Microsoft Office 2007

I've just installed a trial version of office 2007. I originally wanted to do this because there is a tutorial on Excel 2007 that's recommended , and I only had office 2003. Now I realize that this would be a very good move even if it wasn't for the tutorial. Office 2007 looks completely different from office 2003. All the functions are there, plus more I'm sure, but it just takes me forever to find anything right now. Definitely a good idea to install the trial and get used to the new layout for anyone who's starting the program and haven't used much of office 2007.

Activating the trial today gives me an expiry date of May 31, which is more than enough time to last after the full version is supplied by the school.

Portal is Up

As the title suggests - portal is up!

The only useful piece of information on it right now is the online resume template from the business career centre. Email is functional too, so that's something to play with. As a veteran outlook user, I would need some time to get used to this lotus thing.

Technology and Portal Update

Heard back from IT helpdesk. The portal administrators are just placing the finishing touches on user access, and we should receive access in a few days.

Also received a document of notebook requirements, which are similar to last year's requirements. Looks like my 2.5-year-old computer will do.

Queen’s MBA Notebook Computer Requirements

A notebook computer with Microsoft Windows is a requirement for the duration of your Queen’s MBA program. This document outlines the minimum requirements for any notebook that you wish to use and also outlines the minimum specifications you should be seeking should you need to purchase a notebook.

If you plan to bring to the Program a notebook computer that you already own, not only should it meet our minimum specifications, but you should ensure that it can be serviced conveniently and quickly in Kingston. Nationally-known brands such as Dell, Lenovo and Toshiba HP should present no problem but it may be difficult to find service for lesser-known systems. You would be well advised to purchase extended warranty coverage for the duration of the program to avoid any unpleasant surprises. It is also wise to ensure that you have a copy of the original invoice should warranty service be required.

Queen’s School of Business Technology Helpdesk stands ready to assist you in any way possible with regards to any computer-related problems or issues that may arise throughout your studies. Our specialists are available from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday to help you with any of your computer-related needs for your various courses. Service is available by phone, email, website, walk-in or even team-room visits. We will act as a “first contact” point in troubleshooting system problems, providing simple diagnostic procedures and possible suggestions toward the fastest possible resolution. Should it be necessary to contact your vendor or manufacturer we can direct you to your nearest service depot as well as provide you, when possible, with the appropriate phone number or web address.

It is possible to use a Mac PC in the program as long as either Windows XP or Vista is installed and running under Bootcamp or a virtualization system such as Parallels. We are not in a position to be able to support Mac OS. Moreover, some software integral to the program will only run under Windows and we cannot guarantee full functionality of Mac OS with the Queen’s MBA portal or Domino-based email and collaboration services.

Should your notebook computer require service we maintain a limited stock of notebook computers that are available to you for short-term loan.

Our helpdesk staff members are fully trained in all of the software applications required for your studies including Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Symantec Antivirus, and Lotus Notes/Domino applications. We support Windows Vista and Windows XP Professional/Home operating systems.

We will do our very best to relieve you of any worries or concerns surrounding the technological component of Queen’s MBA program allowing you to remain focused on the course material.

Minimum Notebook requirements

If you have purchased a computer within the last year or two then you can pretty much be guaranteed that it will meet at least the very minimum requirements for the Queen’s MBA Program.

The main concern for the purposes of the Program is that your system runs well with the following:
· Internet Explorer 6 or 7
· Lotus Notes 8.0 or 8.5
· MS Office Pro 2007 (which will be supplied to you)
· Windows XP Home or Pro or Windows Vista

To achieve this we would suggest at least the following computer configuration
· Processor of at least 1GHz
· 1GB of RAM memory (2GB if running VISTA)
· A hard disk with at least 20GB of free space
· Video of at least an XGA resolution (1024 x 768) and 256MB of video memory if running VISTA
· Ethernet and wireless LAN support

If you have any questions or concerns regarding either your current notebook computer or wish advice on purchasing a new system please do not hesitate to contact the QSB Technology Helpdesk.

1.866.622.2667
helpdesk@business.queensu.ca

Prep Materials Arrived

Today I received a package from Queen's. Appleseed documented the contents of his package, which were much the same as what I received:

Pre-Study

I am definitely going to go over these materials word for word. It'll take a lot of time, but it's worth it if it makes the workload a little easier to manage when I'm actually in the program.

The introductory letter states that I should've been notified by email about access to the class portal, which has not happened. I'm going to email the IT helpdesk about the detailed requirements for a laptop, as well as to inquire into the portal situation (most likely just a delay, as Appleseed mentioned in his blog last year).

More Facebook Group

I found another facebook group that's more active than the one mentioned in the previous entry:

Queen's MBA Class of 2010

Facebook Group

I have no idea how many (or how few, haha) of my soon-to-be classmates have found or will find this blog, but if you are one, come join our group on facebook!

Queen's MBA 2010

On a separate note, I finally finished all the back-dated blog posts towards the end of last week, so I'm just taking a little break with the blogging and will post as soon as there are updates.

Confirmation of Attendance

The next weekday after I received the message from Queen's, I got a FedEx package of the official letter of acceptance and scholarship letter. Since I was to provide a "passport style" photo when I sign back my offer, it took me a few days to arrange to get it done. I also signed up for all three days of the pre-MBA warm up. I figured it wouldn't hurt, and $375 is not too much to spend compared with the tuition and living expenses I'm about to pay.

I mailed my stuff back to them around boxing day, and come January 5th they emailed to say that they had received my material. Now I had yet another letter FedEx'd to me, confirming that I am indeed attending Queen's.