In order to resolve a reported issue with media files failing to open correctly within a web browser, the MIME types for all media files have been altered so that no file will open with RealPlayer.
All media files should now use either QuickTime or Windows Media Player, and play embedded in IE9.
After successful testing initially within Networks and Infrastructure we have started rolling out MD7-UserPatch-04 to all MD7 2012 workstations.
The update will be delivered via the loginscripts to all users on MD2012 workstations where their existing profile is has _UserPatch set to 4, which was the default level for the MD2012 release image.
The patch applies extremely quickly as is just a few registry settings.
Updates applied by the Patch:
The main update delivered by Patch-04 is to correctly set the media file type file associations for users as requested by staff so that most files will use either Windows Media Player or QuickTime.
This patch is in conjunction with workstation patch 05, which set the machine file associations, but as explained previously, it’s the user ones that are the important ones as these take precedence.
For a list of file associations on a standard MD2012 workstation after Patch-05 and UserPatch-04 have applied see File Associations for MD2012
After successful testing initially within Networks and Infrastructure and then on the designated test workstations within the SLS Service Groups and with no issues reported we have started rolling out Chrome 23.0.1271.64 to all MD7 workstations.
This update will be applied to the workstation the whilst it is at the ctrl-alt-del screen. The software is being distributed this way as Chrome will not update successfully if it is in use.
Chrome 23 resolves a number of security issues, includes an updated version of Flash Player and introduces new functionality since the previous update.
For more information see http://googlechromereleases.blogspot.com/search/label/Stable%20updates
After successful testing initially within Networks and Infrastructure and then on the designated test workstations within the SLS Service Groups we have started rolling out MD7-Patch-05 to all MD7 2012 workstations.
Delivered by SCCM
The update will be installed via SCCM and will be distributed to all workstations in a phased rollout. The update will be delivered whether or not a user is logged in.
Update to File Associations
The update is a small update that will update a few settings and files (some of which have already been distributed via other methods to resolve an specific issue quickly) and is required as this will alter the Workstation default File Associations to the ones requested by lecturers.
A further User Patch will be distributed later this week that will alter the User default File Associations, and is actually the more important one as user settings take precedence over workstation settings.
Information about the alterations to the File Associations has been published via emails to teaching staff and within eView.
See file associations for md2012
The updates included in Patch-05 include:
Update only for MD2012 workstations
In case anyone is wondering, this patch has been distributed before Patches 02, 03 and 04 as it is specific to MD2012 workstations.
Once existing MD2011 workstations have had these patches applied to them they will become MD2012 workstations and will then apply this patch, but as yet these patches haven’t been released.
In order to make it easier for staff to include addresses in the Bcc address field this field will now display automatically for all new emails.
On behalf of Nigel Williamson, Head of IT Support, IS&T (SLS)
For the new Sheffield Hallam University logo to be readable in signatures, emails should be composed in HTML format.
Currently, you can choose this option manually (see instructions for brand templates https://staff.shu.ac.uk/marketing/brand/brandtemplates.asp).
From the end of the month, the University will make this process easier by changing Outlook settings to make HTML the default format for composing email.
This will happen automatically and you probably won’t notice the difference unless you have a reason for sending emails in a different format.
The change will take place during the log in process from Monday 29 October.
Please note, the new logo should only be used in external emails. It is not necessary to include it when sending internal email.
If you have any questions, please contact IT Help on ext 3333
we are currently investigating allowing new posts within the blog to automatically appear as emails within Outlook, within the RSS Feeds folder in order to ensure users are kept informed easily without the necessity to visit the blog for information (see attachment).
If you would like to be part of this investigation please email me at cisspa@exchange.shu.ac.uk so that I can add you to the necessary group to enable this.
Outlook signatures are stored as individual files within your Windows 7 local profile, so do not transfer between workstations.
It is now possible to transfer your Outlook signatures between MD7 workstations by using the ‘MD Help’ application that is available on the MD7 Start Menu.
To transfer your signature:
The Backup function creates a copy in your Homespace so you can restore you signatures to any MD7 workstation you wish as often as required.
Please note that selecting the Backup option will overwrite any existing backup file in Homespace with the signatures on the workstation so please only do this if you wish to update your backed up signatures for use elsewhere.
This issue was first discovered in August 2011 when it was noticed that users couldn’t hear sound from IPTV and DVDs, but it is it worth repeating the issue.
No sound or application fails to launch
If users start watching a video, such as a video file, BBC iPlayer, IPTV etc. and there is no device attached to play the sound, such as speakers or headphones, then plugging in the devices mid-video does not allow the sound to be heard. To audio device needs to be available and then the video should be restarted.
Windows 7 detects whether there is an audio device such as speakers or headphones connected. If not the speaker in the System Tray (bottom right of the Taskbar) has a cross through it. If a video is played whilst in this state and then speakers are added there is no sound. It seems that the speakers need to be available before the video starts.
Audio device unavailable
Audio device available
Device needs to attached before launching the application
Before launching an application that requires sound to be available users should ensure some form of audio device is available.
Windows Movie Maker
If no output device is detected when Window Movie Maker is launched, the following message is displayed:
Windows Media Player
If a video is started with a sound device available and then the device is unplugged, on re-inserting the device there will be no sound available.
When the device is unplugged a warning message might be displayed:
Windows Volume Mixer
Part of the reason behind this seems to be because Windows Volume Mixer in Windows 7 does allow different sound levels per application, including individual applications to have sound disabled.
We have been requested to update the screensavers used for the Managed Desktop so that they use the new corporate logo on a white background.
This has been implemented for MD7 workstations and will be done very soon for MDXP workstations.
The update will apply during the next workstation restart.