New software puts Help Desk at Reservists' fingertips Published Dec. 7, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Bryan Hull 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- A new software program called Virtual Enterprise Service Desk is now available to McChord Reservists, allowing users the ability to see how their computers are running and provide troubleshooting information on how to fix basic problems. "The user can go into vESD and make the changes themselves instead of Cyberspace Operations making the changes," said Senior Master Sgt. Cindy Thomas, 446th Force Support Squadron client systems technician. Opening the vESD icon on the computer desktop will launch a scan the machine, displaying the status of the computer and alerting the user to any problems. The program will help correct simple problems to Microsoft Outlook or the network and can also resolve issues with Blackberry and iPhone devices. The vESD program also provides a way for Reservists to provide feedback. While not all functions are available at this time, 446th Airlift Wing Airmen will be able to address e-mail and telephone issues and will be able to submit work tickets. In addition to vESD, 446th AW Airmen can still contact 446th FSS Cyberspace Operations directly for computer support. When seeking help to diagnose a computer problem, it's never too soon to call. "Reservists are working for such a short period of time they shouldn't wait to address the problem," said Staff Sgt. Paul Hansen, 446th FSS client systems technician. Many basic problems can be diagnosed and solved over the phone, he said. Occasionally more complex problems may require CST personnel to remotely log into Reservists computers to correct the issue. For serious issues, CST's may have to come out to the unit to fix the computer or take the device with them to correct the problem. "The two biggest issues for computers that come up are allowing a computer to sit idle for too long and port security," Hansen said. Hansen advises that computers on the network should be logged into weekly. If they sit idle for 30 days or more the computer will be automatically removed from the network. Port security problems arise when computer or printer network cables are unplugged from the "wall jack" and moved to another "wall jack." If this happens it will trigger port security and deny the computer or printer access to the network. For computer support, contact 446th FSS Cyberspace Operations at 253-982-3532 or e-mail the help desk at 446aw.sc.helpdesk@us.af.mil.