help Desk
Manager.
77
   We can inform Infra-Help users of problems by email to itss-infra-help@auckland.ac.nz
78
   Also known as the Email Escalation Server.
79
   Sybase is the software used to connect Infra-Help to the Corporate Database.


                                                                                                 Page 63
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


            Kevin Lai and Mark Bonos are responsible for ITSS NetWare Administration, and can be
            contacted if there is connectivity issues with the ITSSNOV1 server80

♦      Desktop Support

            Desktop Support is able to install Infra-Help software on requested machines for the Primary
            Support list quoted on page 11. Infra-Help can only be installed on PC based Operating
            Systems such as Windows 95 and NT.

♦      Information Resource Management

            Steve Haresnape is adept at looking at connectivity issues with the Corporate Database.



Campus Computers

Help Desk Responsibilities

            On occasion, callers will be enquiring about contacting Campus Computers, or simply wishing
            to investigate software and hardware purchasing options. Help Desk staff can refer callers to
            Campus Computers on ext 5833 or externally on (09) 373-7077.



Dial-In

Help Desk Responsibilities

            Help Desk staff carries out dial-in request administration. We ensure that the forms have been
            correctly filled out as specified previously in the ‘Service Request Administration’ section on
            page 25.

            Help Desk staff also carries out administration duties for Dial-in accounts. Refer to page 43 of
            this manual for detailed instructions.

            The Dial-in set-up and configuration manual and the appropriate Service Request form can be
            obtained from the following URL:

                     http://www.auckland.ac.nz/itss/desktop/helpdesk/HD_Home.html

            Identifying connectivity issues when clients attempt to dial into The University of Auckland.
            Is the problem at their end, or is there something wrong with the system? A good initial start is
            to check whether you receive a modem tone when dialling (09) 912-3090.

            Installation and configuration problems can be dealt with in general terms by the Help Desk,
            but more involved problems should be referred to the callers local IT support staff.

            Directing non-staff and non graduate students to the ECUA desk situated in the General
            Library on the Ground Floor, Ext 2333.


ITSS Responsibility

♦      Interactive Media Unit



80
     This server is where the Infra-Help Software is loaded.


                                                                                                    Page 64
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


        Russell Fulton can assist by checking the logs for the dial-in server to see if people have been
        attempting to log in with or without success.

♦   Data Network Services

        Russell Street is adept at looking at technical problems with the dial-in system.




                                                                                               Page 65
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


♦    Desktop Support

         May be able to offer advice to primary supported customers, but as a rule, do not do dial-in
         set-up with the exception of special circumstances 81




Electronic Campus

Help Desk Responsibility

         Directing non-staff and non-graduate students to the ECUA desk. Situated on the ground
         floor of the General Library building on extension 2333.

         ECUA services are outlined on the ‘Student Desktop’ section of The University of Auckland’s
         web pages.


ITSS Responsibilities

♦    Electronic Campus Information Desk

         All queries regarding the Electronic Campus should be directed here as first port of call. They
         are located on the Ground floor of the General Library, on extension 2333.

         Alternatively, they can be contacted via the following Email address:

                  ecuadesk@auckland.ac.nz

         The ECUA desk assists students with connectivity issues utilising the NetAccount system.
         The facility to act as a payment and administration station for NetAccount, and trouble-
         shooting on access issues via the Electronic Campus system.

         Chris Castell (ECUA & HSB Manager) can assist with managerial issues.

         Robin Lott is responsible for the supervision of ECUA staff.

♦    Shan Ragu             Technology Development

         Shan is able to investigate NetAccount administrative and technical issues.

♦    Suad Musovich         Academic Services Division –Tamaki Campus

         Suad can usually assist with NetAccount queries of a technical nature.

♦    Dennis Stanton                 Interactive Media Unit Consultant

         Dennis had developed the Electronic Campus web pages and can be consulted in regard to
         connectivity issues.

♦    Operations




81
  Set-up and configuration is sometimes carried out by other faculty and departmental IT support staff,
so callers who are not directly categorised as ITSS Primary Supported customers should be referred
back accordingly.


                                                                                               Page 66
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


         The Operations group is responsible for ensuring the NetAccount System is operational and
         backed up in accordance with the Operations procedures for Systems maintained by them.




Email

Help Desk Responsibilities

         Help Desk staff carries out Email alias administration. We ensure that the forms have been
         correctly filled out as specified previously in the ‘Service Request Administration’ section on
         page 24. If no resolution is found, refer the query to the Postmaster.

         Help Desk staff also carries out administration duties for Email aliases, Mailing lists, and
         Postbox accounts. Refer to page 28, page 33, and page 43 of this manual for detailed
         instructions. If no resolution is found, refer the query to the appropriate members of the
         System and Production team.

         If customers cannot send mail to an address, or there is a bounce message. Help Desk staff can
         ask for a copy to be sent to them for evaluation. If no resolution to the problem can be found,
         refer the call on to the Postmaster for further investigation.

         Help Desk staff support primarily Simeon, but can also attempt basic trouble-shooting for
         Pegasus mail also. If there is a complex technical issue in regard to Simeon, refer to Loveleen
         Choudhry (Software Administration) to investigate further. Otherwise, forward unresolved
         application problems to the Desktop Support Group for Primary customers, or Local IT support
         in other cases.

         Simeon is a mailing application that can be used on many operating system platforms. Simeon
         can be used from both University desktop computers as well as remote machines via dial-in
         access. Giving virtually the same appearance and functionality on whichever platform or
         location is chosen.

         Customers can use other Email software at their own (or departmental) discretion. However,
         the Help Desk staff may not be able to provide appropriate assistance.

         The Help Desk can carry out assistance with configuration requirements and obtaining a copy
         of Simeon for PC and Macintosh platforms.

         There is a site licence for the University of Auckland to use Simeon.


ITSS Responsibilities

♦    Desktop Support

         This team will investigate desktop email application issues for our Primary supported
         customers. They will not support the use of Netscape mail to Postbox, as Simeon is the
         approved Email application for Postbox accounts.

♦    Systems and Production

         Kevin Lai and Mark Bonos can be reffered to for problems associated with Pegasus mail
         accounts on the Novell servers that are supported by ITSS82.

82
  The Tamaki ITSS team are also able to investigate desktop and server issues related to the TMKNOVx
servers.


                                                                                               Page 67
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Ian Fa’asalele & Rod Campbell can be referred to for problems associated with Postbox
accounts.




                                                                             Page 68
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


♦    Data Network Services

         Problems with Email aliases, Mailing lists, and general disruptions to mailhost.auckland.ac.nz
         should be directed to the Postmaster David Ash, or Russell Street to investigate further.


Local IT Support

         If problems occur on systems external to ITSS or our primary supported clientele, then calls
         should be referred to the local departmental or faculty IT support teams.



Hardware

Help Desk Responsibilities

         If there are hardware problems with IT equipment utilised by our primary supported clients,
         then these calls should be logged to the Desktop Support team.

         Hardware faults for our other callers can be forwarded to the local departmental or faculty IT
         support teams.

         Hardware problems with networking equipment supported by ITSS should initially be
         forwarded to the Network Engineering group.


ITSS Responsibilities

♦    Desktop Support

         This group will repair, replace, and maintain hardware for our primary supported clients.

♦    Network Engineering

         Networking hardware will be investigated, repaired, replaced, and maintained appropriately for
         ITSS supported networking services.



Internet

Help Desk Responsibilities

         Find out which web site the caller is trying to connect to. Exactly when they were trying to
         make a connection? What was the error code? Were they able to successfully connect to
         other sites? If the query cannot be resolved, refer call to the Data Network Services team.

         Help Desk staff should be able to direct callers to IT related sites maintained on the University
         of Auckland’s web pages. They should also have a reasonable knowledge of non-IT related
         sites on these pages also.

         Help Desk staff carries out Service Request administration for direct access to the Internet83.
         We ensure that the forms have been correctly filled out as specified previously in the ‘Service



83
  For University staff and approved post-graduate students only. Other students should be referred to
the ECUA desk on ext 2333.


                                                                                                 Page 69
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


         Request Administration’ section on page 23. If further administrative investigation is required,
         refer to the Data Network Services team.

         Netscape Navigator is the currently supported Internet Browsing application for The
         University of Auckland.

         Customers can use Internet Explorer or other web browsing software at their own (or
         departmental) discretion. However, the Help Desk staff may not be able to provide appropriate
         assistance.

         The Help Desk can carry out assistance with configuration requirements and obtaining a copy
         of Netscape Browsing applications84.


ITSS Responsibilities

♦    Data Network Services

         The DNS team can investigate queries in relation to Service Request forms that have been
         processed by the Help Desk and passed on for completion. These accounts are maintained,
         and the files stored with the DNS group.

         Problems with Web connectivity are also forwarded here when Help Desk staff can find no
         resolution. Russell Street is a specialist in this field.

♦    Dianne Civil          Corporate Information Systems Division

         Dianne is responsible for maintaining the ‘On-line Web Directory’ which is used to look up
         University staff location and contact details. If this service is disfunctional, calls should be
         referred here.

♦    Suad Musovich         Academic Services Division –Tamaki Campus

         Suad can usually assist with Web queries of a technical nature. He is also responsible for
         providing access to edit and maintain web pages on our WWW web server.



Library Systems

Help Desk Responsibilities

         Apart from general IT trouble-shooting, calls in relation to Library systems are forwarded to the
         Library Systems group. Calls are primarily logged by Liaison Systems Officers designated by
         the various Library sub divisions.

         Calls in relation to the Voyager Library catalogue system are also forwarded to the Library
         Systems team.


ITSS Responsibilities

♦    Library Systems



84
 Various versions of Netscape Communicator & Navigator can be obtained from The University of
Auckland’s ftp archive or from the ITSSNOVSUPPORT server software archive.


                                                                                                 Page 70
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


         The Library Systems group deals with all hardware and software problems that cannot be
         resolved directly by the Help Desk team.




NetAccount

Help Desk Responsibilities

         The Help Desk team will direct students to NetAccount stations situated throughout the
         University. They are also responsible for handling any queries about service availability.

         NetAccount Operational issues can be referred to the Operations group, and issues in relation
         to NetAccount administration, including the routine addition of printing queues or printing
         stations can be forwarded to Shan Ragu (Technical Development Division).


ITSS Responsibilities

♦    ECUA Desk

         This group endeavours to handle the end-user queries about using NetAccount on campus
         and from home.

         They can pass on to the ITSS Help Desk all service faults and unresolved issues for further
         processing.

♦    Operations

         This group will handle all issues relating to the routine operation of the NetAccount systems.

         They will pass to the IT Computer Science Support team any unresolved faults in the routine
         operation of the NetAccount systems 85.

♦    Shan Ragu             Technical Development Division

         Can handle issues in relation to the routine administration of NetAccount systems, and will
         pass to Computer Science all unresolved faults in the routine administration of NetAccount.

♦    Suad Musovich         Academic Services Division –Tamaki Campus

         Suad can usually assist with NetAccount queries of a technical nature.



Network

Help Desk Responsibilities

         It is vital that the Help Desk staff can get the room and building locations for any queries that
         cannot be resolved directly. Which server is the caller trying to connect to? Can anyone else
         in the room or department log in?




85
  A Service Level Agreement has been established between ITSS and Computer Science to provide 3rd
level support for NetAccount which was developed by Computer Science.


                                                                                                 Page 71
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


           Speak with Data Network Services team and Network Engineering to try and diagnose the
           problems.

           Network connectivity problems receive an urgent or critical priority when the Help Desk
           forwards calls on86.

           Help Desk staff can also attempt to determine if servers can be seen or pinged over the network
           in order to ascertain their availability. If a problem is diagnosed as a server issue, and not the
           network, it should be referred to the appropriate server administrator to attend to.

           Requests for network ports to be livened or implemented are referred to the Network
           Engineering group.


ITSS Responsibilities

♦      Desktop Support

           Calls that cannot be determined as a network fault can be referred to this group to investigate
           further and identify whether it is a desktop or network issue.

♦      Network Engineering

           This team carries out requests for cabling, network hardware and port installations, and port
           livening. Ensure that room and building details have been provided with the forwarded call.

           Network connectivity issues are generally referred here before Data Network Services if the
           Help Desk can establish no distinction between the two groups.

           If network problems cannot be fully diagnosed, they should be forwarded to Network
           Engineering for analysis of the situation.

♦      Data Network Services

           Problems in relation to data traffic on the network are directed to the DNS team. They can
           diagnose why the network is slow or attempt to isolate problems in the networked routing and
           switching systems supported by ITSS.



Operating Systems

Help Desk Responsibilities

           The Help Desk should be able to deal with general work station configuration and set-up
           assistance for Microsoft operating systems. This includes printer connectivity. If they cannot
           resolve the problem, they can refer it to Desktop Support if the caller is a primary supported
           customer, or to the appropriate local departmental or faculty IT support group if they are not.

           UNIX problems that cannot be resolved directly should be referred either to the Systems and
           Production team, or Suad Musovich who is responsible for some of the ITSS UNIX systems


ITSS Responsibilities

♦      Desktop Support

86
     Connectivity issues of one or two people can be given a normal or high priority.


                                                                                                    Page 72
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




This team is responsible for the ensuring that the servers and work stations are operational for
our primary supported customers. This includes the running of applications directly from the
work station or the application servers, and printer connectivity.




                                                                                       Page 73
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


♦    Suad Musovich          Academic Services Division –Tamaki Campus

     Suad is responsible for the support of system problems, configuration and administration for the
     following UNIX servers 87:

♦    CCU1
♦    CCU4
♦    TMKU1
♦    WWW

♦    Systems & Production

         Rod Campbell and Ian Fa’asalele look after UNIX administration for the Sybase servers,
         mailhost.auckland.ac.nz, postbox.auckland.ac.nz They are also back up for the systems
         maintained by Suad Musovich88.


Urgent UNIX Issues

Should urgent issues occur, and/or the UNIX support staff stated above are unobtainable. The
following people should be notified of the occurrence:

♦    CCU1, CCU4, WWW, Sybase, Mailhost, Postbox issues

         Mike Forth on ext 8301 (Systems & Production Manager)

♦    TMKU2 and other Tamaki UNIX servers

         Greg Brumby on ext 8533 (Academic Services Division –Tamaki Campus Manager)



PeopleSoft

Help Desk Responsibility

         Help Desk is not currently trained for dealing with the PeopleSoft application, it is their
         responsibility to gather relevant information on the problem and to decide where the call
         should be forwarded to.

         It is important to attempt to identify if the problem is actually a PeopleSoft or a standard
         desktop issue.


ITSS Responsibility

♦    Financial PeopleSoft

         All PeopleSoft issues are generally directed here for initial diagnosis of the problem. The
         current exception to the rule are PeopleSoft calls related to the Human Resources sections
         which are forwarded directly to Jason Nicholl via Infra-Help.



87
   Suad is also available for assistance with support and installation of UNIX machines for all
departments at Tamaki Campus.
88
   Russell Street from Data Network Services is also extremely adept at handling UNIX queries and
generally does not mind solving UNIX problems of a more difficult nature.


                                                                                               Page 74
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


♦    PeopleSoft Technical Group

         Technical and connectivity issues in relation to PeopleSoft are forwarded here by either Jason
         Nicholl for HR, or members of the Financial PeopleSoft team. It is their responsibility to
         determine and resolve the problem and then forward the call back to whomever sent it to them
         for closure and customer consultation.



SPSS/SAS

Help Desk Responsibilities

         Help Desk does not offer technical or installation support for SAS or SPSS. The Help Desk
         does hold copies of these programs on CD-Rom, which can be borrowed for 48 hours.

         Staff of the University of Auckland only is allowed to borrow these CD’s. If a post-graduate
         student wishes to borrow one, they must be collected by a staff member with proof of
         employment shown by ID card. This card is generally kept until the return of the CD.

         Help Desk staff should check first to see if the CD’s are available and make a note on the loan-
         out cards provided for each CD in the 2nd filing cabinet. When a CD is borrowed the users
         details and return date should be written onto the appropriate card to identify when it will be
         returned and can be borrowed out again.

         Although Help Desk does not provide support for these applications, callers can be directed
         to:

                  Hoare Research Software 89
                  Phone: 0800 477-776 or (07) 839-9102
                  Email: info@hrs.co.nz
                  Web: http://www.hrs.co.nz


ITSS Responsibilities

§    Software Administration

         Licensing issues can be directed to this group to investigate any problems and ensure that
         they are available as required for installation purposes.

         Availability of versions that are currently provided for loan can also be directed here if Help
         Desk staff is unsure.



Telecommunication Systems

Help Desk Responsibilities

         Ideally designated ‘Telephone Coordinators90’ should log calls. If a department does not have
         a telephone coordinator, or if that person is unavailable then telephone problems can be
         logged directly by the client. If the caller has not attempted to contact their department’s
         telephone coordinator, please ask them to do so.


89
  The developers of SAS and SPSS.
90
  John Henry provides updated lists of the coordinators on a regular basis from the Voice Network
team.


                                                                                                Page 75
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




        In addition the basic information, you should always find out which room and building the
        caller is in. This enables a telephone technician to visit the caller if it transpires that the
        problem is a hardware fault.

        Help Desk staff can assist with general queries, and refer them on to the Telecommunication
        team if they cannot be resolved.

        General telephone directory queries should be referred to the Telephone Reception Centre on
        ext 0.

        Callers should not be placed directly through to other ITSS staff without first consulting with
        them to ensure that they wish to receive the call. If they do not or they are unavailable, take a
        message and pass it on, or forward the caller to their voicemail if they are unavailable.

        Requests for telecommunication services are made through the appropriate Service Request
        form. See page 22 of this manual for further details of these services.


ITSS Responsibilities

♦   Telephone Reception Centre

        This team handles internal and external phone switching services for callers looking for staff
        within the University of Auckland.

        They are also responsible for ensuring that the relevant details of staff members are within their
        database. This is carried out by applicants filling in the top section of the ‘Telecommunication
        Services’ form.

♦   Voice Network Services

        This team ensures that service requests and faults in regard to telecommunication services are
        actioned.

        They are also responsible for providing information as to who is currently the faculty and
        departmental telephone coordinators.



Telnet Applications

Help Desk Responsibilities

    The Help Desk can carry out assistance with configuration requirements and obtaining a copy of
    the following remote access software for both PC and Macintosh Systems:

        Win QVT           MS Windows terminal emulation application
        WS FTP            MS Windows application used for file transfers
        Telnet            Macintosh terminal emulation application


ITSS Responsibilities

♦   Desktop Support

        The Desktop Support team should be able to assist primary supported staff with the set-up and
        configuration of these applications as required.



                                                                                                 Page 76
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




                 Page 77
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Virus Issues

Help Desk Responsibilities

         Help Desk should examine and determine the authenticity of virus alerts from callers. They
         should endeavour to log any virus occurrences to the appropriate desktop support team for
         that particular faculty or department. If the caller is a primary supported customer, a call should
         be referred to the Desktop Support team.

         Virus alerts should also be passed on to Russell Fulton to investigate further.

         Help Desk staff should also be able to assist staff in the basic operations of the site licensed
         virus software ‘Norton Anti Virus’91. This software is available from the ITSSNOV1 server in
         the software archive.

ITSS Responsibilities

♦    Desktop Support

         Will investigate virus infections to systems and computers supported by ITSS and our primary
         supported customers.

         They will also be able to install NAV on any supported machines that do not currently run this
         application.

♦    Loveleen Choudhry               Software Administration

         Loveleen is primarily responsible for following up on any technical problems and ensuring that
         monthly updates of virus definitions are available for upgrading this software.

♦    Russell Fulton                  Technical Development Division

         Russell is responsible for the University of Auckland’s IT security. He needs to be informed of
         any suspected attempts to break into the network or systems, and also of virus alerts.



Y2K92 Issues

Help Desk Responsibilities

         Help Desk staff should direct queries in regard to Y2K issues to either the web pages on the
         WWW server, or to John Holly, the University of Auckland’s Y2K consultant.

         The URL for the Y2K web pages is:

                  http://www.y2k.auckland.ac.nz/y2k/y2k.html

         Help Desk staff should be familiar with these web pages and the informational content on
         them93.



91
   NAV
92
   Year 2000
93
   It should also be noted that some of these pages are only viewable from within the University
network.


                                                                                                   Page 78
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


ITSS Responsibilities

♦   John Holly   Y2K Consultant

        John has been hired to investigate and ensure that the University of Auckland’s systems and
        services are all Y2K compliant.

        He is also responsible for promoting any relevant Y2K information through the web pages that
        he has produced.




                                                                                            Page 79
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




In-House Help Desk Duties


Help Desk has a variety of in-house tasks and duties that need to be carried out. An overview of these
issues are listed below:

Call Taking & 1 st Level Resolution

♦    Calls are received via any of the following methods:
         - Phone Call                                              - Postal Mail
         - Voice Mail                                              - Personal Visit
         - Email                                                   - Infra-Help Call

♦    All calls should be logged into the Infra-Help Call Tracking System with sufficient detail and
     diagnostic information as befits the particular call.



Call Management

♦    Calls logged into the Infra-Help System by the Help Desk need to be dealt with in a timely and
     appropriate manner, and followed up if requested by clientele.



Statistics

♦    Help Desk staff should be able to produce relevant statistics on request by the Help Desk Manager
     or ITSS managerial staff.

♦    Recently the Help Desk has moved from manual statistic recording back to Infra-Help, and some of
     the previous data gathered may not be feasible with the reporting capabilities of Infra-Help.



Office Safety

♦    Staff should ensure that the Help Desk office environment is non-hazardous as stipulated in the
     Health & Safety Regulations manual for the University of Auckland.

♦    Any faults or accidents should be recorded and acted upon accordingly.

♦    Staff needs to be aware of first-aid locations, and emergency evacuation procedures as required for
     the Help Desk Officers location94.



Office Security

♦    Staff should ensure that customer data in both hard and soft copy format are secure from breaches
     of security.

♦    Ensuring the Help Desk computer systems are not vulnerable to security breaches 95.



94
  For the City Campus, there is a first aid kit available within the telephony operators room (409.129). At
Tamaki, the first aid kit is available within the Tamaki ITSS Office (733.134)


                                                                                                   Page 80
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Leave Requests

♦    All leave should be applied for before the leave is taken96.

♦    Leave request forms are obtainable from the ITSS mail-room or from the Help Desk Manager.

♦    Sick leave notifications should be passed on to Joy Gilchrist on extension 5192 on the day the staff
     member is ill. If a Help Desk staff member receives a call referring to sick leave from another ITSS
     member, then pass this information on to Joy Gilchrist as soon as possible.



Staff Inductions

♦    When necessary, designated Help Desk staff may be required to provide induction of new staff
     members to the Help Desk environment, and procedures.

♦    New staff will also need to have their contracts signed. This is carried out by consultation with the
     Human Resources Registry.



Personal Projects

♦    From time to time, Help Desk staff will be requested to do personal projects of an IT nature. These
     projects generally need to be documented into a project proposal stipulating the following
     information:
     - Project Detail
     - Expected Outcome and deliverable’s
     - Time frame for project including milestones
     - Resources required



Stationery Administration

♦    All staff is required to ensure that the Help Desk office has sufficient stationery for operational use.

♦    If any stationary or office enhancements are required, staff should make suggestion to the Help
     Desk Manager to follow through.



ITSS Information Centre

♦    It is the responsibility of the Help Desk to record the following issues in relation to ITSS:
     - ITSS Staff Absentees.
     - Take note of incorrect ITSS & IT staff contact details.
     - Record crisis issues and monitor and update this information as required.
     - Will notify relevant IT staff or changes to services and their availability.




95
   Ensuring machines are not logged into sensitive systems when staff is absent, password protection
for machines and systems, virus detection software etc.
96
   Generally, sick leave is an exception to this rule.


                                                                                                     Page 81
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




APPENDICES


♦   Service Request Forms                  - Copies of all forms required for ITSS Services
        1. Application to use University Computer Services
        2. Request for University Telecommunications Services
        3. Application for direct Access to the Internet from the University Network
        4. Application to use Support Systems
        5. Application for Dial-in Access to the University Network
        6. Request to Change a Production System Managed by ITSS
        7. Request For Files to Be Restored From Backup

♦   Service Request Forms Flow-charts     -Workflow for ITSS Service Forms
        1. Forms arriving at IT Help Desk Headquarters
        2. Forms arriving at ITSS Mailroom

♦   Form Letters                          -Response form letters from the Help Desk
        1. Incomplete Service Application
        2. Your dial-in account has been created
        3. Login account has been created

♦   Phone Contacts                          -Phone listings for IT support staff
       1. ITSS internal phone list
       2. ITSS sub-divisional list
       3. ITSS mobile phone list
       4. Useful ITSS contact list
       5. Local IT support list
       6. Faculty/Departmental IT support
       7. Library Systems Liaison Officers
       8. University Novell Servers & Managers
       9. Telephone coordinators list
       10. Important clientele in the Registry

♦   IT Administration                    -Methodologies for standard IT administration
        1. Changing your password in Novell for Windows NT
        2. Changing your dial-in access password
        3. Changing your password for Simeon 4.x
        4. Changing your password in Novell for Windows 95
        5. Finding IP addresses using Windows Operating Systems
        6. Creating CCNOV2 Accounts
        7. Creating accounts on CCU1
        8. HP LaserJet 18 AUX IO NT RDY error
        9. Updating the licence for SAS
        10. Apple boot key combinations

♦   Help Desk References                    -Reference material in relation to Help Desk
        Tips for finding Help Desk solutions
        Listening skills and ways to improve them
        New staff induction guides

♦   Work-Flow & Procedures               -Flow charts and draft procedures
       Supporting Student Services
       PeopleSoft Issues
       Application to Use University Computer Services
       Help Desk Call Handling




                                                                                              Page 82
ITSS Help Desk Procedures


♦   Mission Statement   -Mission statements for the University, ITSS & Help Desk




                                                                         Page 83
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Application to use University Computer Services




                                                                   Page 84
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Request for University Telecommunications Services




                                                                      Page 85
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Application for direct Access to the Internet from the University Network




                                                                       Page 86
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Application to use Support Systems




                                                      Page 87
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Application for Dial-in Access to the University Network




                                                                      Page 88
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Request to Change a Production System Managed by ITSS




                                                                Page 89
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Request For Files to Be Restored From Backup




                                                                Page 90
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Service Request Forms Flow-charts




                                                     Page 91
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Incomplete Service Application




                                                  Page 92
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Your dial-in account has been created




                                                         Page 93
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Login account has been created




                                                  Page 94
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




ITSS internal phone list




                                            Page 95
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




ITSS sub-divisional list




                                            Page 96
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




ITSS mobile phone list




                                          Page 97
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Useful ITSS contact list




                                            Page 98
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Local IT support list




                                         Page 99
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Faculty/Departmental IT support




                                                  Page 100
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Library Systems Liaison Officers




                                                   Page 101
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




University Novell Servers & Managers




                                                       Page 102
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Telephone coordinators list




                                              Page 103
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Important clientele in the Registry




                                                      Page 104
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Changing your password in Novell for Windows NT




                                                                  Page 105
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Changing dial-in access password




                                                   Page 106
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Changing your password for Simeon 4.x




                                                        Page 107
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Changing your password in Novell for Windows 95




                                                                  Page 108
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Finding IP addresses using Windows Operating Systems




                                                                Page 109
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Creating CCNOV2 Accounts




                                           Page 110
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Creating accounts on CCU1




                                            Page 111
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




HP LaserJet 18 AUX IO NT RDY error




                                                     Page 112
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Updating the licence for SAS




                                               Page 113
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Apple boot key combinations




                                              Page 114
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Tips for finding Help Desk solutions




                                                       Page 115
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Listening skills and ways to improve them




                                                            Page 116
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




New staff induction guides




                                             Page 117
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Supporting Student Services




                                              Page 118
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




PeopleSoft Issues




                                    Page 119
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Application to Use University Computer Services




                                                                  Page 120
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Help Desk Call Handling




                                          Page 121
ITSS Help Desk Procedures




Mission Statement




                                    Page 122

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Sdm Manual

  • 1. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ITSS HELP DESK PROCEDURE MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENT TERMS OF REFERENCE........................................................................................................................................4 GENERAL OVERVIEW...........................................................................................................................................5 LOCATION DETAILS A ND OFFICE HOURS........................................................................................................5 M ETHODS OF CONTACT .....................................................................................................................................6 HELP DESK RESPONSIBILITIES...........................................................................................................................7 Service Request Administration....................................................................................................................7 Email Administration......................................................................................................................................8 Dial-In Service Administration.....................................................................................................................8 ITSS Reception Duties ....................................................................................................................................8 Software Support .......................................................................................................................................... 10 General Assistance....................................................................................................................................... 11 General Concepts:........................................................................................................................................ 11 Call Forwarding........................................................................................................................................... 11 Supported Clientele ..................................................................................................................................... 12 In-House Help Desk Duties......................................................................................................................... 14 HELP DESK PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................................... 16 ROSTERED OFFICE HOURS.................................................................................................................................16 M ETHODS OF CONTACT ....................................................................................................................................17 Telephone....................................................................................................................................................... 17 Email............................................................................................................................................................... 18 Fax Mail ......................................................................................................................................................... 19 Personal Visit................................................................................................................................................ 19 Web Pages...................................................................................................................................................... 20 Infra-Help Call Tracking System............................................................................................................... 20 SERVICE REQUEST A DMINISTRATION............................................................................................................23 Application to Use University Computer Services................................................................................. 23 Request for Telecommunications Services............................................................................................... 26 Application for Direct Access to the Internet from the University Network ...................................... 27 Application to Use Support Systems......................................................................................................... 28 Dial-In Access to the University Network ................................................................................................ 29 Request to Change a Production System Managed by ITSS ................................................................ 30 A DMINISTRATION DUTIES ...............................................................................................................................33 Email Alias Administration ........................................................................................................................ 33 Establishment of Mailing Lists................................................................................................................... 40 Postbox Administration............................................................................................................................... 48 Dial-In Service Administration.................................................................................................................. 52 ITSS RECEPTION DUTIES..................................................................................................................................55 Visitor Administration................................................................................................................................. 55 Delivery And dispatch Duties..................................................................................................................... 57 Resource Depot............................................................................................................................................. 58 SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................................60 Application Software ................................................................................................................................... 60 Backup Services............................................................................................................................................ 61 Billing Costs .................................................................................................................................................. 61 Call Tracking Software ............................................................................................................................... 63 Campus Computers ...................................................................................................................................... 64 Dial-In............................................................................................................................................................. 64 Electronic Campus....................................................................................................................................... 66 Email............................................................................................................................................................... 67 Page 1
  • 2. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Hardware ....................................................................................................................................................... 69 Internet ........................................................................................................................................................... 69 Library Systems............................................................................................................................................. 70 NetAccount .................................................................................................................................................... 71 Network .......................................................................................................................................................... 71 Operating Systems........................................................................................................................................ 72 PeopleSoft ...................................................................................................................................................... 74 SPSS/SAS ....................................................................................................................................................... 75 Telecommunication Systems....................................................................................................................... 75 Telnet Applications...................................................................................................................................... 76 Virus Issues .................................................................................................................................................... 78 Y2K Issues ...................................................................................................................................................... 78 IN-HOUSE HELP DESK DUTIES .........................................................................................................................80 Call Taking & 1 st Level Resolution........................................................................................................... 80 Call Management ......................................................................................................................................... 80 Statistics ......................................................................................................................................................... 80 Office Safety ................................................................................................................................................... 80 Office Security ............................................................................................................................................... 80 Leave Requests.............................................................................................................................................. 81 Staff Inductions............................................................................................................................................. 81 Personal Projects.......................................................................................................................................... 81 Stationery Administration .......................................................................................................................... 81 ITSS Information Centre.............................................................................................................................. 81 APPENDICES......................................................................................................................................................... 82 APPLICATION TO USE UNIVERSITY COMPUTER SERVICES .............................................................................................I REQUEST FOR UNIVERSITY T ELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES................................................................................... II APPLICATION FOR DIRECT ACCESS TO THE I NTERNET FROM THE UNIVERSITY NETWORK ............................................ III APPLICATION TO USE SUPPORT SYSTEMS.................................................................................................................. IV APPLICATION FOR DIAL - IN ACCESS TO THE UNIVERSITY NETWORK ............................................................................V REQUEST TO CHANGE A P RODUCTION SYSTEM MANAGED BY ITSS .......................................................................... VI REQUEST FOR FILES TO BE RESTORED FROM BACKUP ............................................................................................. VII SERVICE REQUEST FORMS FLOW - CHARTS ...............................................................................................................VIII I NCOMPLETE SERVICE APPLICATION ........................................................................................................................ IX YOUR DIAL - IN ACCOUNT HAS BEEN CREATED ........................................................................................................... X LOGIN ACCOUNT HAS BEEN CREATED ...................................................................................................................... XI ITSS INTERNAL PHONE LIST....................................................................................................................................XII ITSS SUB- DIVISIONAL LIST.................................................................................................................................... XIII ITSS MOBILE PHONE LIST ......................................................................................................................................XIV USEFUL ITSS CONTACT LIST.................................................................................................................................... XV LOCAL IT SUPPORT LIST........................................................................................................................................XVI FACULTY /DEPARTMENTAL IT SUPPORT .............................................................................................................. XVII LIBRARY SYSTEMS LIAISON OFFICERS ................................................................................................................. XVIII UNIVERSITY NOVELL SERVERS & M ANAGERS ....................................................................................................... XIX T ELEPHONE COORDINATORS LIST...........................................................................................................................XX I MPORTANT CLIENTELE IN THE REGISTRY .............................................................................................................. XXI CHANGING YOUR PASSWORD IN NOVELL FOR W INDOWS NT ............................................................................... XXII CHANGING DIAL - IN ACCESS PASSWORD ..............................................................................................................XXIII CHANGING YOUR PASSWORD FOR SIMEON 4. X .................................................................................................... XXIV CHANGING YOUR PASSWORD IN NOVELL FOR W INDOWS 95 ................................................................................ XXV FINDING IP ADDRESSES USING W INDOWS OPERATING SYSTEMS ......................................................................... XXVI CREATING CCNOV2 ACCOUNTS ........................................................................................................................XXVII CREATING ACCOUNTS ON CCU1....................................................................................................................... XXVIII HP L ASERJET 18 AUX IO NT RDY ERROR ........................................................................................................XXIX UPDATING THE LICENCE FOR SAS......................................................................................................................... XXX APPLE BOOT KEY COMBINATIONS .......................................................................................................................XXXI T IPS FOR FINDING HELP DESK SOLUTIONS ........................................................................................................ XXXII LISTENING SKILLS AND WAYS TO IMPROVE THEM............................................................................................. XXXIII NEW STAFF INDUCTION GUIDES........................................................................................................................ XXXIV SUPPORTING STUDENT SERVICES........................................................................................................................XXXV P EOPLE SOFT I SSUES ........................................................................................................................................ XXXVI APPLICATION TO USE UNIVERSITY COMPUTER SERVICES................................................................................. XXXVII Page 2
  • 3. ITSS Help Desk Procedures HELP DESK CALL HANDLING ........................................................................................................................XXXVIII MISSION STATEMENT ....................................................................................................................................... XXXIX Page 3
  • 4. ITSS Help Desk Procedures TERMS OF REFERENCE This manual has been compiled to assist the Help Desk staff with a documented guide to the procedures & responsibilities of the ITSS Help Desk. It has been broken down into the following Sections: ♦ General Overview: Generalised details of help desk procedures, and ITSS staff responsibilities ♦ Help Desk Procedures: Operational instructions for procedures carried out by the ITSS Help Desk. ♦ Appendices: Useful information relating to ITSS and University IT issues. This document was requested by the Support Services Manager, Richard Bright, and written and compiled by the ITSS Help Desk Manager, Ron Wynyard. The document was completed on Friday 14th May 1999, and is subject to six monthly reviews, to ensure that the policies and procedures documented are accurate. Acknowledgment Much of the information compiled in this manual has been provided thanks to the provision of IT related documentation by the ITSS Help Desk and other ITSS support staff. Page 4
  • 5. ITSS Help Desk Procedures General Overview This section provides generalised details of the Help Desk procedures, and ITSS staff responsibilities. Location Details And Office Hours Help Desk Location: ITSS Computer Centre 24 Symonds Street Private Bag 92019 Auckland Ph: (09) 373-7599 ext 5100 Fax: (09) 373-7666 or ext 4366 Email: helpdesk@auckland.ac.nz Hours Of Operation: ♦ ITSS Help Desk Centre Operating Hours: 7:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday Reception/Dispatch Hours: 9:00am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday Page 5
  • 6. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Methods Of Contact Customers can contact the ITSS Help Desk by using the following mediums: ♦ Telephone (09) 373-7599 Ext: 5100 The primary contact method for calls placed by help desk customers. ♦ Email helpdesk@auckland.ac.nz The second most utilised contact method from help desk customers. Quite often used for Email administration request due to the necessity for correct syntax. ♦ Paper Mail ITSS Help Desk, City Campus1 Generally used by external contacts or internal customers returning application forms for IT Services. ♦ Personal Visit Location listed on previous page. Customers who wish to drop off or pick up resources such as Service Request Forms, or Loan-out software generally carry out personal visits. Reception Duties such as visitor administration and courier retrieval/delivery responsibilities. ♦ Fax Mail (09) 373-7016 or ext 4016 for internal contact to Central Help Desk Primarily used for receiving emergency request for service forms or receiving information from external contacts. ♦ Web Pages http://www.auckland.ac.nz/itss/desktop/helpdesk/HD_Home.html Available to peruse various documentation and information that is provided by the Help Desk. Email requests can also be made from the web pages. ♦ Infra-Help Call Tracking System Calls can be forwarded to the Help Desk Group via the Infra-Help application by various IT staff who have been granted access to this system. 1 Full postal contact details are listed on the previous page. Page 6
  • 7. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Help Desk Responsibilities The ITSS Help Desk performs a variety of tasks and duties as listed below: Service Request Administration The following service request forms are processed and administered by the Help Desk: ♦ Application to Use University Computer Services Used for creating, disabling, and modifying passwords on servers administered by ITSS. Also used for the creation of Email aliases. ♦ Application for Direct Access to the Internet from the University Network Used for requesting access to the Internet from a desktop machine. ♦ Application for Dial-in Access to the University Network Used for creating dial-in accounts with either internal intranet access or including external Internet access. ♦ Request to Change a Production System Managed by ITSS Used by IT Staff to request authorisation to make changes to production systems, servers, and networks managed by ITSS ♦ Request for University Telecommunications Services Used for requesting the following telecommunication services: 1. Telephone Directory Listings 2. Toll Call Access (National & International) 3. New Or Movement Of Telephone Extensions 4. Request for Telephone Equipment (Standard & Screen/Display phones) ♦ Application to use Support Systems Used by IT Staff to request accounts on the ITSSNOV1 software server for the following categories listed below: 1. Infra-Help Call Tracking System 2. Site Licensed Software Distribution Service 3. Microsoft Software Purchase/Installation Service Page 7
  • 8. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Email Administration The Help Desk is responsible for looking after the following Email service administration. ♦ Email Alias creation, adjustment on Mailhost server To create or redirect Email aliases as requested through logged calls and processed Application to Use University Computer Services forms 2. ♦ Major-domo mailing list creation and adjustment on Mailhost server To create mailing lists as requested through logged calls and providing basic support to designated “List Owners”. Also, to provide general information in regard to created mailing lists. ♦ Email account creation, adjustment, and trouble-shooting on IMAP Postbox server. To create postbox accounts as requested through logged calls and processed Application to Use University Computer Services forms. Other Postbox administration duties include: I. Changing passwords II. Checking account details III. Adjusting quota for mail accounts IV. Rebuilding of corrupted postbox accounts Dial-In Service Administration Account administration for Intranet & Internet access via dial-in services ♦ RAC -Dial-in account server (aka ccnops) Used to create dial-in accounts with appropriate access to the Internet or Intranet only depending on authorisation from users department or faculty. Accounts are created after the processing of the Application for Dial-in Access to the University Network forms. Other dial-in administration duties include: I. Changing passwords II. Checking account details III. Adjusting Internet or Intranet access via dial-in. ITSS Reception Duties The following tasks are the responsibility of the Help Desk in regard to reception duties: ♦ Courier arrivals and deliveries Ensuring that ITSS staff is contacted in regard to any packages and documents delivered for them. ♦ Visitor Administration 2 Requests for removal of created aliases are forwarded to the Postmaster. Page 8
  • 9. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Contacting relevant ITSS staff in regard to any visitors who arrive and/or taking messages from these visitors as necessary. ♦ Service Request Maintenance Ensuring that the Request For Services documentation is up to date and available for pick-up by visitors. ♦ SAS, SPSS, and Lynix Loan-Out Service The sign-out and return service for the statistical applications SPSS, Version 7.5 and 8.0 for Windows, SAS Version 6.11 and 6.12 for Windows and 6.10 for Macintosh systems. The Lynix UNIX operating system is also available for loan. ♦ Diskette Supply The provision of 3.5 floppy diskettes to staff for both PC and Macintosh systems can be obtained from the help desk reception. ♦ Service Request and Filing Administration Ensuring that the Help Desk Service Request Stand is stocked with the appropriate forms, as well as looking after any day to day filing of customer account details. ♦ Drop-In Support Provision of the Help Desk supported services directly from the reception desk including the delivery of Service Request Forms. Page 9
  • 10. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Software Support The ITSS Help Desk provides basic and advanced support for the following applications and services. If immediate assistance cannot be obtained from the Help Desk, the staff will endeavour to forward their request or query to the most appropriate person or group. Operating Systems: ♦ Windows 95 Advanced ♦ Windows 98 Basic ♦ Windows NT Advanced ♦ UNIX Systems Basic ♦ Novell NetWare Advanced ♦ Mac OS 7.x Basic ♦ Mac OS 8 Advanced ♦ Dos 6.x Basic ♦ Windows 3.x Basic MS Office Suite - 95 & 97: ♦ Word Advanced ♦ Access Basic ♦ Excel Advanced ♦ Outlook Basic ♦ PowerPoint Advanced Web Browsers 3: ♦ Netscape Navigator 3.x Advanced ♦ Netscape Communicator 4.x Advanced ♦ Netscape Navigator 2.x Basic Email Applications: ♦ Simeon Advanced ♦ Pegasus Basic Call Tracking Software: ♦ Infra-Help Advanced Telnet Applications: ♦ Win QVT Basic ♦ WS FTP Basic ♦ Ewen Basic Virus Prevention Software: ♦ Norton Anti Virus Basic 3 Customers can use Internet Explorer or other web browsing software at their own (or departmental) discretion. However, the Help Desk staff may not be able to provide appropriate assistance. Page 10
  • 11. ITSS Help Desk Procedures General Assistance The following general assistance should be available to all members of The University of Auckland, as well as the general public: ♦ General Computing Advice ♦ University Web Page Navigation ♦ University Services ♦ University Resources ♦ Local IT Support Sections General Concepts: It is not possible for the Help Desk to be able to support all applications, but support officers should have a general concept of the following list: ♦ Eudora ♦ Student View ♦ GroupWise ♦ Net Account ♦ Elm ♦ MS Mail ♦ Pine ♦ MS Front Page ♦ SPSS/SAS ♦ MS Publisher ♦ PeopleSoft ♦ MS Schedular ♦ Heat Call Tracking Software ♦ Citrix Winframe Call Forwarding Infra-Help is used to log calls solved by the Help Desk. It is also used to forward calls to the appropriate IT specialists when calls cannot be resolved directly at the Help Desk. Calls can be forwarded to the following groups via Infra-Help 4. ITSS Groups: ♦ ITSS Data Network Services à Data transmission issues & queries ♦ ITSS Desktop Support à Desktop support issues for registry users ♦ ITSS Help Desk à 1st Level support for ITSS services ♦ ITSS Ed.Tech à NetAccount Administration ♦ ITSS Kevin & Mark à Novell Administration for ITSS services ♦ ITSS Library Systems à Library IT issues & queries ♦ ITSS Network Engineering à Network connectivity issues & queries ♦ ITSS Operations à Maintenance & backup of supported servers/services ♦ ITSS Software Admin à Site licensed software issues & queries ♦ ITSS Sys & Prod à Maintenance of production systems ♦ ITSS Tamaki à IT support & services for Tamaki Campus issues & queries ♦ ITSS Telecoms à Telephony & Voice issues & queries ♦ Infra Help à Call tracking technical issues ♦ Electronic Campus à IT support & services for Electronic Campus issues & queries Secondary Groups: ♦ Arts Faculty à IT support & services for Arts Faculty issues & queries 4 Calls from users that require service from local departmental or faculty groups not within Infra-Help should be directed to the appropriate support people, although with urgent issues we can contact them ourselves via Email. Page 11
  • 12. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ♦ Commerce à IT support & services for Commerce Faculty issues & queries ♦ CPD à IT support & services for Centre for Professional Development ♦ FinancialPSoft à PeopleSoft issues & queries 5 ♦ Maths & Stats à IT support & services for Mathematics & Statistics department ♦ Med School à Calls are no longer directed to this group6 ♦ PsoftTechSuppt à PeopleSoft Technical Support Group7 ♦ SOAPP – Architecture à IT support & services for Architecture & Property/Planning ♦ SRS Help Desk à IT support & services for Student Record Services Supported Clientele The following table gives detail as to which registries, departments, and faculties the Help Desk supports and what level of assistance is provided. Support Level Supported Clientele Services Provided Primary Support Academic Registry ♦ Desktop Hardware and software support Audio Visual ♦ Software and hardware support for Centre for Professional networks, and systems maintained by Development ITSS Electronic Campus ♦ Service Request Administration Faculty of Science 8 ♦ Dial-in and Simeon Configuration Human Resources assistance ITSS ♦ Call taking and follow-up on assigned Library requests and queries PeopleSoft ♦ General local knowledge support Property Services Registry Recreation Centre Research Office Student Affairs Student Learning Centre Tamaki Campus Vice Chancellor’s Office9 Secondary Architecture & Property ♦ Software and hardware support for Support Planning 10 networks, and systems maintained by Commerce Computing 11 ITSS Faculty of Arts 12 ♦ Service Request Administration Mathematics & Statistics ♦ Dial-in and Simeon Configuration Student Resource Services assistance ♦ Call taking and follow-up on assigned requests and queries ♦ General local knowledge support ITSS Services General & Academic Staff ♦ Support for networks and systems Only Sponsored Post Graduates maintained by ITSS ♦ Service Request Administration ♦ Dial-in and Simeon Configuration assistance ♦ Call taking and follow-up for ITSS 5 All PeopleSoft issues are currently directed here with the exception of HR PeopleSoft issues, which are forwarded directly to Support Officer Jason Nichol 6 Users are referred to Linda Stubbs, Medical School Divisional Support Manager on ext 8376 7 Calls are generally logged to this group by FinancialPSoft group or Jason Nichol 8 Faculty Office only. 9 10 minutes for initial response, 1 hour for 2nd level support, 24-hour resolution expected. 10 Includes ELAM School of Fine Arts 11 Includes Faculty of Business & Economics, Executive Programmes 12 Includes Continuing Education. Page 12
  • 13. ITSS Help Desk Procedures services ♦ General local knowledge support General Students ♦ General local knowledge support Assistance General Public Page 13
  • 14. ITSS Help Desk Procedures In-House Help Desk Duties Help Desk has a variety of in-house tasks and duties that need to be carried out. An overview of these issues are listed below: Call Taking & 1 st Level Resolution: ♦ Calls are received and logged into Infra-Help via a number of communication methods. It is the Help Desk staffs responsibility to attempt to resolve any issues or refer on to IT specialists within ITSS and the University for completion if a solution cannot be obtained within a reasonable timeframe. Statistics: ♦ Help Desk staff should be able to produce relevant statistics on request by the Help Desk Manager or ITSS managerial staff. Office Safety: ♦ Staff should ensure that the Help Desk office environment is non-hazardous as stipulated in the Health & Safety Regulations manual for the University of Auckland. Office Security: ♦ Ensuring that data and Help Desk systems are sufficiently protected from security breaches. Leave Requests: ♦ All leave requests are provided to the Help Desk Manager within a reasonable amount of time. Staff Inductions: ♦ Current staff may be required to assist new staff to become proficient in their new role. Personal Projects: ♦ Personal projects may be request to help enhance Help Desk operations. Stationery Administration: ♦ All staff is required to ensure that the Help Desk office has sufficient stationery for operational use. ITSS Information Centre: ♦ To record or provide relevant information regarding ITSS operational procedures. Page 14
  • 15. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Page 15
  • 16. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Help Desk Procedures Rostered Office Hours ♦ Shifts will be rostered by the Help Desk Manager or the Support Services Manager accordingly. ♦ Staff who cannot work their rostered shifts should notify the Help Desk Manager or the Support Services Manager as soon as possible. If for any reason these people are unavailable, a message should be left with the Help Desk staff13. ♦ Help desk staff based upon the number of officers available will carry out the following rostered shifts. Hours Lunch Morning Tea Afternoon Tea Shift 1 7:30am – 4:00pm 12:00am – 1:00pm 9:45 2:30 Shift 2 8:00am – 4:30pm 12:30am – 1:30pm 10:15 3:00 Shift 3 8:30am – 5:00pm 1:00am – 2:00pm 10:45 3:30 Shift 4 9:00am – 5:30pm 1:30am – 2:30pm 11:15 4:00 Under-Staffed Shifts: ♦ If the Help Desk is operating without a full compliment of staff, the following shifts should be filled in the order specified below. 1. Shift 2 8:00am – 4:30pm 2. Shift 3 8:30am – 5:00pm 3. Shift 1 7:30am – 4:00pm 4. Shift 4 9:00am – 5:30pm Lunch and Coffee Breaks: ♦ Lunch and coffee breaks can be adjusted if required, provided these changes have been discussed with either the Help Desk Manager or the Support Services Manager. If these people are unavailable, then negotiation with other working staff to cover the time can be arranged. ♦ Lunch breaks are an hour long and should be taken as directed unless arrangements have been made with the Help Desk Manager. ♦ Coffee breaks are fifteen minutes long and should also be taken as directed unless other arrangements have been made. 13 Joy Gilchrist is our administration manager, and needs to be eventually notified for all absences lasting more than one day. Page 16
  • 17. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Methods of Contact Telephone Help Desk Phone Numbers The following numbers are internal to The University of Auckland, and require external callers to first dial (09) 373-7599 followed by the appropriate extension, or (09) 373-7999 to contact the University telephonists for assistance. ♦ Primary Help Desk Number: ext 5100 This number will randomly assign the phone call to an individual member of the Help Desk hunt group. All Help Desk call takers have their phone extension placed in this group. Any member of the hunt group can pick-up a call directed to another phone in the group by pressing ‘22’ on their phone keypads to access the group pick-up service. Dialling ext 5599 and activating the voicEmail services can retrieve voicEmail for extension 5100. All members of the Help Desk hunt group have rights to do this. ♦ Emergency Help Desk Back-door Number: ext 4688 This number will automatically ring on all phones that are associated with the Help Desk hunt group, even if they are diverted. The number is used for emergency calls by various IT staff when necessary. ♦ The Help Desk Hunt Group All Help Desk phones have been placed into the hunt group to enable random transfers of incoming calls, providing access to group pick-up and group voicEmail. The table below gives detail as to what numbers are currently in the hunt group. Ownership Extension Help Desk Manager: Ron Wynyard 14 4775 Reception Desk: Office Use 8799 Support Officer: Bernadette Mooney 8924 Support Officer: Nicola Walden 5786 Support Officer: Shannon Blaymires 2333 Support Officer: Yohan Gunasegaram 6790 Response Procedures ♦ At least one of the Help Desk phones will be available to receive in-coming calls during operation hours unless special circumstances dictate otherwise15. 14 Although a member of the hunt group, this phone does not have ext 5100 calls randomly transferred to it. It can however be accessed by group pick-up and retrieve Help Desk voicEmail. 15 Such as fire drills and important meetings that cannot be interrupted. Page 17
  • 18. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ♦ Help Desk staff should endeavour to answer calls on the 3rd ring whenever possible. ♦ No more than five to ten minutes should be assigned to an initial call. If a solution can not be found in this time, ensure that you have taken the relevant details to either call back later once you have found a solution, or forward the call to 2nd level support staff. ♦ VoicEmail should be checked regularly to ensure that nobody has been missed. Normally the voicEmail light flashes on the phone to indicate a message has been left. However, the warning light is sometimes delayed or inactive, and a random check as time permits ensures whether or not there are calls waiting. ♦ All calls received to ext 5100 during operating hours should be responded to within twenty minutes. Email The second most utilised contact method from help desk customers. Quite often used for Email administration requests due to the necessity for correct syntax. Help Desk Email Addresses ♦ Primary Email Address: helpdesk@auckland.ac.nz This address is pointed to the Postbox account ‘helpdesk’ This account requires password access to use. Calls requesting adjustments to Email aliases and IP addresses, must apply via Email16 to ensure that we have documented instructions of the request. It is generally prudent to only have one support officer administering the Help Desk Email account at one time. This avoids confusion as to who is working on what message at the same time. ♦ Help Desk Email List: itss-help@auckland.ac.nz This mail list has all staff members of the Help Desk team in it. It is used for sending Email to the all group members, rather than having to send a message to each individual. Useful messages that come from the primary Help Desk Email account should be forwarded to this mail list to ensure that all staff receives relevant updates of information as required. Response Procedures ♦ All calls that are sent to helpdesk@auckland.ac.nz during operating hours should be responded to within twenty minutes. ♦ Unless identified as an urgent request, adjustments to Email aliases are considered 2nd priority to other Emailed queries. They have a turn over period of 24 hours during the working week. All calls from customers should be acknowledged with a return Email stating the resolution, or current state of play with their request. It is recommended to quote the log number of the call within this message for reference. 16 Or some other written method for documentation purposes. Page 18
  • 19. ITSS Help Desk Procedures These replies should have the initial call content within the message. This provides the Help Desk with a method of recording the call & its initial response together17. Paper Mail Generally used by external contacts or internal customers returning application forms for IT services. The Help Desk Mail Run ♦ A designated Help Desk staff member collects the mail twice a day. Once in the morning, and again in the afternoon. à Morning Run: Between 10:00am – 11:30am à Afternoon Run: Between 2:00pm – 3:30pm ♦ During these collections, the blue book used for Service Request Administration is taken to record any details for forms that can be passed on in the mail-room directly. ♦ Any mail that is in the Help Desk’s ‘Out’ tray is taken down to the mail room and either placed in the appropriate ITSS pigeonhole, or put into the mailbag for further processing. Fax Mail Primarily used for receiving urgent Service Request forms, or information from external contacts. ♦ Fax messages are sent to the following numbers: à City Campus external number (09) 373-7016 à City Campus internal number ext 4016 ♦ Received fax messages are picked up during the Help Desk mail runs stated above. ♦ To send a fax, Help Desk staff use the one available in the Telephony Operators office next door. Personal Visit Customers who wish to drop off or pick up resources such as Service Request forms, or loan-out software are the most common visitors to the Help Desk18. Visiting Hours ♦ City Campus Doors are open between 9:00am – 4:30pm19 17 All replies of calls have copies saved to the ‘sent-mail’ folder. 18 Although reception duties may bring other clientele to the Help Desk reception area. 19 Due to this reason, it is important that the Help Desk is staffed during this period by at least one Support Officer. Page 19
  • 20. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Web Pages A web site is available for customers to peruse various documentation and information in relation to the Help Desk’s services. ♦ URL Address: http://www.auckladn.ac.nz/itss/desktop/Help Desk/HD_Home.html ♦ Email can be sent to the Help Desk via links from these pages. ♦ It is also envisaged that in the future, these pages will be re-assessed and updated to provide better publicity and support to the services provided by the Help Desk. Infra-Help Call Tracking System Calls can be forwarded to the Help Desk group via the Infra-Help application by various IT staff who have been granted access to this system. For statistical purposes, Help Desk staff endeavour to log all the calls they receive into the Infra-Help system20. Calls that are not resolved immediately can be forwarded to 2nd level support staff, or deferred until they can be re-examined at a more suitable time. Refer to the ‘Infra-Help User Manual’ for more detailed instructions. Gathering Relevant Information ♦ Enter Client Details Gather information on the client such as, their name, phone extension, department, Email address, ID number, location, and UPI. If the customer is listed in the University Corporate Database (CorpDB), the information mentioned above will generally be auto-filled after one identification field is entered. ♦ Enter Problem Details Gather as much relevant information as possible. This will assist 2nd level support if the call is assigned to them and perhaps save them the necessity of contacting the user again for the information. Repetition and experience, will help identify the various details and questions required for the myriad of questions and queries that come through the Help Desk. It is suggested that a brief sentence that describes the problem is used at the beginning of the problem description field (ie Mac cannot print to networked Registry Printer). This enables 2nd level support staff to get a brief overview of the problem at a glance. 20 Currently, all calls should be logged into Infra-Help except instantly resolved Email queries. These are recorded manually to combine with the Infra-Help statistics on a monthly basis. Page 20
  • 21. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Also include a suitable ‘Problem Type’ description and ‘Priority Level’ to assist in categorising problems received at the Help Desk, and identifying the urgency level for further support action. Page 21
  • 22. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ♦ Enter Your Actions & Solutions nd Enter the advice or action you performed in relation to the query. This can help 2 level support staff identify what has already been done, and perhaps provide a solution to a particular problem that can be referred to again at a later date. ♦ Close or Refer Call As Necessary Add relevant information and either, close call, or refer it to 2nd level support staff for further follow up. ♦ Keep Client Informed Ensure that you inform the client of what action you are taking and who should be contacting them next (if necessary). It is good to repeat your definition of the problem to the client to ensure that you have understood what is required. Always provide the customer with the Infra-Help Call Number. This will assist in finding the call details if necessary at a later date. Call Maintenance ♦ Help Desk staff should ensure that calls logged to 2nd level support staff are picked up within a reasonable time frame, especially if the priority is of a high level. ♦ Forwarded calls that have not been picked up by another Support Officer will stay on the sending officer’s screen until this action has taken place. If a call has not been picked up in an appropriate amount of time, it is the responsibility of the Help Desk Officer to inquire as to what is the current status of the call and what action should be followed. ♦ Help Desk staff may also have to follow up on forwarded calls if requested by customers. They should first check the logged call details to see if there is any relevant information to provide. If not, they should either find the information out directly from the support group that the call was forwarded to, or leave a message for them to contact the customer in regard to their query. Page 22
  • 23. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Service Request Administration These procedures should be followed when dealing with the following Service Request Forms. Application to Use University Computer Services Target Turnover Time 21 ♦ Novell Account: 1-3 days. ♦ UAITNET Account: 1-2days ♦ Alias and/or other Helpdesk actions: 1-2days ♦ Total: 3-7 working days. Novell Servers Administered By ITSS22 ♦ ITSSNOV1 ♦ CASHNOV1 ♦ REGNOV1 ♦ TMKNOV1 ♦ REGNOV2 ♦ TMKNOV2 ♦ CCNOV1 ♦ TMKNOV3 ♦ CCNOV2 ♦ TMKNOVSUPPORT ♦ STACNOV1 UAITNET Access Requests for UAITNET access should be provided for the following: REGNOV1, REGNOV2, ITSSNOV1, CCNOV1, and CCNOV2 server accounts. Or in fact any staff that are members of the Property Services, Finance, Student Affairs, ITSS, HR, and Academic Registries of the University of Auckland. Postbox Accounts When the form has been returned to the Help Desk, Postbox accounts should be created for all users quoted above, even if currently they request their alias to point to server accounts. It is envisaged that at a later date, all supported staff will be shifted to Postbox. 21 Working days since form is received until when all the requests on the form are actioned 22 NT servers administered by ITSS are currently application servers only, although access to the UAITNET domain is a necessity for the REGNOV1, REGNOV2, ITSSNOV1, CCNOV1, and CCNOV2 servers. Administration and access to NT servers is currently handled by Desktop Support. Page 23
  • 24. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Responsibilities ♦ Verification of Signatures for this form is the responsibility of Helpdesk, and as with any service application form, this should be signed off after verification23. ♦ If the user insists that the signatory has changed ring the Old Signatory or the New Signatory to confirm the changes and then dispatch the Signing Authority form. Indicate that future requests for service will not be actioned until the new signatures are on record 24. ♦ If Forms for the Medical School are received they should be sent back to Graham Keane (Medical School Network Administrator) via the Internal Mail system. The normal procedure for the Medical School is that Graham creates these accounts and then sends Email to Helpdesk to create the aliases. The same is true for the Arts faculty. These forms should be sent to Arts Helpdesk, Arts faculty. Only accounts for Fine Arts, Asian Languages and Literature are processed by ITSS. ♦ If the servers are other than the above (eg: ANTNOVX, PSYCHX, SBSNOVX, ENGNOVX, EDUNOVX, etc.) they should be sent to the departmental or faculty administrator for that particular server. ♦ Comment sign and date any portion of the form that was actioned by you, as this would aid others in the team. 23 The Help Desk has a list of authorised signatories in a large black binder titled ‘Signatories’. 24 Without having to personally contact the signatory to verify authorisation. Page 24
  • 25. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Process Procedures 1. If the form has been dropped in directly to the Help Desk, ascertain if form has been correctly and completely filled in while the user is present. Return the form directly if any shortcomings are noted. 2. If the form is correct, note in the Blue Log25 and place in the ‘Out’ Tray to be sent to Kevin Lai & Mark Bonos (ITSS NetWare Administrators). If the form requires only helpdesk action for Email administration, place it in the ‘To Do’ Tray, after entering it into the Blue Log26. 3. Forms collected from the mailroom should be checked for completeness (except for verification of signatures) while there, and noted in the Blue Log. Leave a blank box in the ‘Check’ field if the form has to come back to helpdesk27. 4. If the form is incomplete, send it back noting it in the Blue log with an Incomplete Service Application form accentuating the areas of insufficiency28. Place verified forms in the ‘Kevin Lai /Mark Bonos’ pigeonhole if a Novell login account is requested. 5. If the user requires access to the UAITNET domain 29, log an Infra-help call to desktop support noting the call number on the right hand side of the Service Request form. The following information should be placed into the body of the call: ‘UAITNET account requested. ID #: 1234567, UPI: jblo001, Password: ******* (if unique password has been requested) Department: (same dept as person authorizing the form) Kindly inform the user and ‘any other person’ on Ext**** when the account has been created.’ 6. Create a Postbox account if required. (Users in Finance Registry must be given a postbox account) 7. Create an alias and point it to the source Email account server as required. 8. Test the Email alias by sending a test message to the appropriate address, and then inform the user by phone, mentioning that the UAITNET login account will be created by desktop support and that they will inform the user once this has been actioned. 9. File the application form in our filing cabinet, in alphabetical order! 25 ‘S’ is code used for ‘Form’ field & K/M is code for ‘Destination’ field. The Help Desk dates the ‘Check’ field once the form has returned for Email administration. 26 Ensuring check box is ticked, as no further action from external parties is required. 27 A date can be entered into this box once the form has returned to the Help Desk. 28 Use ‘ISA’ code in the ‘Destination’ field 29 REGNOV1, REGNOV2, ITSSNOV1, CCNOV1, and CCNOV2 server accounts. Or any staff that are members of the Property Services, Finance, Student Affairs, ITSS, HR, and Academic Registries of the University. Page 25
  • 26. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Request for Telecommunications Services Target Turnover Time 30 ♦ Entry of details into University Directory: 1-7 days. ♦ New extension /move existing extensions: 8 days. ♦ New voicemail set-up : 5 days ♦ PIN change on voicemail: 2 days. ♦ Faults: 24 hours. Responsibilities ♦ Do not divulge telecommunication-staffing shortages if queried by clientele about delays. Rather say it will be attended too as soon as possible. ♦ We do not log any receipt of these forms in our Blue log. Process Procedures 1. Ascertain if there is any service requested on the form. 2. If there is no service request, and the form only contains information to be added to the telephony database, the form will be placed in the pigeon-hole for Margaret Rizzi (Telephony Supervisor) when Help Desk staff make their next visit to the mailroom. 3. All telecommunication forms that request a service of some sort are placed in the mailroom pigeonhole for John Henry. This is done even if the form also has information that is to be added to the telephony database system31 30 Working days since form is received until when all the requests on the form are actioned 31 The Telecommunications team will pass this form on accordingly themselves. Page 26
  • 27. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Application for Direct Access to the Internet from the University Network Target Turnover Time 32 ♦ Accurately filled in form: 1-2 days. Responsibility ♦ Verification of signature for this form is done by DNS, as it is filed within their department. Process Procedures 1. If the form has been dropped in directly to the Help Desk, ascertain if form has been correctly and completely filled in while the user is present. Return the form directly if any shortcomings are noted 33. 2. Forms collected from the mailroom should be checked for completeness while there, and noted in the Blue Log. If the form is correct, place in the pigeonhole for Mark Bradley (Data Network Services). 3. If the form is incomplete, send it back noting it in the Blue log with an Incomplete Service Application form accentuating the areas of insufficiency34. 32 Working days since form is received until when all the requests on the form are actioned 33 Signature authorisation is not required with this form, although a valid IP address is. 34 Use ‘ISA’ code in the ‘Destination’ field Page 27
  • 28. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Application to Use Support Systems Target Turnover Time 35 ♦ Infra-Help or Heat accounts: 1-2 days. ♦ Other Software requests: 1-3 days Responsibilities ♦ Software access requests are the responsibility of Anne Harvey-Williams (Software Administration Supervisor). ♦ Requests for Infra-Help and Heat accounts are the responsibility of the Help Desk Manager36. ♦ If the form is sent initially to the Software Administration team and an Infra-Help or Heat account are requested, they will send a copy of it to the Help Desk stating that an account needs creation. ♦ Sectional and departmental IT Manager are required to sign for authorisation for such requests. ♦ Only local IT Support staff are entitled to apply for access to the software site37. They are also responsible for any support issues that arise from installing software from the archive. Procedures 1. Ascertain if the Form has an Infra-help or Heat account requested. If so, hand over the form to the Help Desk Manager who will process the Call Tracking account accordingly and then pass on the form to the Software Administration team afterwards. 2. If the Help Desk Manager is unavailable, Bernadette Mooney is able to process these forms also. 3. If the Form is requesting software access only, place form in the mailroom pigeonhole for Anne Harvey-Williams. 4. Enter details in the blue logbook38. 35 Working days since form is received until when all the requests on the form are actioned 36 Or the Senior Support Analyst if the Help Desk Manager is absent. 37 Software is maintained on the ITSSNOV1 server. 38 ‘Anne HW’ in the destination field if sent to Software Administration or ‘HD’ if the form goes to the Help Desk Manager. Page 28
  • 29. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Dial-In Access to the University Network Target Turnover Time 39 ♦ Accurately filled-in Form: 1-2 days. Responsibilities ♦ Verification of Signatures for this form is the responsibility of Helpdesk, and as in any service application form this should be signed off after verification40. The form requires the signature in two separate places 41. ♦ If the user insists that the signatory has changed ring the Old Signatory or the New Signatory to confirm the changes and then dispatch the Signing Authority form. Indicate that future requests for service will not be actioned until the new signatures are on record 42. ♦ The ‘To Do’ tray has forms that are complete with signatures verified and logged into the blue book. Where as, the ‘Inbox’ Tray is a receptacle only, and forms could be in any stage of processing. Process Procedures 1. If the form has been dropped in directly to the Help Desk, ascertain if form has been correctly and completely filled in while the user is present. Return the form directly if any shortcomings are noted. 2. Forms collected from the mailroom should be checked for completeness (except for verification of signatures) while there, and noted in the Blue Log. 3. If the form is incomplete, send it back noting it in the Blue log with an Incomplete Service Application form accentuating the areas of insufficiency43. 4. Ensure that the user has a University of Auckland alias by checking the alias file. It is ITSS policy that an alias exists prior to creation of the dial-in account as this is used for billing purposes to the users faculty or department. 5. Check if the user exists in the rac.auckland.ac.nz UNIX system. 6. Action the requests by utilizing the Remote Access Maintenance script. 7. Document accordingly, sign off, and date the bottom of the application form. 8. Send the form ‘Your Dial in account has been created’ to the user through the internal mail44. 39 Working days since form is received until when all the requests on the form are actioned 40 The Help Desk has a list of authorised signatories in a large black binder titled ‘Signatories’. 41 The first is for agreement to the creation of a dial-in account. The second is to verify Internet or Intranet access. 42 Without having to personally contact the signatory to verify authorisation. 43 Use ‘ISA’ code in the ‘Destination’ field. 44 For users who require their access details faster, send the details in an Email to their account. It can be considered a potential breach of security to give this information over the phone unless the Help Desk staff member is completely sure who is on the phone. Page 29
  • 30. ITSS Help Desk Procedures 9. File the application form in our filing cabinet, in alphabetical order! Request to Change a Production System Managed by ITSS Target Turnover Time ♦ Dependable on time of outage & additional notification to client groups. Responsibilities ♦ The initiator of the change should complete Section A and then discuss the change with their Section Manager (Section C) to identify other relevant sections of ITSS (Section D) and the major client groups to be affected. ♦ The initiator is responsible for discussing the change with any relevant ITSS Managers. ♦ The Help Desk Manager should consult with any identified Managers of the major client groups that will be affected45. Process Procedures 1. The Help Desk Manager will inform identified Managers of major client groups of the proposed disruption and obtain agreement or disagreement for the outage. If there is a disagreement, the Help Desk Manager will consult with the initiator of the disruption to arrange a time period that is satisfactory for all parties concerned. 2. The Help Desk Manager will sign Section E of the form stating whether the outage can proceed or not. 3. Upon agreement from identified major client groups, the Help Desk Manager will ensure that a ‘Network Notification’ is posted to the mail list ‘networknotices@auckland.ac.nz’ providing the relevant details of the outage. 4. The Help Desk Manager will ensure that a call is logged into Infra-Help and forwarded to the initiator of the outage with relevant details included46. 5. The logged call number is written into the appropriate field 47 of the Change Request form and passed onto the ITSS Operations group. 6. Once the outage is completed, the initiator will sign off the form (Section B) and return it to the Help Desk to file. 45 If the Help Desk Manager is unavailable, the Senior Help Desk officer can either attempt to contact the Help Desk Manager to see what is next required or pass the form to the Support Services Manager to follow up on accordingly. 46 Normally, a copy of the Emailed disruption notice is cut and pasted into the call details. 47 Located on the top right hand side of the form. Page 30
  • 31. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Examples Of Disruption Notices Sent To Mail List networknotices@auckland.ac.nz To: networknotices@auckland.ac.nz Subject: Network Notification: [System that dis ruption will occur on] Greetings from the ITSS Help Desk. SYSTEM: [System(s) affected] DATE: [Date outage is scheduled for] TIME: [Time outage is scheduled for] REASON: [Description & reason for proposed change] SERVICES AFFECTED: [Consequences for proposed change] GROUPS AFFECTED: [Groups affected by proposed change] If there are any queries, feel free to contact the ITSS Help Desk on ext 5100. To: networknotices@auckland.ac.nz Subject: Network Notification: Repartee voice Processing System Greetings from the ITSS Help Desk. SYSTEM: Repartee Voice Processing System DATE: Wednesday 19th May 99 TIME: 7:00pm - 11:55pm (19:00hrs - 23:55hrs) REASON: Software & hardware upgrade to Repartee Voice Procession System to enable y2k compliance SERVICES AFFECTED: No incoming calls from outside the University on 373-7999 and 373-7599. No voicemail services GROUPS AFFECTED: All users of phone system. If there are any queries, feel free to contact the ITSS Help Desk on ext 5100. Page 31
  • 32. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Page 32
  • 33. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Administration Duties The Help Desk is responsible for looking after the following administrative services: ♦ Email Alias creation, adjustment on Mailhost server ♦ Major-domo mailing list creation and adjustment on Mailhost server ♦ Email account creation, adjustment, and trouble-shooting on IMAP Postbox server ♦ Dial-in account creation, adjustment on RAC server Email Alias Administration At present ITSS does not have a Network Users Database and uses the Email Alias File as a defacto Network Users Database. The first contact ITSS has with most users of the University Network is when they obtain an Email alias. We utilise this process to capture the information we require to assist in managing our clientele. We capture Name and University ID and alias for use in the Mail Address Books and The University of Auckland’s Web Directory. If they have a desktop machine, their alias will be used as a component of the name of their machine which is stored in the ITSS Name Server, which dynamically translates machine names to their IP numbers and vice versa. We capture the name of the users mail serve(s) and their user name on the server (mail target) so we can deliver Email correctly. If a user moves to another server or changes their user name, we can re-map the alias and continue to deliver Email addressed to their alias correctly. We capture the users Department/Section and a charge code so that we know where to direct Network Charges 48. The Alias File The source text which is compiled into the alias file is in four text files residing on the UNIX machine mailhost.auckland.ac.nz /mail/aliases/auckland à Main source of user aliases maintained by Help Desk. /mail/aliases/misc à Miscellaneous aliases source maintained by Help Desk & the postmaster. /mail/aliases/majordomo à Majordomo list server aliases source maintained by the postmaster. /mail/aliases/system à Mail system aliases source maintained by postmaster. 48 Network charges are composed from: a) Email use b) ftp traffic c) web usage d) dial-in services For detailed charging information see http://www.auckland.ac.nz/itss/Policy/NetworkCharges.html Page 33
  • 34. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Format of Entries In the main user alias file /mail/aliases/auckland a typical entry is of the following format: #+7456812 Mike User, Physics – City, <m.user>, phy m.user: mju@phy.auckland.ac.nz The first line is a comment line # à Defines line as a comment line + à Turns on reverse aliasing (- turns off reverse aliasing) 74556834 à Seven digit University ID number of user requesting alias Mike User à Name of user requesting alias Physics – City à Department/Section to which the user belongs <m.user> à Alias enclosed in angle brackets used to associate comment line with its alias line phy à Charge code for charging network traffic to Physics – City department The second line is the Email alias line m.user: à Defines alias m.user@auckland.ac.nz mju@phy.auckland.ac.nz à Defines the alias target account Notes ♦ Reverse Aliasing If reverse aliasing is turned on, as in the above example, then mail sent from mju@phy.auckland.ac.nz will appear to have been sent by m.user@auckland.ac.nz not mju@phy.auckland.ac.nz If multiple aliases point to the same target, only one can be reverse aliased. ♦ University ID Numbers Inclusion of University ID numbers ensure that we can correctly identify and bill a user, and that the alias will flow on through to the Corporate Database and into The University of Auckland’s Web Directory. Help Desk staff must make every effort to capture an ID number at the time the alias is created. Some persons affiliated to, but not employed by the University, will not have ID’s at the present time (or a new user has not yet been provided one by HR). In this case it is permissible to use the users date of birth as a temporary ID with leading zero (ie DOB 18 June 1938 corresponds with an ID of 0180638). It is a common curtesy to inform the postmaster when a birth date has been substituted for an ID number. ♦ Department Names and Associated Charge Codes The file /mail/aliases/map_dept.pl contains all valid charge codes and valid department/section names in the following format: ‘acrsec’, ‘acresec’, #21063 Academic Registry-Secretariat acrsec à The first item in single quotes is the charge code #21063 à The organisation number49 Academic Registry-Secretariat à Department/Section Name 49 If the record reads #***** then the record is superseded and is not valid in the alias file. Page 34
  • 35. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Page 35
  • 36. ITSS Help Desk Procedures To view the departmental charge code file type: more /mail/aliases/map_dept.pl ♦ Use Space-bar to scroll forward through file ♦ Use B key to scroll backwards through file ♦ Use Q key to quit the “more” command and return to UNIX prompt Administering The Alias File Help Desk personnel are responsible for maintaining the alias file, and will have their own login accounts assigned on mailhost.auckland.ac.nz with appropriate rights. Mailhost is a UNIX machine and has a command line user interface as opposed to a GUI50. It is beneficial to have a basic UNIX knowledge to interact with the system and the scripts provided for alias administration. 3 Scripts have been provided for Email alias administration: 1. searchaliases à Used to find a particular alias or group of aliases 2. editaliases à Used to add or delete or modify individual aliases 3. addaliases à Used to add numbers of new aliases Searching For an Alias To search the alias file type: searchaliases [alias of user] Example searchaliases b.mooney To search for all the smiths type: searchaliases smith | more ♦ Use Space-bar to scroll forward through file ♦ Use B key to scroll backwards through file ♦ Use Q key to quit the “more” command and return to UNIX prompt Adding Or Modifying An Alias Entry The script editaliases will enable you to use the UNIX editor emacs to modify the chosen alias source file, and when you exit from the editor, will rebuild the databases used by the mail system. To prevent overlapping edits by other parties, editaliases locks the alias file while you are working in it. ♦ editaliases Used to make changes to the main alias source /mail/aliases/auckland ♦ editaliases misc 50 Graphical User Interface Page 36
  • 37. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Used to make changes to the miscellaneous aliases source /mail/aliases/misc Page 37
  • 38. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Useful emacs Keystrokes Key Combinations Detail Ctrl + a Move cursor to the beginning of a line Ctrl + e Move cursor to the end of a line Ctrl + d Delete character at cursor Ctrl + k Deletes from cursor to end of current line Ctrl + Space-bar Sets a mark at the current cursor position Ctrl + w Cuts text from mark to current cursor position Ctrl + y Pastes text from cut buffer at current cursor position Ctrl + x followed by Ctrl + c Exit emacs editor Ctrl + x followed by u Undo last edit Ctrl + z Will suspend the emacs session fg Will resume a suspended emacs session Adding A New Entry ♦ Log into mailhost.auckland.ac.nz using a terminal emulation application such as WIN QVT ♦ Type in the command:editaliases ♦ Create a template 1. Search for the department by entering Ctrl + s and part of the department name. 2. Repeat Ctrl + s until you get the right department51. 3. Once you find an alias that is for someone in the department of the alias you are about to enter, press Ctrl + a to go to the start of the line. 4. Ctrl + Space-bar to mark the start of the line, then press the Down-arrow key twice to select both lines of the alias entry. 5. Ctrl + W to cut text into the cut buffer, and Ctrl + Y to paste the template back. ♦ Find where to enter a new alias 52 1. Press Ctrl + s and search on the surname. 2. Once you work out where to insert the new alias press Ctrl + a to go to the beginning of the line. 3. Press Ctrl + y to paste the copied template from the cut buffer. ♦ Edit the pasted template 1. Replace the pasted ID number and user name with the new user’s details. 2. Replace the old alias with the new user’s assigned alias. 3. Replace the pasted target account with the new user’s target account. ♦ Exit and re-compile the alias file 1. Press Ctrl + x followed by Ctrl + c to exit the emacs editor. 2. Press y key when prompted to save file dialogue. 3. Select option c (Commit) on prompt to Abort Edit Diff Commit dialogue to make the new alias operational. 51 Be careful of departments and faculties. “The Education Department” and the “Faculty of Education” are different entities. 52 Aliases are entered alphabetically by ALIAS OWNER daemon. Page 38
  • 39. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Bulk Adding of New Aliases Sometimes it is necessary to add many “New” aliases at once, and the script addaliases has been provided to do this. Addaliases locks the alias file while you are working on it to prevent overlapping edits by other parties. Make sure you have all the information at hand before invoking the script, and in particular you have the ID number and charge code available for each entry. The script first formats each entry as you enter the data, checks for clashes with existing aliases, and after all the new aliases have been entered, allows you to merge the new entries into the alias file and re- compile the alias database. ♦ Log into mailhost.auckland.ac.nz using a terminal emulation application such as WIN QVT ♦ Type in the command:addaliases ♦ Enter new aliases Enter each alias by supplying ID, Name, Dept Code, Alias, Target, Reverse alias flag, as a comma separated list (eg 7119266, David Ash, dnet, d.ash, davida@mailhost., +). Note that if the target machine name is followed by a period then the script will append auckland.ac.nz to the machine name (eg davida@mailhost. = davida@mailhost.auckland.ac.nz). ♦ Merge aliases into Alias file After all aliases have been entered and corrected, use the m option in the Abort Correct Merge Next dialogue to merge new aliases into alias file and make new aliases operational. Diverting Mail To Overseas Location On occasion, staff on sabbatical or training leave may require their Email to be diverted to another location. Such requests for re-direction must be provided to the Help Desk in written form (eg via fax or Email to helpdesk@auckland.ac.nz). The following steps outline the appropriate procedures to administer this. 1. Find the appropriate alias and clarify where the mail alias points (ie what is the source server). 2. Change the mail alias to point to the external Email location mail is to be forwarded to. 3. Remove the reverse aliasing flag. This flag is at the beginning of the comment line (ie change + to - ). 4. Send Email to the administrator of the server (Novell or Unix) that the original mail alias pointed to, asking them to auto forward the user’s mail to their alias 53. Removal of Alias Entries On occasion, requests for an alias to be removed may be logged to the Help Desk. These requests are forwarded directly to the Postmaster to administer and follow up on. 53 It may be important to ascertain whether they wish to have mail forwarded directly or to have a copy left on the server for use when they return. Page 39
  • 40. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Establishment of Mailing Lists To create a mailing list, an account on the mailhost.auckland.ac.nz UNIX server is required. Using a terminal emulation package such as WIN QVT allows access to mailhost.auckland.ac.nz. To Create A Mailing List ♦ Create A List of Subscribers: This is the Email list of names to be added to the mailing list that you are about to create. A good methodology to follow is to create the list using MS Word or similar MS Windows based word processor, and cut and paste via Win QVT, cut and paste directly from MS Windows based Email application. The alternative is to enter the Email addresses directly into the template discussed below54. ♦ Log into mailhost.auckland.ac.nz using a terminal emulation application such as WIN QVT ♦ Type in the command:md-mklist This runs an emacs script that presents a template which when filled in and actioned will create the list. The template is labelled ‘Majordomo List Maker’. An example of this template is shown below: ## Majordomo list maker List name = # newlist List owner = # alias@auckland.ac.nz Department code = # dept Password = # password Description = # A one line summary Subscription = # closed or open Visibility = # open or ua or hidden Subscribers = # one per alias line ## End of form - - DO NOT REMOVE THIS LINE Note: Anything after a hash ‘#’ sign is a comment and is ignored. You should not change the text before the ‘=’ sign, as the emacs script will not function correctly. 54 Ensure that the Email addresses are valid by checking listings given when list is requested or using the alias file as a check. Page 40
  • 41. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ♦ Fill in the values Using the template provided, fill in the values as shown in the example below: ## Majordomo list maker List name = computer-support List owner = postmaster@auckland.ac.nz Department code = itss Password = bigsecret Description = A way to contact computer support people... Subscription = open Visibility = ua Subscribers = # one per alias line a.alias@auckland.ac.nz b.balias@auckland.ac.nz c.calias@auckland.ac.nz ## End of form - - DO NOT REMOVE THIS LINE Note: ♦ If you have a number of people who should be subscribed to the list, you can put them into the file as shown in the above example. If there are none, you can leave a blank line. ♦ For lengthy lists of Email addresses, it may be better to cut and paste directly into template where aliases are shown in the example above. Page 41
  • 42. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Field Definitions & Additional Information List Name ♦ The name of the list being created. ♦ Do not use upper case characters. ♦ Hyphens can be used to separate words. ie computer-support or itss-infra-help List Owner ♦ The person responsible for administering the mailing list. ♦ A list of Majordomo administration commands can be obtained by sending Email to majordomo@auckland.ac.nz with the word ‘help’ in the subject line. Department Code ♦ The charge code associated with the department or faculty requesting the mailing list for billing purposes. ♦ This charge code is the same as that used in the alias file. Password ♦ Password used by list owners to administer the mailing list. ♦ The password is stored in plain text. ♦ Don’t bother to make it too cryptic. Description ♦ A one-liner to provide a brief description regarding the use of the mail list. Subscription ♦ Sets rights as to who can subscribe to the mail list. ♦ Open lists allow anyone to subscribe/unsubscribe. They are used for general University lists such as computer-support. ♦ Closed lists must have the list owner to subscribe/unsubscribe list users. Visibility ♦ Controls how the list shows up on the list-of-lists. ♦ open lists allow anyone in the world to see them55. ♦ ua lists allow only people within The University of Auckland to view them. ♦ closed lists cannot be viewed by those without appropriate Majordomo rights. Subscribers ♦ Email addresses for all people within the mail list. ♦ Each address is on an individual line as shown in the example previously. ♦ Ensure there is no empty lines between the last subscriber and the end of form comment. ♦ Save the file and exit emacs Script 1. Ctrl + X followed by Ctrl + C is used as with the alias file. 2. A menu will appear prompting for the following options: (a) Abort (e) Edit (c) Create list Which? 3. If the list maker does not like what you have put into the file, it will complain with a message. You should press the ‘E’ key followed by a Return to edit the list accordingly. 4. Press the ‘C’ key followed by a return to create the list. You will see similar syntax as shown below if you are successful: /mail/aliases/misc: 234 aliases, longest 769 bytes, 17429 bytes total /mail/aliases/auckland: 4783 aliases, longest 43 bytes, 184509 bytes total /mail/aliases/system: 17 aliases, longest 36 bytes, 279 bytes total /mail/aliases/majordomo: 498 aliases, longest 122 bytes, 29278 bytes total ♦ Check that mailing list has been created Use one of the methods outlined below to ensure that the list has been created. In the following examples, it is assumed that you have created the mailing list ‘computer-support’: 1. md-findpass computer-support The command above should send back the password set for the mailing list. 55 Shows the name of the list, but not the subscribed addresses within the list. Page 42
  • 43. ITSS Help Desk Procedures 2. Page 43
  • 44. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ls /mail/majordomo/lists/computer-support* The command above should produce the following output to your screen: /mail/majordomo/lists/computer-support /mail/majordomo/lists/computer-support.owner /mail/majordomo/lists/computer-support.config 3. By subscribing to mail list, sending a test message to computer-support@auckland.ac.nz, and then unsubscribing, you can see the message you have posted56. The commands to subscribe and unsubscribe are shown below: md-sub computer-support alias@auckland.ac.nz md-unsub computer-support alias@auckland.ac.nz ♦ Confirmation of list creation 1. Upon the creation of the mailing list, Email should be despatched to the person requesting the creation of the list, as confirmation of its origin. 2. It is helpful to include hints on how to administer the mail list57. Removing A List md-rmlist [listname] The command above will not ask for confirmation. It will automatically remove the mailing list and return the following information to the screen: listname: removing subscriber list listname: removing list owner listname: removing list configuration listname: rewriting majordomo alias file Listing The Lists md-ls | more The command above will list all the lists we serve. The ‘more’ command allows a pause break to view the lists more easily. ♦ Use Space-bar to scroll forward through list ♦ Use B key to scroll backwards through list ♦ Use Q key to quit the “more” command and return to UNIX prompt Finding A List’s Password md-findpass [listname] 56 This method will also send the test message to all members of the list as well as notifying the list owner that you have done this. 57 Send a copy of the Majordomo help file within the Email to the list owner along with a list of Email addresses added to the mail list. Page 44
  • 45. ITSS Help Desk Procedures The command above will provide the following feedback to your monitor (example uses computer- support for the listname: computer-support: admin password ‘6elqplv2’ Subscribing and Unsubscribing for Help Desk Staff ITSS Help Desk staff are granted rights to subscribe & unsubscribe users to mailing lists without using the standard Majordomo commands that are employed by list owners. ♦ To subscribe someone md-sub [listname] a.alias@auckland.ac.nz ♦ To unsubscribe someone md-unsub [listname] a.alias@auckland.ac.nz Subscribing and Unsubscribing for List Owners List owners subscribe & unsubscribe by sending Email to: majordomo@auckland.ac.nz The following commands should be placed into the body of the Email message58: ♦ To subscribe someone approve PASSWORD subscribe [listname] a.alias@auckland.ac.nz ♦ To unsubscribe someone approve PASSWORD unsubscribe [listname] a.aliase@auckland.ac.nz Identifying Subscribers to A List more /mail/majordomo/lists/[listname] The command above will provide a list of all Email addresses of those currently subscribing to the list. The ‘more’ command allows a pause break to view the file more easily. ♦ Use Space-bar to scroll forward through listings ♦ Use B key to scroll backwards through listings ♦ Use Q key to quit the “more” command and return to UNIX prompt Identifying the List Owner more /mail/majordomo/lists/[listname].owner The command above will provide detail as to who is registered as the list owner for the mailing list requested in the command. 58 There should be no signature within the message, if there is, then ‘end’ should be entered after the subscribe/unsubscribe command. Page 45
  • 46. ITSS Help Desk Procedures The ‘more’ command allows you to view the list owner Page 46
  • 47. ITSS Help Desk Procedures The Majordomo Help File The following information is a verbatim copy of the file sent from majordomo@auckland.ac.nz when ‘help’ is placed in the subject line. **** Help for Majordomo@auckland.ac.nz: This is Brent Chapman's "Majordomo" mailing list manager, version 1.93. In the description below items contained in []'s are optional. When providing the item, do not include the [ ]'s around it. It understands the following commands: subscribe <list> [<address>] Subscribe yourself (or <address> if specified) to the named <list> unsubscribe <list> [<address>] Unsubscribe yourself (or <address> if specified) from the named <list> get <list> <filename> Get a file related to <list> index <list> Return an index of files you can "get" for <list> which [<address>] Find out which lists you (or <address> if specified) are on who <list> Find out who is on the named <list> info <list> Retrieve the general introductory information for the named <list> lists Show the lists served by this Majordomo server help Retrieve this message end Stop processing commands (useful if your mailer adds a signature) Commands should be sent in the body of an Email message to "Majordomo@auckland.ac.nz". Commands in the "Subject:" line NOT processed. If you have any questions or problems, please contact "Majordomo-Owner@auckland.ac.nz". Page 47
  • 48. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Postbox Administration Postbox is a UNIX machine59 running Solaris that provides staff and authorised graduate students with Email accounts. Their Email is accessed via IMAP clients such as Simeon, Eudora, and Netscape Communicator60 Responsibilities ♦ It is part of the Help Desk’s duties to create Postbox accounts for users who provide the required Service Request form with a verifiable UPI61. ♦ If an account is requested for a person without a UPI, it should be referred to Ian Fa’asalele (Systems and Production team). ♦ Help Desk staff is responsible for: à Creating accounts à Changing passwords à Deleting accounts à Checking and adjusting quota space à Rebuilding accounts Administration Information The Help Desk responsibilities listed above can only be accessed from the ‘helpdesk’ account on postbox.auckland.ac.nz These administration tasks cannot be performed from an individual Help Desk officer’s postbox account. After logging postbox.auckland.ac.nz, the ‘sudo’ command is required to be run. Sudo allows authorised users to execute a command as the ‘Super-User’. It prompts the user for their password 62 to verify their administration rights on the server. The ‘sudo’ command lasts for five minutes. In that time if another sudo command is not submitted, the next ‘sudo’ command will require the user to enter the password again. Hence, when two ‘sudo’ commands are submitted within less than five minutes between them, the password prompt does not reappear. Creating Postbox Accounts ♦ Command: new-account > sudo new-account > Password: ******* > Enter the user’s UPI: jblo001 > Enter the user’s full name: Joe-Jane Bloggs xt1234 > Enter the user’s staff-id number: 1234567 59 postbox.auckland.ac.nz 60 All Email applications that can handle the IMAP protocol. 61 Universal Public Identifier which is issued to University staff along with their ID number. 62 The password for the ‘helpdesk’ account. Page 48
  • 49. ITSS Help Desk Procedures > Account created The example above shows how to use the command ‘new-account’. ♦ Sudo is needed to give root privileges. ♦ The password prompt is asking for the ‘helpdesk’ account password. ♦ You are then asked for the new accounts UPI, terminated by the ‘Return’ key. ♦ You are then asked for the user’s name, type the full name and phone extension number if available. ♦ You are then asked for the staff ID number. This is used as the initial password for their account. ♦ The script then creates the users account and other files that the account might need. ♦ The “Account Created” message informs you that the task has completed successfully. Changing A Password ♦ Command: changepass > sudo changepass jblo001 > Password: ******* > New password: ****** > Re-enter new password: ****** The example above shows how to use the command ‘changepass’. ♦ Sudo is needed to give root privileges. ♦ UPI is needed, in this case the user account jblo001 was included. The ‘changepass’ command will not work without a valid UPI typed in. ♦ The password prompt is asking for the ‘helpdesk’ account password. ♦ You are then asked to enter the new password for the user’s account that you are changing. ♦ You are then asked to re-enter the new password to check that you have typed in the password correctly. Deleting an Account: ♦ Command: del-account > sudo del-account jblo001 > Password: ******* > Are you sure you want to delete the account jblo001 [y/n]? > y > Account jblo001 has been deleted. The example above shows how to use the command ‘del-account’. ♦ Sudo is needed to give root privileges. ♦ UPI is needed, in this case the user account jblo001 was included. The ‘del-account’ command will not work without a valid UPI typed in. ♦ The password prompt is asking for the ‘helpdesk’ account password. ♦ You are then asked to confirm that you have the correct account to be deleted, you must type ‘y’ for Yes to delete the account. The default is ‘n’ for No. ♦ The job then deletes the user’s account and other files that the account uses. ♦ The “Account jblo001 has been deleted.” message informs you that the job has finished successfully. Page 49
  • 50. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Checking an Account Quota ♦ Command: checkquota > sudo checkquota jblo001 > Password: ******* > STORAGE for jblo001 > ------- > Total = 10000 > Used = 8750 > Unused = 250 The example above shows how to use the command ‘checkquota’. ♦ Sudo is needed to give root privileges. ♦ UPI is needed, in this case the user account jblo001 was included. The ‘checkquota’ command will not work without a valid UPI typed in. ♦ The password prompt is asking for the ‘helpdesk’ account password. ♦ The message “STORAGE for jblo001” identifies who’s account is being queried for their available quota space on postbox.auckland.ac.nz ♦ ‘Total’ provides detail as to the total quota that is allocated to the account63. ♦ ‘Used’ indicates how much of the allocated quota has currently been used. ♦ ‘Unused’ indicates how much quota is still available for the account. Setting A New Quota for An Account ♦ Command: newquota > sudo newquota jblo001 11000 > Password: ******* > QUOTA change SUCCESSFUL. > > STORAGE for jblo001 > ------- > Total = 11000 > Used = 800 > Unused = 300 The example above shows how to use the command ‘newquota’. ♦ Sudo is needed to give root privileges. ♦ UPI is needed, in this case the user account jblo001 was included. The ‘newquota’ command will not work without a valid UPI typed in. ♦ The ‘k quota level’ is needed, in this case the quota 11000 was included (11MB). The ‘newquota’ command will not work without a new quota typed in. ♦ The password prompt is asking for the ‘helpdesk’ account password. ♦ The message “QUOTA change SUCCESSFUL” informs you that the accounts quota has been adjusted successfully. ♦ ‘Total’ provides detail as to the new quota that is allocated to the account. ♦ ‘Used’ indicates how much of the allocated quota has currently been used. ♦ ‘Unused’ indicates how much quota is still available for the account. 63 The standard rule is that accounts have 10000k of quota, although this may need to be adjusted when accounts are over quota or special arrangements have been made with Ian Fa’asalele. Page 50
  • 51. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Rebuilding a Postbox Account ♦ Command: rebuild > sudo rebuild jblo001 > Password: ******* > When user has logged out of POSTBOX, > or exited their Email client, > type [C]. . . . . . . . . .continue > or [E]. . . . . . . . . .exit : c > tcsh: 6.07.02 > tcsh: Trying to start from “/dept/itss/jblo001” > tcsh: Trying to start from “/” > user.jblo001 > user.jblo001.dir1 > user.jblo001.dir2 > user.jblo001.dir3 > user.jblo001.dir3.sub1 > user.jblo001.dir3.sub2 > user.jblo001.dir3.sub3 > user.jblo001.sentmail > user.jblo001.unfinished_mail > The example above shows how to use the command ‘rebuild’. ♦ Sudo is needed to give root privileges. ♦ UPI is needed, in this case the user account jblo001 was included. The ‘checkquota’ command will not work without a valid UPI typed in. ♦ The password prompt is asking for the ‘helpdesk’ account password. ♦ The script then rebuilds the user’s mailbox recursively. Thus all jblo001’s subfolders will be rebuilt. ♦ This script may take some time to run, depending on how much mail the user has. ♦ Once the rebuild is finished, check with the user whether or not they can see all their mail. ♦ If any problems persist, contact the Systems & Production team. Searching For an Account: ♦ Command: grep -i > grep -i jblo001 /etc/passwd > jblo001:x:13868:Joe-Jane Bloggs:/home/common:/usr/local/etc/ord_usr The example above shows how to use the command ‘grep’. ♦ UPI is needed, in this case the user account jblo001 was included. The ‘grep -i’ command will not work without a valid UPI typed in. /etc/passwd explains which directory to search for account details in. ♦ The ‘jblo001:x:13868:Joe-Jane Bloggs:/home/common:/usr/local/etc/ord_usr ’ message returned from Postbox indicates that the account exists. If there was no message at the command prompt, it identifies that there is no account created for the UPI searched on. Page 51
  • 52. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Postbox Tips If the user can’t see any folders that were previously there, get them to check if they have the missing folder subscribed. It may pay for them to create the missing folder again, this will require them to enter the name exactly. Sometimes Simeon gets confused, especially after some complicated moving of mail, and can’t see mail in folders even though they are there. If all else fails, mail can be recovered from the ADSM backup system that is administered by Russell Street (Data Network Services). Dial-In Service Administration Dial-in administration is a procedure which must be backed-up with a properly authorised application form. There are no exceptions. The form must be counter-signed by a signatory within the applicant’s department or faculty who has authority to accept charges on behalf of their organisational unit. If there is any question as to who has authorised the application or what they have authorised, you should contact the department and double-check the service request. Service Request Form Requirements ♦ Has the applicant completed the ‘Identification’ section fully? ♦ Has the person authorising the application signed either the ‘University Only’ or ‘Internet + University’ options? ♦ Has the applicant signed and dated the ‘Applicant’s Acknowledgment’? ♦ Has the person authorising the application signed and dated the ‘Departmental Authorisation’ and printed their name. ♦ Has the applicant provided a valid University Email alias? If everything is in order, you can proceed with actioning the application. Login to RAC ♦ Telnet to rac.auckland.ac.nz ♦ Login to the RAC system with the account: rac ♦ You will also be prompted for the ‘rac; account password ♦ Once at the command prompt (ccnops:~>), Type in the command ‘rac’ to invoke the program which allows you to create and administer the dial-in accounts. ♦ The RAC s program will open on the ‘Remote Access Maintenance Main Menu’ page. Page 52
  • 53. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Creating an Account ♦ Choose option 1 ‘add a user’ by typing ‘1’ in the ‘selection’ field. Then press the ‘return’ key. This will take you to the ‘Add A New User’ screen. ♦ In the field ‘login name’, type a login ID. This is normally the first initial followed by a full stop and the surname, matching the applicants University Email alias (ie j.blogs). ♦ To move between fields, either use the ‘tab’ key or the ‘up’ and ‘down’ cursor keys. ♦ It is possible the login ID will already be in use, in which case the script will reject the ID and produce an alert message warning you of the conflict. You should immediately abort the process of creating the account and check the rejected login ID64. Doing so will enable you to confirm whether or not the existing account belongs to the applicant or another user. It may be that the applicant already has a dial-in account and simply wants it altered for full Internet access. Alternatively you will have to go back and create an account with a slightly different login ID. For example, if j.bloggs is in use by Joe Bloggs, Jane Mary Bloggs could be assigned the login ID jm.bloggs. ♦ Note that the dial-in system is case sensitive, and you should always use lower-case letters. ♦ In the ‘Real name’ field, type the full name of the applicant. ♦ Enter a password. You will have to confirm the password in the ‘Verify’ field. ♦ In the ‘Group’ field, you must select a department billing code. A good method of identifying this code is to check the applicant’s Email alias and retrieve it from there 65. If you do not know the appropriate code you can press the ‘F1’ key to view a list of valid codes. You need to use the cursor keys to move through the list. When you find the appropriate code, position your cursor on the entry and press the ‘enter’ key. ♦ The next field is ‘User’s Email alias’. An Email alias needs to be provided to assist with the billing process. ♦ The next field is ‘Phone contact’. If they do not have a phone number, leave the field blank. ♦ The default for the ‘External IP’ field is ’N’. Press the ‘return’ key if the applicant wants access to the University only, or press the ‘Y’ key to grant full Internet access instead (based upon the requirements stated in the service request form). If you enter ‘Y’, the next field will automatically show ‘slip.auckland.ac.nz’. Press the ‘return’ key once more and a reserved IP address will be assigned to the applicant’s account. There is no need to give this IP number to the applicant, but it should be noted on the bottom of the users service request form. ♦ Note that an ’X’ now appears in the ‘Create’ field. To create the account, simply press the ‘return’ key. You can press the ‘tab’ key to move the ‘X’ into the ‘Cancel’ filed and press the ‘return’ key if you need to abort the account. 64 See the sub-section titled ‘Editing An Account’. 65 Also helps to identify the applicants dial-in account name. Page 53
  • 54. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ♦ If you wish to exit the RAC system, press the ’Q’ key followed by the ‘return’ key. ♦ To exit from rac.auckland.ac.nz, type ‘exit’ at the command prompt. Service Request Form Administration ♦ At the conclusion of the account creation, ensure that the following information has been written into the ‘office use’ section at the bottom of the form: 1. The Account ID 2. The assigned password 66 3. Your initials in the ‘Actioned’ area 4. The date the request was actioned 5. The IP address67 6. In the space immediately beneath the ‘IP Addr’, add the billing code for the faculty/department. ♦ Notify the applicant of their account details and initial & date the ‘Confirmed’ and ‘date’ sections once this has been done. ♦ Users may be informed by telephone68, Email, or sending the standard ‘Your dial-in account has been created’ form via the internal mail system. ♦ The application form is then filed. Editing A Dial-in Account This is most often required when an existing user wants to upgrade their account from ‘University Only’ to ‘Internet + University’ access. Simply use option ‘2’ from the main menu. You need to know the existing RAC dial-in ID for the user. If you are unsure, or think that there may be several accounts that are similar, check to ensure that you are editing the correct account. Deleting A Dial-in Account Use option ‘3’ from the main menu. You will also need to remove the appropriate service request form from the filing cabinet. Mark it to show that the account has been deleted, and note on the form who asked for the account to be terminated. This information may be required if the account owner queries their loss of privileges. The form should then be refiled in the ‘Deleted Accounts’ file 69. 66 A suggestion is the initials of the applicant with their phone extension placed at the beginning or the end. ie rw4775. 67 Applicable only if the request was for Internet + University access. 68 Only when you are calling them, not vice-versa. 69 Last file in the main filing cabinet. Page 54
  • 55. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ITSS Reception Duties The Help Desk is responsible for looking after the following reception duties for ITSS Reception Hours: 9:00am – 4:30pm Visitor Administration Visitors to ITSS will generally approach the Help Desk when they arrive70. Follow the procedures below when dealing with these visitors. Visiting ITSS Staff ♦ Contact and inform the appropriate staff member. ♦ If staff member is unavailable, then take a message. ♦ Allow access and direction to visitor if approved for visit. ITSS Meetings ♦ Contact appropriate staff members. ♦ Allow access and direction to visitor if approved for visit. Drop-In Support ♦ Provide appropriate service or assistance. ♦ This includes any resources that the Help Desk is responsible for also. Courier Deliveries ♦ Check that the delivery is for ITSS ♦ Sign for goods as required ♦ Contact and inform appropriate staff member of delivery arrival. General Requirements ♦ Acknowledge Visitor Greet and assist visitor as soon as possible. If staff is busy, they should acknowledge this to the visitor, and tend to them when able. ♦ Service Request Forms 70 Unless they have already made arrangements to meet the appropriate ITSS staff member previously, or by use of the telephone by the main ITSS entrance. Page 55
  • 56. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Ensure that the ‘Service Request’ stand in the reception bay has a plentiful supply of Service Request Forms. If there is a shortage, copies can be made from the ‘Master Copy’ folder. Service Request Forms should be verified for any requirements while the applicant is still present, in case the form has to be returned for further completion. Page 56
  • 57. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Delivery And dispatch Duties Dispatch Requirement ♦ The ITSS Staff are responsible for arranging their own goods to be picked-up. ♦ Once arrangements have been made, goods can be left in the Help Desk Reception Bay for pick-up. ♦ If at all possible, ITSS Staff should notify the Help Desk as to who is picking up the goods, and the estimated pick-up time. Delivery Requirement ♦ Ensure the delivery is for ITSS Check the accompanying documentation to ensure that good received are for ITSS Staff. ♦ Sign for goods as required After ensuring that the goods are for ITSS and have arrived at the correct location. Sign for goods when requested by couriers. ♦ Large goods for lower floor are redirected Contact and inform the appropriate ITSS group that they have large deliveries to pick-up. Direct the courier to the lower floor entrance where a member of the appropriate ITSS group will grant access for the deliveries. If no member of the group that the goods are destined for is available, then the Help Desk should attempt to contact John Henry (Telecommunications Support) to grant access. ♦ Inform staff that goods have arrived Once goods have been delivered, Help Desk staff should contact the appropriate person or group to inform them where their delivery can be picked up from. If no staff member is available, leave a message and make a note of the goods to be picked up on the whiteboard. ♦ Delivery times Help Desk staff are responsible for City Campus ITSS deliveries during the open reception hours. At other times, this is the responsibility of the ITSS Operators team. Page 57
  • 58. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Resource Depot The following resources can be picked up directly from the Help Desk reception bay. Service Request Forms These forms are available to all supported clientele. ♦ Telecommunication Services ♦ Dial-In Requests ♦ Systems & Services Requests ♦ Internet Access From the Desktop ♦ IT Support Services ♦ Change Requests 71 3.5 Floppy Diskettes ♦ Diskettes are available to all ITSS staff and provided on occasion to clientele with relevant material loaded. ♦ Diskettes are available in both Macintosh and PC formats. SAS/SPSS And Linux CD-Rom Library ♦ The latest updates supported by the ITSS Software Administration team are provided for loan out to University staff members 72. ♦ These CD’s are available for 2-3 day loan out periods. ♦ Staff who are loaning the CD’s are required to leave their ID cards until the software is returned. ♦ A name, contact number, and the expected return date should be noted on the administration card where the CD’s are stored. ♦ If somebody has booked a CD in advance, their details should be appended to the appropriate administration card to ensure it is not double-booked. Interconnect Issues ♦ The ITSS newsletter ‘Interconnect’ should be available to all Help Desk customers and visitors. ♦ It is the responsibility of the Interconnect editor to ensure that the Help Desk has been delivered the latest copy. 71 These forms are not placed on the ‘Service Request’ stand, but can be obtained from the main filing cabinet in the 2nd drawer. 72 If a graduate requires this software to borrow, it must be picked-up by a staff member. Page 58
  • 59. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Page 59
  • 60. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Support Responsibilities Help Desk staff endeavour to resolve as many queries and issues as possible within a reasonable timeframe. If for any reason they cannot resolve the issue, or it requires local IT support groups and 2 nd level specialists to attend to it, the call will be forwarded to the appropriate group. The following listings identify common support categories and points out possible responsibilities and directions that the calls can be forwarded. Application Software Help Desk Responsibilities ♦ Providing basic and advanced levels of support for the applications specified on page 9 of this manual in the ‘Supported Software’ section. This also includes printer and network connectivity issues. ♦ Providing standard configuration and set-up information for the supported software specified on page 9 of this manual. ♦ Registering requests for software and their appropriate upgrades to the local IT support groups that look after desktop support issues. ♦ Recommending training programs, primarily through the Centre for Professional Development to customers that require additional development with specific applications. ♦ Gathering relevant information in relation to the issue when forwarding the call to other IT support groups. ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Desktop Support All Applications specified as part of the standard ‘ITSS Desktop Systems’ set-up are supported at the desktop level. Page 9 of this manual identifies the software supported. The Desktop Support team assists the Registries, Faculties, and Departments that have been listed as ‘Primary Support’ clients on page 11 of this manual. These supported applications are running on Microsoft NT servers, which are also maintained by the Desktop Support team. Requested installations and upgrades are actioned by Desktop Support. ♦ Software Administration All site licensed software administration queries can be directed to the Software Administration group. Page 60
  • 61. ITSS Help Desk Procedures This team has direct contact with the companies that provide site licensed software to The University of Auckland, and can investigate technical issues that cannot be resolved directly by IT Support groups. Backup Services Help Desk Responsibilities ♦ To provide general network and floppy disk backup procedures to the Registries, Faculties, and Departments that have been listed as ‘Primary Support’ clients on page 11 of this manual. ♦ To direct clientele to other backup services that are provided by ITSS. ITSS Responsibilities 73 ♦ Desktop Support To identify backup requirements, and to assist, or direct to appropriate ITSS backup services if applicable to the Registries, Faculties, and Departments that have been listed as ‘Primary Support’ clients on page 11 of this manual. ♦ Data Network Services Russell Street and the Data Network Services team are responsible for the ADSM backup service. ♦ Systems & Production It is the responsibility of the server administrator to deal with backup requests. Kevin Lai & Mark Bonos can look into Netware servers. Ian Fa’asalele & Rod Campbell can follow up on UNIX issues 74. Local departmental & faculty server administrators are responsible for looking after their own backup requirements. Billing Costs Help Desk Responsibilities Directing queries to the current billing costs for Email, Dial-in services, and Internet Access to the University of Auckland web page that lists this information. If the customer does not have Intranet access, then Help Desk staff can either quote or send a copy of the current cost to the client. The web page URL listing the billing charges can be located at: http://www.auckland.ac.nz/itss/Policy/NetworkCharges.html 73 Local IT support for faculties and departments that are not listed as our primary clients on page 10 of this manual, may have their own backup procedures. It may be prudent to direct clients to these people in regard to the options available for them 74 Backup request form can be obtained from http://www.auckland.ac.nz/itss/Forms/it-services.html Page 61
  • 62. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Queries regarding charges incurred for the above mentioned services should be directed to the Postmaster, David Ash. Page 62
  • 63. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Postmaster Mr David Ash All queries regarding costs incurred for Email, Dial-in services, and Internet Access should in the first instance be directed to the Postmaster to investigate. Call Tracking Software Infra-Help is currently used by ITSS and various other IT departments and faculties to log, monitor, and close calls 75. ITSS is looking at moving from Infra-Help (supported by Delta Software), to HEAT (supported by Bendata) in the next six to twelve months. Because of this transition and the inability to complete the HEAT rollout within the previously scoped time frame (HEAT was due to go live in January 99), Infra- Help is currently running with no support from Delta Software. It is hoped that this application will continue to run without any major problems occurring. Help Desk Responsibility Administration tasks such as creating accounts and assigning appropriate groups is carried out by the Help Desk Manager or the Senior Help Desk Operator, Bernadette Mooney. Requests for these accounts are done via the ‘Application to use Support Systems’ form76. Assisting users of Infra-Help with standard configuration and operation queries 77. Problem solving and redirecting when necessary any queries relating to database and network errors. ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Operators The Operations group is responsible for looking after the ‘Help Desk Elf78’. If error messages stating that the “Email and Escalation Server is not operating”, the Operations group can re- boot this machine which generally fixes the problem. Operations can also inform Help Desk staff if there are any problems with the ADBMS1 Server where Sybase is run79. ♦ Systems and Production The Systems and Production team are responsible for maintaining the ADBMS1 server and ensuring that Sybase is operational. Rod Campbell and Mike Forth (Systems & Productions Manager) are primary candidates for such queries. 75 See ‘Call Forwarding’ section on page 9 for listings of groups within Infra-Help 76 They must initially be signed by the applicants direct manager and then approved by the Help Desk Manager. 77 We can inform Infra-Help users of problems by email to itss-infra-help@auckland.ac.nz 78 Also known as the Email Escalation Server. 79 Sybase is the software used to connect Infra-Help to the Corporate Database. Page 63
  • 64. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Kevin Lai and Mark Bonos are responsible for ITSS NetWare Administration, and can be contacted if there is connectivity issues with the ITSSNOV1 server80 ♦ Desktop Support Desktop Support is able to install Infra-Help software on requested machines for the Primary Support list quoted on page 11. Infra-Help can only be installed on PC based Operating Systems such as Windows 95 and NT. ♦ Information Resource Management Steve Haresnape is adept at looking at connectivity issues with the Corporate Database. Campus Computers Help Desk Responsibilities On occasion, callers will be enquiring about contacting Campus Computers, or simply wishing to investigate software and hardware purchasing options. Help Desk staff can refer callers to Campus Computers on ext 5833 or externally on (09) 373-7077. Dial-In Help Desk Responsibilities Help Desk staff carries out dial-in request administration. We ensure that the forms have been correctly filled out as specified previously in the ‘Service Request Administration’ section on page 25. Help Desk staff also carries out administration duties for Dial-in accounts. Refer to page 43 of this manual for detailed instructions. The Dial-in set-up and configuration manual and the appropriate Service Request form can be obtained from the following URL: http://www.auckland.ac.nz/itss/desktop/helpdesk/HD_Home.html Identifying connectivity issues when clients attempt to dial into The University of Auckland. Is the problem at their end, or is there something wrong with the system? A good initial start is to check whether you receive a modem tone when dialling (09) 912-3090. Installation and configuration problems can be dealt with in general terms by the Help Desk, but more involved problems should be referred to the callers local IT support staff. Directing non-staff and non graduate students to the ECUA desk situated in the General Library on the Ground Floor, Ext 2333. ITSS Responsibility ♦ Interactive Media Unit 80 This server is where the Infra-Help Software is loaded. Page 64
  • 65. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Russell Fulton can assist by checking the logs for the dial-in server to see if people have been attempting to log in with or without success. ♦ Data Network Services Russell Street is adept at looking at technical problems with the dial-in system. Page 65
  • 66. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ♦ Desktop Support May be able to offer advice to primary supported customers, but as a rule, do not do dial-in set-up with the exception of special circumstances 81 Electronic Campus Help Desk Responsibility Directing non-staff and non-graduate students to the ECUA desk. Situated on the ground floor of the General Library building on extension 2333. ECUA services are outlined on the ‘Student Desktop’ section of The University of Auckland’s web pages. ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Electronic Campus Information Desk All queries regarding the Electronic Campus should be directed here as first port of call. They are located on the Ground floor of the General Library, on extension 2333. Alternatively, they can be contacted via the following Email address: ecuadesk@auckland.ac.nz The ECUA desk assists students with connectivity issues utilising the NetAccount system. The facility to act as a payment and administration station for NetAccount, and trouble- shooting on access issues via the Electronic Campus system. Chris Castell (ECUA & HSB Manager) can assist with managerial issues. Robin Lott is responsible for the supervision of ECUA staff. ♦ Shan Ragu Technology Development Shan is able to investigate NetAccount administrative and technical issues. ♦ Suad Musovich Academic Services Division –Tamaki Campus Suad can usually assist with NetAccount queries of a technical nature. ♦ Dennis Stanton Interactive Media Unit Consultant Dennis had developed the Electronic Campus web pages and can be consulted in regard to connectivity issues. ♦ Operations 81 Set-up and configuration is sometimes carried out by other faculty and departmental IT support staff, so callers who are not directly categorised as ITSS Primary Supported customers should be referred back accordingly. Page 66
  • 67. ITSS Help Desk Procedures The Operations group is responsible for ensuring the NetAccount System is operational and backed up in accordance with the Operations procedures for Systems maintained by them. Email Help Desk Responsibilities Help Desk staff carries out Email alias administration. We ensure that the forms have been correctly filled out as specified previously in the ‘Service Request Administration’ section on page 24. If no resolution is found, refer the query to the Postmaster. Help Desk staff also carries out administration duties for Email aliases, Mailing lists, and Postbox accounts. Refer to page 28, page 33, and page 43 of this manual for detailed instructions. If no resolution is found, refer the query to the appropriate members of the System and Production team. If customers cannot send mail to an address, or there is a bounce message. Help Desk staff can ask for a copy to be sent to them for evaluation. If no resolution to the problem can be found, refer the call on to the Postmaster for further investigation. Help Desk staff support primarily Simeon, but can also attempt basic trouble-shooting for Pegasus mail also. If there is a complex technical issue in regard to Simeon, refer to Loveleen Choudhry (Software Administration) to investigate further. Otherwise, forward unresolved application problems to the Desktop Support Group for Primary customers, or Local IT support in other cases. Simeon is a mailing application that can be used on many operating system platforms. Simeon can be used from both University desktop computers as well as remote machines via dial-in access. Giving virtually the same appearance and functionality on whichever platform or location is chosen. Customers can use other Email software at their own (or departmental) discretion. However, the Help Desk staff may not be able to provide appropriate assistance. The Help Desk can carry out assistance with configuration requirements and obtaining a copy of Simeon for PC and Macintosh platforms. There is a site licence for the University of Auckland to use Simeon. ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Desktop Support This team will investigate desktop email application issues for our Primary supported customers. They will not support the use of Netscape mail to Postbox, as Simeon is the approved Email application for Postbox accounts. ♦ Systems and Production Kevin Lai and Mark Bonos can be reffered to for problems associated with Pegasus mail accounts on the Novell servers that are supported by ITSS82. 82 The Tamaki ITSS team are also able to investigate desktop and server issues related to the TMKNOVx servers. Page 67
  • 68. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Ian Fa’asalele & Rod Campbell can be referred to for problems associated with Postbox accounts. Page 68
  • 69. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ♦ Data Network Services Problems with Email aliases, Mailing lists, and general disruptions to mailhost.auckland.ac.nz should be directed to the Postmaster David Ash, or Russell Street to investigate further. Local IT Support If problems occur on systems external to ITSS or our primary supported clientele, then calls should be referred to the local departmental or faculty IT support teams. Hardware Help Desk Responsibilities If there are hardware problems with IT equipment utilised by our primary supported clients, then these calls should be logged to the Desktop Support team. Hardware faults for our other callers can be forwarded to the local departmental or faculty IT support teams. Hardware problems with networking equipment supported by ITSS should initially be forwarded to the Network Engineering group. ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Desktop Support This group will repair, replace, and maintain hardware for our primary supported clients. ♦ Network Engineering Networking hardware will be investigated, repaired, replaced, and maintained appropriately for ITSS supported networking services. Internet Help Desk Responsibilities Find out which web site the caller is trying to connect to. Exactly when they were trying to make a connection? What was the error code? Were they able to successfully connect to other sites? If the query cannot be resolved, refer call to the Data Network Services team. Help Desk staff should be able to direct callers to IT related sites maintained on the University of Auckland’s web pages. They should also have a reasonable knowledge of non-IT related sites on these pages also. Help Desk staff carries out Service Request administration for direct access to the Internet83. We ensure that the forms have been correctly filled out as specified previously in the ‘Service 83 For University staff and approved post-graduate students only. Other students should be referred to the ECUA desk on ext 2333. Page 69
  • 70. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Request Administration’ section on page 23. If further administrative investigation is required, refer to the Data Network Services team. Netscape Navigator is the currently supported Internet Browsing application for The University of Auckland. Customers can use Internet Explorer or other web browsing software at their own (or departmental) discretion. However, the Help Desk staff may not be able to provide appropriate assistance. The Help Desk can carry out assistance with configuration requirements and obtaining a copy of Netscape Browsing applications84. ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Data Network Services The DNS team can investigate queries in relation to Service Request forms that have been processed by the Help Desk and passed on for completion. These accounts are maintained, and the files stored with the DNS group. Problems with Web connectivity are also forwarded here when Help Desk staff can find no resolution. Russell Street is a specialist in this field. ♦ Dianne Civil Corporate Information Systems Division Dianne is responsible for maintaining the ‘On-line Web Directory’ which is used to look up University staff location and contact details. If this service is disfunctional, calls should be referred here. ♦ Suad Musovich Academic Services Division –Tamaki Campus Suad can usually assist with Web queries of a technical nature. He is also responsible for providing access to edit and maintain web pages on our WWW web server. Library Systems Help Desk Responsibilities Apart from general IT trouble-shooting, calls in relation to Library systems are forwarded to the Library Systems group. Calls are primarily logged by Liaison Systems Officers designated by the various Library sub divisions. Calls in relation to the Voyager Library catalogue system are also forwarded to the Library Systems team. ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Library Systems 84 Various versions of Netscape Communicator & Navigator can be obtained from The University of Auckland’s ftp archive or from the ITSSNOVSUPPORT server software archive. Page 70
  • 71. ITSS Help Desk Procedures The Library Systems group deals with all hardware and software problems that cannot be resolved directly by the Help Desk team. NetAccount Help Desk Responsibilities The Help Desk team will direct students to NetAccount stations situated throughout the University. They are also responsible for handling any queries about service availability. NetAccount Operational issues can be referred to the Operations group, and issues in relation to NetAccount administration, including the routine addition of printing queues or printing stations can be forwarded to Shan Ragu (Technical Development Division). ITSS Responsibilities ♦ ECUA Desk This group endeavours to handle the end-user queries about using NetAccount on campus and from home. They can pass on to the ITSS Help Desk all service faults and unresolved issues for further processing. ♦ Operations This group will handle all issues relating to the routine operation of the NetAccount systems. They will pass to the IT Computer Science Support team any unresolved faults in the routine operation of the NetAccount systems 85. ♦ Shan Ragu Technical Development Division Can handle issues in relation to the routine administration of NetAccount systems, and will pass to Computer Science all unresolved faults in the routine administration of NetAccount. ♦ Suad Musovich Academic Services Division –Tamaki Campus Suad can usually assist with NetAccount queries of a technical nature. Network Help Desk Responsibilities It is vital that the Help Desk staff can get the room and building locations for any queries that cannot be resolved directly. Which server is the caller trying to connect to? Can anyone else in the room or department log in? 85 A Service Level Agreement has been established between ITSS and Computer Science to provide 3rd level support for NetAccount which was developed by Computer Science. Page 71
  • 72. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Speak with Data Network Services team and Network Engineering to try and diagnose the problems. Network connectivity problems receive an urgent or critical priority when the Help Desk forwards calls on86. Help Desk staff can also attempt to determine if servers can be seen or pinged over the network in order to ascertain their availability. If a problem is diagnosed as a server issue, and not the network, it should be referred to the appropriate server administrator to attend to. Requests for network ports to be livened or implemented are referred to the Network Engineering group. ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Desktop Support Calls that cannot be determined as a network fault can be referred to this group to investigate further and identify whether it is a desktop or network issue. ♦ Network Engineering This team carries out requests for cabling, network hardware and port installations, and port livening. Ensure that room and building details have been provided with the forwarded call. Network connectivity issues are generally referred here before Data Network Services if the Help Desk can establish no distinction between the two groups. If network problems cannot be fully diagnosed, they should be forwarded to Network Engineering for analysis of the situation. ♦ Data Network Services Problems in relation to data traffic on the network are directed to the DNS team. They can diagnose why the network is slow or attempt to isolate problems in the networked routing and switching systems supported by ITSS. Operating Systems Help Desk Responsibilities The Help Desk should be able to deal with general work station configuration and set-up assistance for Microsoft operating systems. This includes printer connectivity. If they cannot resolve the problem, they can refer it to Desktop Support if the caller is a primary supported customer, or to the appropriate local departmental or faculty IT support group if they are not. UNIX problems that cannot be resolved directly should be referred either to the Systems and Production team, or Suad Musovich who is responsible for some of the ITSS UNIX systems ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Desktop Support 86 Connectivity issues of one or two people can be given a normal or high priority. Page 72
  • 73. ITSS Help Desk Procedures This team is responsible for the ensuring that the servers and work stations are operational for our primary supported customers. This includes the running of applications directly from the work station or the application servers, and printer connectivity. Page 73
  • 74. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ♦ Suad Musovich Academic Services Division –Tamaki Campus Suad is responsible for the support of system problems, configuration and administration for the following UNIX servers 87: ♦ CCU1 ♦ CCU4 ♦ TMKU1 ♦ WWW ♦ Systems & Production Rod Campbell and Ian Fa’asalele look after UNIX administration for the Sybase servers, mailhost.auckland.ac.nz, postbox.auckland.ac.nz They are also back up for the systems maintained by Suad Musovich88. Urgent UNIX Issues Should urgent issues occur, and/or the UNIX support staff stated above are unobtainable. The following people should be notified of the occurrence: ♦ CCU1, CCU4, WWW, Sybase, Mailhost, Postbox issues Mike Forth on ext 8301 (Systems & Production Manager) ♦ TMKU2 and other Tamaki UNIX servers Greg Brumby on ext 8533 (Academic Services Division –Tamaki Campus Manager) PeopleSoft Help Desk Responsibility Help Desk is not currently trained for dealing with the PeopleSoft application, it is their responsibility to gather relevant information on the problem and to decide where the call should be forwarded to. It is important to attempt to identify if the problem is actually a PeopleSoft or a standard desktop issue. ITSS Responsibility ♦ Financial PeopleSoft All PeopleSoft issues are generally directed here for initial diagnosis of the problem. The current exception to the rule are PeopleSoft calls related to the Human Resources sections which are forwarded directly to Jason Nicholl via Infra-Help. 87 Suad is also available for assistance with support and installation of UNIX machines for all departments at Tamaki Campus. 88 Russell Street from Data Network Services is also extremely adept at handling UNIX queries and generally does not mind solving UNIX problems of a more difficult nature. Page 74
  • 75. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ♦ PeopleSoft Technical Group Technical and connectivity issues in relation to PeopleSoft are forwarded here by either Jason Nicholl for HR, or members of the Financial PeopleSoft team. It is their responsibility to determine and resolve the problem and then forward the call back to whomever sent it to them for closure and customer consultation. SPSS/SAS Help Desk Responsibilities Help Desk does not offer technical or installation support for SAS or SPSS. The Help Desk does hold copies of these programs on CD-Rom, which can be borrowed for 48 hours. Staff of the University of Auckland only is allowed to borrow these CD’s. If a post-graduate student wishes to borrow one, they must be collected by a staff member with proof of employment shown by ID card. This card is generally kept until the return of the CD. Help Desk staff should check first to see if the CD’s are available and make a note on the loan- out cards provided for each CD in the 2nd filing cabinet. When a CD is borrowed the users details and return date should be written onto the appropriate card to identify when it will be returned and can be borrowed out again. Although Help Desk does not provide support for these applications, callers can be directed to: Hoare Research Software 89 Phone: 0800 477-776 or (07) 839-9102 Email: info@hrs.co.nz Web: http://www.hrs.co.nz ITSS Responsibilities § Software Administration Licensing issues can be directed to this group to investigate any problems and ensure that they are available as required for installation purposes. Availability of versions that are currently provided for loan can also be directed here if Help Desk staff is unsure. Telecommunication Systems Help Desk Responsibilities Ideally designated ‘Telephone Coordinators90’ should log calls. If a department does not have a telephone coordinator, or if that person is unavailable then telephone problems can be logged directly by the client. If the caller has not attempted to contact their department’s telephone coordinator, please ask them to do so. 89 The developers of SAS and SPSS. 90 John Henry provides updated lists of the coordinators on a regular basis from the Voice Network team. Page 75
  • 76. ITSS Help Desk Procedures In addition the basic information, you should always find out which room and building the caller is in. This enables a telephone technician to visit the caller if it transpires that the problem is a hardware fault. Help Desk staff can assist with general queries, and refer them on to the Telecommunication team if they cannot be resolved. General telephone directory queries should be referred to the Telephone Reception Centre on ext 0. Callers should not be placed directly through to other ITSS staff without first consulting with them to ensure that they wish to receive the call. If they do not or they are unavailable, take a message and pass it on, or forward the caller to their voicemail if they are unavailable. Requests for telecommunication services are made through the appropriate Service Request form. See page 22 of this manual for further details of these services. ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Telephone Reception Centre This team handles internal and external phone switching services for callers looking for staff within the University of Auckland. They are also responsible for ensuring that the relevant details of staff members are within their database. This is carried out by applicants filling in the top section of the ‘Telecommunication Services’ form. ♦ Voice Network Services This team ensures that service requests and faults in regard to telecommunication services are actioned. They are also responsible for providing information as to who is currently the faculty and departmental telephone coordinators. Telnet Applications Help Desk Responsibilities The Help Desk can carry out assistance with configuration requirements and obtaining a copy of the following remote access software for both PC and Macintosh Systems: Win QVT MS Windows terminal emulation application WS FTP MS Windows application used for file transfers Telnet Macintosh terminal emulation application ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Desktop Support The Desktop Support team should be able to assist primary supported staff with the set-up and configuration of these applications as required. Page 76
  • 77. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Page 77
  • 78. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Virus Issues Help Desk Responsibilities Help Desk should examine and determine the authenticity of virus alerts from callers. They should endeavour to log any virus occurrences to the appropriate desktop support team for that particular faculty or department. If the caller is a primary supported customer, a call should be referred to the Desktop Support team. Virus alerts should also be passed on to Russell Fulton to investigate further. Help Desk staff should also be able to assist staff in the basic operations of the site licensed virus software ‘Norton Anti Virus’91. This software is available from the ITSSNOV1 server in the software archive. ITSS Responsibilities ♦ Desktop Support Will investigate virus infections to systems and computers supported by ITSS and our primary supported customers. They will also be able to install NAV on any supported machines that do not currently run this application. ♦ Loveleen Choudhry Software Administration Loveleen is primarily responsible for following up on any technical problems and ensuring that monthly updates of virus definitions are available for upgrading this software. ♦ Russell Fulton Technical Development Division Russell is responsible for the University of Auckland’s IT security. He needs to be informed of any suspected attempts to break into the network or systems, and also of virus alerts. Y2K92 Issues Help Desk Responsibilities Help Desk staff should direct queries in regard to Y2K issues to either the web pages on the WWW server, or to John Holly, the University of Auckland’s Y2K consultant. The URL for the Y2K web pages is: http://www.y2k.auckland.ac.nz/y2k/y2k.html Help Desk staff should be familiar with these web pages and the informational content on them93. 91 NAV 92 Year 2000 93 It should also be noted that some of these pages are only viewable from within the University network. Page 78
  • 79. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ITSS Responsibilities ♦ John Holly Y2K Consultant John has been hired to investigate and ensure that the University of Auckland’s systems and services are all Y2K compliant. He is also responsible for promoting any relevant Y2K information through the web pages that he has produced. Page 79
  • 80. ITSS Help Desk Procedures In-House Help Desk Duties Help Desk has a variety of in-house tasks and duties that need to be carried out. An overview of these issues are listed below: Call Taking & 1 st Level Resolution ♦ Calls are received via any of the following methods: - Phone Call - Postal Mail - Voice Mail - Personal Visit - Email - Infra-Help Call ♦ All calls should be logged into the Infra-Help Call Tracking System with sufficient detail and diagnostic information as befits the particular call. Call Management ♦ Calls logged into the Infra-Help System by the Help Desk need to be dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner, and followed up if requested by clientele. Statistics ♦ Help Desk staff should be able to produce relevant statistics on request by the Help Desk Manager or ITSS managerial staff. ♦ Recently the Help Desk has moved from manual statistic recording back to Infra-Help, and some of the previous data gathered may not be feasible with the reporting capabilities of Infra-Help. Office Safety ♦ Staff should ensure that the Help Desk office environment is non-hazardous as stipulated in the Health & Safety Regulations manual for the University of Auckland. ♦ Any faults or accidents should be recorded and acted upon accordingly. ♦ Staff needs to be aware of first-aid locations, and emergency evacuation procedures as required for the Help Desk Officers location94. Office Security ♦ Staff should ensure that customer data in both hard and soft copy format are secure from breaches of security. ♦ Ensuring the Help Desk computer systems are not vulnerable to security breaches 95. 94 For the City Campus, there is a first aid kit available within the telephony operators room (409.129). At Tamaki, the first aid kit is available within the Tamaki ITSS Office (733.134) Page 80
  • 81. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Leave Requests ♦ All leave should be applied for before the leave is taken96. ♦ Leave request forms are obtainable from the ITSS mail-room or from the Help Desk Manager. ♦ Sick leave notifications should be passed on to Joy Gilchrist on extension 5192 on the day the staff member is ill. If a Help Desk staff member receives a call referring to sick leave from another ITSS member, then pass this information on to Joy Gilchrist as soon as possible. Staff Inductions ♦ When necessary, designated Help Desk staff may be required to provide induction of new staff members to the Help Desk environment, and procedures. ♦ New staff will also need to have their contracts signed. This is carried out by consultation with the Human Resources Registry. Personal Projects ♦ From time to time, Help Desk staff will be requested to do personal projects of an IT nature. These projects generally need to be documented into a project proposal stipulating the following information: - Project Detail - Expected Outcome and deliverable’s - Time frame for project including milestones - Resources required Stationery Administration ♦ All staff is required to ensure that the Help Desk office has sufficient stationery for operational use. ♦ If any stationary or office enhancements are required, staff should make suggestion to the Help Desk Manager to follow through. ITSS Information Centre ♦ It is the responsibility of the Help Desk to record the following issues in relation to ITSS: - ITSS Staff Absentees. - Take note of incorrect ITSS & IT staff contact details. - Record crisis issues and monitor and update this information as required. - Will notify relevant IT staff or changes to services and their availability. 95 Ensuring machines are not logged into sensitive systems when staff is absent, password protection for machines and systems, virus detection software etc. 96 Generally, sick leave is an exception to this rule. Page 81
  • 82. ITSS Help Desk Procedures APPENDICES ♦ Service Request Forms - Copies of all forms required for ITSS Services 1. Application to use University Computer Services 2. Request for University Telecommunications Services 3. Application for direct Access to the Internet from the University Network 4. Application to use Support Systems 5. Application for Dial-in Access to the University Network 6. Request to Change a Production System Managed by ITSS 7. Request For Files to Be Restored From Backup ♦ Service Request Forms Flow-charts -Workflow for ITSS Service Forms 1. Forms arriving at IT Help Desk Headquarters 2. Forms arriving at ITSS Mailroom ♦ Form Letters -Response form letters from the Help Desk 1. Incomplete Service Application 2. Your dial-in account has been created 3. Login account has been created ♦ Phone Contacts -Phone listings for IT support staff 1. ITSS internal phone list 2. ITSS sub-divisional list 3. ITSS mobile phone list 4. Useful ITSS contact list 5. Local IT support list 6. Faculty/Departmental IT support 7. Library Systems Liaison Officers 8. University Novell Servers & Managers 9. Telephone coordinators list 10. Important clientele in the Registry ♦ IT Administration -Methodologies for standard IT administration 1. Changing your password in Novell for Windows NT 2. Changing your dial-in access password 3. Changing your password for Simeon 4.x 4. Changing your password in Novell for Windows 95 5. Finding IP addresses using Windows Operating Systems 6. Creating CCNOV2 Accounts 7. Creating accounts on CCU1 8. HP LaserJet 18 AUX IO NT RDY error 9. Updating the licence for SAS 10. Apple boot key combinations ♦ Help Desk References -Reference material in relation to Help Desk Tips for finding Help Desk solutions Listening skills and ways to improve them New staff induction guides ♦ Work-Flow & Procedures -Flow charts and draft procedures Supporting Student Services PeopleSoft Issues Application to Use University Computer Services Help Desk Call Handling Page 82
  • 83. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ♦ Mission Statement -Mission statements for the University, ITSS & Help Desk Page 83
  • 84. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Application to use University Computer Services Page 84
  • 85. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Request for University Telecommunications Services Page 85
  • 86. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Application for direct Access to the Internet from the University Network Page 86
  • 87. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Application to use Support Systems Page 87
  • 88. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Application for Dial-in Access to the University Network Page 88
  • 89. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Request to Change a Production System Managed by ITSS Page 89
  • 90. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Request For Files to Be Restored From Backup Page 90
  • 91. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Service Request Forms Flow-charts Page 91
  • 92. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Incomplete Service Application Page 92
  • 93. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Your dial-in account has been created Page 93
  • 94. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Login account has been created Page 94
  • 95. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ITSS internal phone list Page 95
  • 96. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ITSS sub-divisional list Page 96
  • 97. ITSS Help Desk Procedures ITSS mobile phone list Page 97
  • 98. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Useful ITSS contact list Page 98
  • 99. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Local IT support list Page 99
  • 100. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Faculty/Departmental IT support Page 100
  • 101. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Library Systems Liaison Officers Page 101
  • 102. ITSS Help Desk Procedures University Novell Servers & Managers Page 102
  • 103. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Telephone coordinators list Page 103
  • 104. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Important clientele in the Registry Page 104
  • 105. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Changing your password in Novell for Windows NT Page 105
  • 106. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Changing dial-in access password Page 106
  • 107. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Changing your password for Simeon 4.x Page 107
  • 108. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Changing your password in Novell for Windows 95 Page 108
  • 109. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Finding IP addresses using Windows Operating Systems Page 109
  • 110. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Creating CCNOV2 Accounts Page 110
  • 111. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Creating accounts on CCU1 Page 111
  • 112. ITSS Help Desk Procedures HP LaserJet 18 AUX IO NT RDY error Page 112
  • 113. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Updating the licence for SAS Page 113
  • 114. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Apple boot key combinations Page 114
  • 115. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Tips for finding Help Desk solutions Page 115
  • 116. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Listening skills and ways to improve them Page 116
  • 117. ITSS Help Desk Procedures New staff induction guides Page 117
  • 118. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Supporting Student Services Page 118
  • 119. ITSS Help Desk Procedures PeopleSoft Issues Page 119
  • 120. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Application to Use University Computer Services Page 120
  • 121. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Help Desk Call Handling Page 121
  • 122. ITSS Help Desk Procedures Mission Statement Page 122