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SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 106
May 14, 1999 |
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | Paul D. Stapleton
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | VA.PEN Network Changes |
Virginia's Public Education Network (VA.PEN) is being improved. Department of Education staff members are upgrading our network to enable proper functioning with current graphical user interface (GUI) and Web browser technology. These improvements will make VA.PEN completely Web-based, graphical in appearance, and usable with a mouse. Retirement of our aging text-based system is scheduled for late fall, 1999. These changes will affect all VA.PEN subscribers. Certain older computers will no longer be usable with VA.PEN. Subscriber names and passwords will not change, but access to electronic mail will require modern hardware and software such as a Pentium computer running Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer. Detailed information regarding minimum system configurations and required communication software settings will be distributed at a later date. Division superintendents and other school division staff members may prepare for this network upgrade by ensuring sufficient hardware availability and by becoming familiar with Web browser software. Questions should be directed to Ms. Jean Gray, Postmaster, 804-371-7524, (postbox@pen.k12.va.us) or Mr. Jerry Mathews, 804-225-2950, (jmathews@mail.vak12ed.edu). PDS/mm