By Amy Trujillo
NETS-T IIIA,D; VC

In times of budget cuts and increased numbers of students, many technology departments are feeling the pressure and are being stretched incredibly thin. In order for technology support staff to have time to keep an entire district's worth of computers, servers, and networks running smoothly, average computer users may be able to take some technology issues into their own hands. But isn't that dangerous? Maybe--or maybe not. 

It can be true that some people might cause problems because they think they know how to fix any and all technology challenges, but when a thoughtful person takes the time to get knowledge and extra storage, then technology issues don't seem as daunting. 

Get Knowledge
The more you know about computer programs and common technical issues, the less you have to rely on others for technical help. As you learn more, you also learn your limit and pass that "know just enough to be dangerous" stage. The quickest way to become knowledgeable about a program is to access the help menu. This simple step is often forgotten by computer users and is available for the majority of computer programs.

The help files can be accessed by a simple key command or by looking for them on the menus or toolbars in the program. Some programs even have video or audio files that walk users through the common and even uncommon uses of the programs.

If the help file doesn't cut it, Google it! The Internet contains a plethora of websites (don't forget the manufacturer's website) with helpful forums and blogs. At first, searching out answers for technical issues may seem overwhelming but, like everything else, it becomes easier and quicker with practice. 

Get Storage
Are you sick of getting the notice that your email mailbox is over its limit? This means you can't send or receive any messages until you clean out your emails. How frustrating is that? Part of the reason email inboxes fill up so fast is that it's not just simply text that goes out in email now. People can send videos, audio files, podcasts, and large graphics. Deleting unneeded emails--especially those with large attachments--from the inbox, sent, and personal folders can clear out a ton of space. Use the settings under Tools to clean out emails or set up archiving options so older files are saved but are no longer taking up space on the server. 

Consider setting up a central location for large files to make sharing, retrieving, and accessing them a cinch. Some school districts have servers dedicated to sharing these large files, or it could be that your district uses Microsoft SharePoint. When information and files are stored using Microsoft SharePoint, teachers all over the district and even outside of the district have access to them. There are also online storage services, such as MobileMe and SugarSync, which can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Online storage is collaborative planning at its best. Employees are able to access, edit, and upload files in real time without having to bog down the mail servers and their email programs. Keeping the large files on an external location frees up memory and space on the user's computer and makes backing up the computer much easier. It also comes in handy if and when the computer fails.  

Putting minor technology issues back into the hands of the users frees up time for the computer technician to focus on keeping the servers running, upgrading the equipment, and providing the best possible technology environment for everyone in the district. Of course, there is still a need for those who work in the technology department. They are part of the backbone of what keeps a district running smoothly and effectively. So, in the end, if you still need help with a technical issue, that is what the tech person gets paid for. Go ahead and call--after you have done what you can--and just make sure to thank him or her for the help.