Information Technology FAQ's

How do I contact the Help Desk?

All requests for Information Technology (IT) department assistance should be submitted to the Help Desk via phone or e-mail. You may reach the Help Desk at 765-5100, extension 5580 or by e-mail at helpdesk@hemetusd.org (Help Desk).

When calling or e-mailing into the Help Desk, please provide the following information:

  • Name (you may be asked for verification for security purposes)
  • Work Location (including room/department)
  • Number where you can be reached
  • Type of equipment (computer, printer, scanner, etc.)
  • Name of software application, if applicable (Gmail, Renaissance Place, Destiny, Word, etc.)
  • Detailed description of issue, including on screen error messages
 

Your request will be entered into the Technology work order system, prioritized and addressed by IT staff. You should receive a response to your request within 24 hours.

How can I get access to the network & email?

You must be a full or part time employee of the Hemet Unified School District. Speak to your school site office manager or department secretary to request an account for you. Once you have an account, you may sign into the appropriate computer at your school site with a network connection to gain access to HUSD's network, your e-mail account and the internet.

What are the password requirements/recommendations?

Passwords should follow the following rules:

  • Must be a minimum of 8 characters
  • The safest password contains a combination of letters and numbers.
  • Do not use commonly known names for passwords, i.e., your spouse, child(ren) or pet(s), etc.
  • DO NOT share your password with anyone.
  • Change your password frequently.
  • Novell passwords expire approximately every 180 days (not the Gmail password). When you receive the message your password has expired, you must change it. You have 5 attempts to change your passwords. If you do not change it, your account will be locked. To have your account unlocked, you must contact the Help Desk at 765-5100, ext. 5580.

What does 'default printer' mean and how do I change my default printer?

Default Printer – The printer all programs will send print jobs to by default when you click on the Print button or choose File, Print from the menu. The printer selected as your default printer will say "Default" just below the printer name.
 

Follow the steps below to change your default printer:

  1. Click on the Search box in your Task Bar and type: Printers & Scanners and hit Enter on your keyboard.
  2. Scroll past your printer list and verify "Let Windows manage my default printer" is not checked.
  3. Scroll back up, find the printer you would like to be your Default Printer. Click on the icon and select "Manage."
  4. In the new screen, click the "Set as default button".  ("Printer status:..." just above will change to Default)
  5. All Done! Next time you print a document, it will go to that printer.

What is the shutdown service?

In an effort to control spiraling electrical costs, the Technology Dept. has configured most district computers to shut down & power off after 4:00 PM, or later depending on site hours of operation. Idle computers powered on after that time you will display a 15 minute count down timer prompt, which will allow you to postpone shut down for one hour. If you elect to postpone shut down, the prompt will appear again each hour until the computer is shut down. If there is no response, the computer will automatically shut down and power off. If you are actively using your computer, shutdown may be postponed automatically. Please be aware, if this service shuts down your computer, it will not save any documents you have open. To prevent loss of unsaved work, please save your work before you leave your computer for the night.
 
Please Note:
  • The shut down service begins at 4:00pm for most sites, or later in depending on hours of operation;
  • If your computer is idle, you have 15 minutes to respond and postpone shutdown;
  • If you postpone the shut down, a prompt will reappear each hour until the computer is shut down;
  • To reduce interruptions, if you are actively using the computer, the prompt may not appear and shutdown will be postponed automatically;
  • This is not a substitute for responsible power management. Please turn off all electronic equipment when you leave including all TVs, computers, air conditioners, and other electronic devices.

How do I donate computers or other equipment to the school district?

The district is happy to accept donations. Please review the minimum acceptable requirements for computer donations.
 
All donations must be approved by the Governing Board. Please contact Connie Smith in the Business Services Office. The donation form is available on the Business Services forms page. Letters of appreciation will be sent to the donors by the Superintendent's Office after Board approval.
 

What are the minimum specs for district computers?

The district purchases all computers from Dell Computer Corporation. The Technology department has determined the current minimum set-up according to system requirements. Please review Hardware Standards document.
 

What software is district approved?

Approved district educational software is determined by Ed Services administrators and Information Technology. First the Ed Services Administrators evaluate the educational value of the software, then I.T. will determine if the software is properly suited for use on the District network or on District hardware. Please contact your local site Administrator to begin the process.

How can I get software reviewed for possible addition to the district approved software list?

If the software you want to use is not already approved, it must go through a review by Education Services and Information Technology before it may be purchased for use on district computers and/or network. Also, any and all required hardware for the software must be pre-approved prior to purchase and district use. To request software review, complete the Education Software Review Request and submit to your school principal.