• All ETL software now includes a digital signature, so that Windows will now display Expressways To Learning as the publisher when asking your permission to install the software.  It is your assurance that the software you are about to install is genuine.
• We have also made some internal improvements to the installers for Expressways To Reading and for Expressways To Learning Disc 2. They should now open faster than before since they no longer need to be scanned by the computer first.  This would sometimes take 2 to 3 minutes on some computers.  The new installers are also simpler, automatically starting the Expressways menu when completed.
• We now have available all the software complete on one DVD-ROM disc, further streamlining the installation process.
• To assist you in activating and setting up your software, we will be providing an easy-to-follow Quick Start Guide with customized step-by-step instructions.  These will be enclosed with all discs.

For problems with software setup and activation, the parent or teacher should call Bridger Tech Services at (208) 515-7651 during normal business hours.  To obtain tech support after the software is setup and activated, the parent or teacher will need to use the Tech Support form on the Teacher Tab of the Expressways application menu.  This newly designed form automatically collects most of the information needed to troubleshoot software issues, and has helpful instructions for entering the rest.  It will send the information directly to Bridger Tech Services.  It is available with version 49.28, so those who have an earlier version installed will be prompted to update their software first.  The Tech Support form requires an Internet connection, so those without Internet service or who cannot access the new form for any other reason should call Bridger Tech Services at the above number.

Please make sure that your teachers or home study parents are aware of this new policy, so that they contact Bridger Tech Services, and not their ETL Rep or the ETL office, for tech support.  Thank you!

After you have this update, submitting a tech support request is easier than ever, because the computer collects most of the information needed automatically.  Simply open Expressways on your computer, click on the Teacher tab, and click Tech Support.   In the example below, the computer has automatically filled in the Site Name, City, Your Name, Contact Phone, and Contact Email from the ETL central database.  It has also filled in the Windows Version and Expressways Version.  You would then need to fill in only the details concerning the error: the Software App, Program, Lesson Number, Error Message, and any Additional Description.

When you submit your Tech Support Request, your ETL Rep will receive all the pertinent information needed to help solve your problem quickly.

SAMPLE ONLY!

SAMPLE ONLY!

After you update, please run the License program.  You will notice that the License program window is simplified.  Simply choose your method of renewing (Internet or Phone) then click on Renew.

When renewing by Internet, your license is immediately synchronized with our database.  There is no need to wait for your ETL Representative to approve your request.  Home Study computers will need renewals four times per year.  They will be reminded to renew during the first week of July, October, January, and April, and they will have until the 7th of the month to do so.

You may be asked for an Activation code if you have not licensed by Internet recently.  Please contact your ETL Rep for this activation code if needed. 

When renewing by Phone, the request code you give to your ETL Rep is now just four characters long.

• No more lost or damaged memory sticks (or floppy disks)!
• Teachers can view and print student reports from anywhere.
• Home study students can easily transition to an ETL clinic.
• Existing student records are easily imported into the system.
• If your Internet connection goes down, students can continue to work, and their records are later uploaded automatically.
• Student data will be backed up for you.
• Additions to Master Word Lists are instantly available to all your students.

Of course, each student will need to have an Internet connection on a computer with the ETL systems installed.  If there is no Internet connection available, students will still be able to use the software with a memory stick or shared network folder.

We have also made some changes behind the scenes.  The software licensing system has been changed so that it is more responsive and reliable.  Because of this, anyone who needs to submit a Direct Request for a new license or license renewal will need to download and install the latest software update.  This also applies to home study students.  Just click on the Latest Update link, under Software, in the For Cients area.  License renewals by phone or email will not require this update.