Video Conferencing using the KAREN Bridge

As a part of the Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network’s (KAREN) Video Conferencing Service, Massey University has access to a Codian Multi Conferencing Unit (MCU) to support audio and video conference calls.

Video conferences may occur between just two parties (point-to-point) or have three or more end-points (multi-point). For more than two parties to be connected, a multiplexor or bridge must be involved to eliminate the need for individual connections between each person. 

By using the KAREN Bridge, parties participating in a multi-point meeting need only to connect to this multiplexing system to participate.  In practical terms this enables end-points (non-bridging VC units and Softphones) to participate in multi participant VC meetings.

The KAREN bridge currently enables end-points (non-bridging VC units) to bridge with up to 12 others in total, in a meeting/room.

Note: Web communications applications such as MSN, Skype, etc., cannot make use of the KAREN Bridge.

What is the KAREN Bridge?

A bridge is best thought of as a central meeting area, which allows users to make smaller 'rooms' where they may hold meetings. These rooms can be made public, so that anyone on the bridge may join, or private, so that users wishing to join must enter a password when they try to enter.

Equipment needed to connect to the KAREN Bridge

You can use a Video Conference Unit or a Softphone application such as Mirial. Mirial Softphone is a software-only client for professional quality videoconferencing. Mirial provide a connection guide.

Video Conferencing Resources:

Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network (KAREN) provides high-capacity, high-speed broadband between research, education and innovation organisations in New Zealand and with similar organisation overseas.

Advanced Video Collaboration Centre (AVCC) provides video conferencing support, advice and helpdesk services to universities and Crown research institutes. The services provided by the centre will help everyone in our community to make the most out of their video conferencing on KAREN.

Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand Ltd  (REANNZ) is the Crown-owned company set up to establish, own and operate a high-speed telecommunications network for the research and education sectors.

Recycling Toner Cartridges

Recycling of Toner Cartridges is not just good for the environment it is also a valued method for saving the University money. We receive credits from Hewlett Packard for your old cartridges.

Please Note: Massey Kids Club advise that they can no longer receive used Toner Cartridges. However, they will still receive benefits from the recycling scheme if Massey staff continue to recycle their Toner Cartridges. Please use the Recycling ‘HP Planet Partners’ bins which should be located in your area!

Turitea and Hokowhitu campus staff can visit the ITS website to find their nearest recycling bin. Albany and Wellington staff please contact your Departmental Secretary for this information. 

Peer to Peer (P2P) Technology Prohibited due to high risks

Massey University has a strict policy prohibiting the use of P2P Software due to the risk factors involved.

Use of P2P software means that material being downloaded is unidentified, possibly inappropriate or copyrighted materials. While it would be possible to check the appropriateness of the material by inspecting the desktop machines of people using this software, the potential for mass use of P2P means that this is not practical.

In many instances there will be legitimate use of P2P for downloading; however, experience shows that the overwhelming majority of downloading is for inappropriate use, thus creating vulnerability to our internet service. It is our understanding that any legitimate material being downloaded via P2P can usually be available through other means which do not require P2P (e.g. FTP)

The two-way mechanism of P2P software creates a potential security issue. As well as allowing Massey users to download material from outside the University it also opens a channel for external users to download material from within Massey. Effectively the P2P user is both a collector and a distributor, and there is no way of telling what is being distributed.

Microsoft Office Training and Reference Material

ITS currently have a full suite of free training options to assist staff with their transition from Office 2003 to 2007:
 
One of the most helpful tools we have is the Interactive Demos of Microsoft products for those who are transitioning from using Microsoft Office 2003 to 2007. 
 
Staff can download EZ-Reference 2007 Training Manuals for Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook and Publisher. 
 
They can also download, EZ-Reference 2007 Quick Reference Cards for Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook and Publisher, which give a number of helpful shortcuts for each program. These reference cards can be printed in colour onto one double-sided page and then laminated for future use. 
 
Online Courses with Microsoft for PC Users. There is a wide range of courses available for each of the MS Office programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook and Project for both 2003 and 2007.  Access to each course lasts 12 months from the time of sign-up, and are free of charge for all Massey University Staff. Full instructions on how to sign-up are available on the above website.

Staff based in Palmerston North can attend workshops currently being run by ITS in the Turitea Library, to assist staff with the sign up process for Microsoft Online E-Learning courses for PC users. If you wish to attend a workshop please email the Help Desk, advising your name, department and your preferred date: 2nd July or 21st July - sessions run from 3 – 5pm. 

Online Courses with Microsoft for Mac Users.
Have you made the move to Office 2008? Microsoft has a dedicated section of their site for Mac users called Mactopia. They offer: Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Entourage courses.