LDSTech Newsletter

Design Improvements are Underway at LDS.org

You may have noticed a striking new visual design in the header and background of LDS.org. The new look does not end with the color changes and first impressions. A series of incremental improvements are planned which will culminate in a new navigation and menu structure similar to Gospel Library mobile.

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LDSTech Conference 2014 Session Streams

Did you know that video streams of the 2014 LDSTech Conference Sessions are available? This is a welcome extension of the conference experience for members of the LDSTech community who could not participate live, or who missed sessions due to scheduling conflicts.

From the LDSTech Conference home page at http://tech.lds.org/wiki/LDSTech_Conference, click on the link for the LDSTech Conference 2014 session streams. Select what interests you from the list of class sessions available.

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Broadcast Recap - Mormon Channel Has Something for Everyone

A brief recap of the first LDSTech broadcast for 2015 on the Mormon Channel hardly does justice to the presentation. The Friday, January 9 presentation is a credit to media experts and LDSTech developers, who, in partnership, have brought phenomenal changes to the way broadcast technologies reach people. Presenters Rob Boshard (General Manager for the Mormon Channel) and Heidi Green (Content Strategist) likened that partnership to building a house’s infrastructure, furnishing it with content, and “turning on the lights.”

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"Relative Finder" Makes Connections

Are you curious to know how you are related to historical figures? A website developed by the BYU Family History Technology Lab uses the power of computer algorithms combined with data from FamilySearch.org to make connections. Providing you have some family history information already entered, you can use the site to test how closely you are related to some interesting and prominent people.

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Improving Internet Access Following Meetinghouse Firewall Upgrade - Part 1

Because the Internet is a shared resource, last year’s changes to meetinghouse firewall configurations affect everyone who signs in to the meetinghouse network on their Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Becoming better informed about the changes will help you improve the experience for yourself and others. This begins a two-part article on the new configuration. A second article will cover best practices.

The newest version of the firewall increases data throughput to better utilize the speed of local Internet Service Providers (ISP). The reconfiguration applies to Cisco firewalls furnished by the Church and sets up separate zones using dedicated ports. One zone is for the public network, another for facilities management, and where authorized, a special purpose or reserved zone for Family History Centers (FHC).

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Improving Internet Access Following Meetinghouse Firewall Upgrade - Part 2

Observing best practices when using the meetinghouse Internet will reduce network traffic, improve overall performance, and promote successful network connectivity for everyone. If you use the Internet in your meetinghouse, the suggestions below will provide valuable help.

Connecting your mobile devices to the public network
To use your device successfully, plan ahead. Perform Internet-intensive tasks, such as downloading content, installing apps, and performing software upgrades at home. If you are planning to use web content, download and save content to your device and then use meetinghouse audio visual equipment to project from your device rather than stream directly from the Internet.

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Introducing the LDSTech Social Media Correspondent

Katie Bradshaw is serving a Church service mission as the LDSTech Social Media Correspondent.

Sister Bradshaw has always been passionately creative. After obtaining a foundation in the graphic design field, she pursued a career as a User Experience Designer. Sister Bradshaw sought the opportunity to get involved in LDSTech because along with her innate desire to design, she also aspires to help people. She wants to use her technological skills to share the gospel with others and help them come closer to Christ.

LDSTech is excited to have Sister Bradshaw on the team where she can share her talents, skills, and enthusiasm!

Watch LDSTech Broadcasts

Date	Stream	Presenter & Topic
2015 – JAN – 9		Rob Boshard - Mormon Channel
2014—JUL –11		Jesh Barlow – FamilySearch Mobile Apps
2014 – JUN – 06		Mike Madsen – Youth Activity Pages on LDS.org
2014 – MAY – 02		Michael Colemere – Four Elements of Successful Communication Strategies
2014 – MAR – 14		Mel Broberg – Church Directory of Organizations and Leaders (CDOL)
2014 – FEB – 07		Jim Byer – Windows 8 Gospel Library
2014 – JAN – 10		Hal Rushton – Gospel Content on the Feature Phone