Category Archives: Network

iCloud and Google Drive

iCloud.com

We use Google Drive for most data storage on campus. You SHOULD have your Notability backing up to Drive automatically – if you aren’t or are not sure, CLICK HERE and make sure!

If you are in the middle school [in the 2022-2023 school year] then you are also using a Managed AppleID, which comes with 200 gigabytes of storage. The data and pictures that the 6th and 7th graders create on the Shared ipads automatically get backed up to their iCloud account – WHICH CAN ACCESSED USING ANY WEB BROWSER.

You 8th graders need to check some settings [See Settings –> Click on your name at the top left column -> iCloud -> Turn ON Photos, iCloud Backup]

To access your iCloud account, surf to iCloud.com

To see what you can do on iCloud, the user guide is at iCloud User Guide.

Powerschool LMS – troubles logging in, getting things done

The LMS system is being overwhelmed, which is one reason why so many are having trouble logging in. Note that this is a cloud-based product, and hundreds of thousands of students internationally have now been moved to online learning. Thus it’s not exactly surprising that the system is struggling a bit.

For now:

1) Please email your teacher at the beginning of each class that you ARE trying, and describe what is happening.

2) Keep trying every 5 minutes [not every 5 seconds!]

3) If something changes, please let tech know.

4) Keep an eye on tech.mountdesales.net for updates. We’ll be posting updates, news, and tips there as we go through this process.

5) DO NOT PANIC.

Make the Internet Not-So-Scary

There are people [and machines that people set up] that are constantly scanning the internet, trying to see if there are holes or unlocked doors that they can get in.

This is really no different than real life – after all, we lock our cars because there are people who will walk through parking lots, trying doors to see what they can open and steal.

Online reflects real life in that sense – there are options and features that are cool or easy to use, and people to meet . There are also options and features that can be MISused [debit card fraud, to mention one thing.]

So “scared” isn’t a practical approach to online. “Cautious” and “Aware” are better approaches. Just like you lock your house and car – and maybe even purchase a security system – with the idea that it won’t prevent ALL thieves, but will hopefully prevent MOST….. take the same approach with online safety.

Here are some common sense practical things you can do to stay safe online. Sadly, we cannot guarantee you won’t get AGGRAVATED online…. that’s a whole ‘nother issue.

  1. Don’t reuse passwords. Seriously – just don’t. The criminals are cross-referencing information they steal from all these companies.
  2. Avoid using dictionary words in your passwords. ANY dictionary words. Remove the consonants, abbreviate, SOMETHING….. just don’t use words that are in any dictionary.
  3. Don’t give out your password to ANYONE. Even tech support won’t ask you for it.
  4. Don’t give out your social security number or any critical piece of information like that to anyone who calls you. Those threats that “your account will be shut down” or “you are going to be arrested if you don’t do this” are bogus. Report them.
  5. When a computer goes insane, it is NOT automatically a “virus”. Sometimes the computer hamsters just go out to lunch. When in doubt, shut the thing down, go get a nice beverage, and start it back up.
  6. Make SURE those apps your are downloading from the App store are legit. There are MANY stories online of “free apps” that actually did nefarious things – everything from bitcoin mining to swiping your entire phone contact list and passwords to eavesdropping. Note that Android devices are more susceptible, but IOS devices can also be messed with.