Google Docs now blocked?

Discussions about Internet service providers (ISPs), the Meetinghouse Firewall, wired and wireless networking, usage, management, and support of Meetinghouse Internet
techgy
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#11

Post by techgy »

EricP wrote:We've been using Google documents, especially spreadsheets to track Stake Presidency appointments (our Stake President uses it too, so I know he approves of it), for well over two years now. We just got connected to the Internet this past week in our Stake Center, and though we had chosen the extended access (which is the most permissive filtering option) we were disappointed to find that Google Docs was being blocked. I called the global service desk just yesterday, and they said it should not be blocking Google Docs at all. It's interesting to find out that we're not alone. The service tech on the line thought there must be a problem with our firewall, and I didn't know at the time that others were having the same problem. Anyway, they started a trouble ticket and are supposed to resolve it. I'll let you all know what happens.
Actually there's one additional approved level which is much more permissive - General Access. This is the level that's used in the Family History Centers.
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aebrown
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#12

Post by aebrown »

EricP wrote:... and though we had chosen the extended access (which is the most permissive filtering option) ...
LDS Extended Access is not the most permissive filtering option. From most restrictive to most permissive, the options are:
  1. LDS Restricted Access
  2. LDS Extended Access
  3. General Access
So if you are indeed using LDS Extended Access, you might consider using General Access, if approved by your stake president. This is the filtering level used in Family History Centers.
ericpe
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Got it resolved

#13

Post by ericpe »

We got this resolved today in our Stake. For the benefit of those who are wondering about this, here's what I've learned. When you first try to access the Internet through the firewall, you get a page giving instructions how to call the global service desk and get it activated. On that page there are only 2 filtering levels listed - Restricted and Extended. We chose Extended, but found Google Docs was blocked by it. As some have pointed out in this thread, however, there is a third, more permissive level that they don't advertise. Someone from the Church called me this morning and said that if our Stake President approved it, they could switch us to the "General" level of access. I was told that they do not advertise this level because they don't want everyone to have it unless it is really needed. I got that approval and called back, and within a couple of minutes I was accessing Google Docs without any problems. I hope this helps.

They did say that they usually will ask that either the Stake President or Stake Technology Specialist make the call to request this kind of change, and if you are the latter (like me), they will ask you if you have talked to your Stake President and if he approves of the change.
techgy
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#14

Post by techgy »

Eric,

Thanks for the extra effort and the report back. It's appreciated as it helps others to understand the process. ;)
sgoodmansen
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update: it works now

#15

Post by sgoodmansen »

Since I started the thread I figured I'd report back that Google Docs is no longer blocked. We didn't even change the access level and are still using 'Extended Access'. Apparantly enough people needed it that they made the change higher up. Thanks to everyone that contributed.
dannyyeo
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Still Confused About Google Docs Status

#16

Post by dannyyeo »

I tried this at our stake center and CANNOT get through to google docs. However, the connection at our family history center to google docs works just fine.

I've read all the posts and one suggests that the problem has been resolved and there is not a need to get special permission. Yet another post suggests that the stake president or technology clerk need to call it in. Which is it and if the latter were true, what number do we call? Thanks in advance.
russellhltn
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#17

Post by russellhltn »

iceman wrote:I've read all the posts and one suggests that the problem has been resolved and there is not a need to get special permission. Yet another post suggests that the stake president or technology clerk need to call it in. Which is it?
It's the stake president's decision. The Stake Technology Clerk can call it in to the Global Service Desk. Check with clerk support for the number.
Have you searched the Help Center? Try doing a Google search and adding "site:churchofjesuschrist.org/help" to the search criteria.

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mkmurray
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#18

Post by mkmurray »

iceman wrote:I tried this at our stake center and CANNOT get through to google docs. However, the connection at our family history center to google docs works just fine.
Also, it's likely your family history center is using a completely different firewall and filtering system.
russellhltn
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#19

Post by russellhltn »

mkmurray wrote:Also, it's likely your family history center is using a completely different firewall and filtering system.
Typically a FHC will have a older unit, a Cisco PIX. The filtering used will be closest to "General Access". An FHC should be at this level which allows more access than "Extended Access". So it should not come as a surprise that something denied under "Extended Access" will work in a FHC.
Have you searched the Help Center? Try doing a Google search and adding "site:churchofjesuschrist.org/help" to the search criteria.

So we can better help you, please edit your Profile to include your general location.
dougj-p40
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Google docs now searchable

#20

Post by dougj-p40 »

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