All district computers are being moved to a new, more secure domain. This will make your computer and our entire network more secure. Please read through this document to familiarize yourself with the process. For reference, the old domain is called "VUSD," and the new domain is called "INTERNAL."

The move will happen in the background on your computer, but we need your help to ensure the process runs smoothly for you. Please pay close attention to the items highlighted like this below. These are things we'll need you to do. Also, read the "Changes after the move to the new domain" section at the end. There will be some changes to your computer you'll need to know about.

Before the move

• If you have a laptop, make sure it's plugged into the charger. The process may take a while and we don't want the laptop to run out of battery.

• Restart your computer before your scheduled move window. After the restart, leave the computer on, but do not log back in until the move is complete. Leave it sitting on the login screen. This will ensure the computer has started fresh and nobody is logged in when the move is happening behind the scenes.

During the move

• During the move, the computer will do some background tasks and then restart.
• Most computers take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete the move process. Some computers may take up to a few hours.
• You can tell the move has been completed by clicking on "Other user". If you see Sign in to: INTERNAL, your computer has completed the domain move. If is says Sign in to: VUSD, you'll need to wait a little longer.

After the move

• After your computer has been moved, you will sign in normally.

• The first login may take a few extra seconds. 
  • If it sits on the loading screen for more than 15 minutes, contact the front office and a tech will stop by.
• If you use Microsoft Outlook, open it.

• You will be prompted for your password. Enter it, click "Choose to stay signed in to all your apps", and press OK. 
• If you are running a newer version of Outlook, will probably see this error (this is normal):

• If you see this error, click "Continue" and Outlook should open normally. If it doesn't open, create a ticket (https://servicetickets.vusd.org) and a technician will take care of it for you. While you're waiting to get into Outlook, you can sign into the web version by going here: https://outlook.office.com. Use your @vusd.org email address and your normal password to log in.
• If you are using the Google Drive App, you will need to sign back in using your @vusd.us account. Let us know if you need help with this.
• You may be prompted to sign in to Google Chrome to sync your browser settings. Go ahead and do so with your @vusd.us account.

Important changes after the move

For security reasons, all software installs and updates on your computer will be managed by the Tech Services department. If you attempt to install new software or install updates to existing software and you're prompted for a password, cancel the installation and let us know.

Answers to some questions that will come up about this:

• What does this mean for me? 
  • It means that some computer system changes and all software installations on all computers at Visalia Unified will be managed by the VUSD Tech Services Department moving forward. Once administrative access has been changed on your computer, you will no longer be able to make certain system changes or install software. If changes need to be made or software needs to be installed or updated, a technician will assist you using a secure password unique to your computer that is changed automatically every 24 hours. If you attempt to make a system change or install software that requires administrator access, you’ll see a username/password prompt pop up. This username/password can only be retrieved by the Tech Services department.
• Why are you doing this?  
  • Ransomware, malware, and viruses that attack networks are typically installed by accident from an email or website and then spread to other computers. Limiting administrative access prevents these installations from happening and is a necessary part of keeping your computer and the entire VUSD network safe.  
  • The security of your identity, your computer, and your data is important. We’ve been working hard to implement industry-standard best practices for security based on recommendations from security consultants and the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) security standards. Limiting administrative access on computers is a requirement to meet modern security standards.
• What do I do if I get the username/password prompt and need to change or install something?  
  • Cancel the prompt and then submit a ticket. We’ve added two new ticket system categories for
         these types of requests. They are both under Technology -> Software
    • Technology -> Software -> Computer System Change (I'm being prompted for a
            password)
• Select this category if you need something on the computer changed like network settings, installing hardware, etc. and you are being prompted for a password.
• Technology -> Software -> Software Installation/Update (I'm being prompted for a
        password)
• Select this category if you need a program installed or updated and you are being prompted for a password.
• Instructions how to use the ticket system are here: https://app.tettra.co/teams/vusd-techsvcs/pages/how-to-use-the-vusd-service-ticket-system
• If you have an emergency and need a system change or software installation performed right away that directly affects your job or classroom, please call our helpdesk at 559-730-7627.

Because of some added security features on the new domain, you may not be able to reach certain websites or network services like servers, printers, or mapped drive letters (K: drive, etc.) after your computer is moved. We expect some of this and will make adjustments as needed. If this happens, let us know.

This approach will be new to all of us, including our tech staff. We expect a few bumps along the way and appreciate your patience as we work towards creating the safest and most secure network possible for you and our students.

We're here to help!

If you have any issues with the move, let us know by creating a ticket at https://servicetickets.vusd.org. If it's an emergency that directly affects your ability to teach or perform your job, call our helpdesk at 559-730-7627 and a staff member will assist you as soon as possible.