breaking in new users

[Jayse]

Hi everyone. This is my first post.

My question is fairly simple. Is there any documentation for how to break in users from an environment that is not locked down to a production server environment with GP, profiles, etc.

I have a client who I am setting a new server up for. They are going from a few dozen random machines thrown together on a workgroup to actually being managed by server 2003. The transition is going to be difficult so I'd like to gather as much info about introducing users from a non-server environment to a server environment.

Thanks.

 

[wahnula]

Jayse,

Welcome to the forum. You mentioned Server 2003, this is the SBS forum, so if you are using Server 2003 and not SBS then you will want to post in forum931

The biggest problem I have had is users still using their local machine to store documents that should be in their shared folders. Depending on how they connect (SharePoint, mapped drives etc) you will want to make sure they place all important files on the server not the local machine. This is an easy sell because of SBS' robust backup, but I still have problems with users saving files locally. Placing shortcuts to their shared folders on the desktop might help. You will need to get their local files on the server in their shared folders for this to happen.

Also, getting them used to Exchange via Outlook instead of POP3 local clients was a tough sell, but you will have to get them used to it. Once they see the advantages, like remote access via OWA, it becomes easier. I simply imported their existing .pst files into Exchange and removed their POP accounts, but your setup will determine your course of action.

I am not aware of any "user training" documentation, but maybe one of the gurus will have some.

SBS' default of making the companyweb the homepage in IE helps, you can post your announcements there with your training notes and tips. Best of luck!

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[Jayse]

Thanks Tony. That's great information.

I was hoping there would be some sort of training or docs that I could give the users to get them used to the changes of logging in, saving docs, etc.

 

[wahnula]

Another item: On the new default Homepage, companyweb/default.aspx there is a link for "Information and Answers" that spells everything out for new users, even as far as how to connect mobile devices. I think this is the best documentation for new users.

One feature I really like as a user is the Shared Calendars in Exchange's Public Folders. To make them easy to access I needed to place shortcuts on the individual client's Outlook app, as they are sort of buried in Outlook's Folder List and inexperienced users have trouble getting to them. They are great for scheduling public uses like the Conference Room and allowing users to view or edit each other's schedules. I did have to lock some "crazy clicker" users out of any calendar but their own as some appointments would disappear, but that is an easy permissions mod.

I gave my users the option to create their own password (eight character minimum, mixed case, one number or symbol mimimum) and created easy-to-remember ones for users that did not. My personal policy is to not allow users to change their passwords, I do it annually, but I am kind of a BOFH...not really, but I do want to be able to access their accounts. It's a small-office and only 10 or so users (of which I am one) so I don't mind the extra work...and love not having to reset forgotten passwords.

Getting them familiar with the "Save As..." to the network mapped drive ("old school", but I still do it) folder will take some doing, but it's good to have all their files starting out on the server, including the templates they normally use to create new documents. You will have to manually move each user's docs to the server, this will give you the opportunity to see where each user currently stores their files so you will know where to look in the future...I don't know how, but after three years I still have one user that keeps stashing his files on the desktop...probably a drag-and-drop error.

There is the option to redirect clients' "My Documents" to the server but this might not be where all users store their files...and places an unnecessary storage load on the server IMO. Just stress the importance of saving everything important to the server for security and backup reasons...you will find most folks will do fine once you get them started. SBS is pretty transparent to the user.

Tony

Users helping Users...