Attention Mac Users!

There have been a few changes that have been made through Information Technology to accommodate Macintosh users around campus. Information Technology deployed servers to enhance the support of our Apple computer environment. Beginning this fall, IT is performing automated security updates to the Apple computers. These updates will be implemented conveniently from servers to your Apple computer; you will likely not even know when the updates have occurred. Additionally, the login page will look slightly different due to a couple of changes. The “computer use policy”, is now on the same screen as the login window. Also, the way you login will be simplified. All you need is your PDID (first.lastname) to login, which is the same login information as you would use to access your email, or your Ursa account. It is the goal to be able to access all of your important UNC accounts through this one user name; this is another step toward that goal. Another goal of IT is to create a common configuration within campus computer labs. Common configuration is important because the most frequently used software is installed within each computer lab. This way, you will not have to go across campus to use a certain application such as Quark, Photoshop, Google Sketch Up, or InDesign. The look of the content on the computers will appear similar too; in order to simplify the navigation and use from computer to computer; whether it be in the University Center, Frasier, or Candelaria.

Check Out the New and Improved Information Technology Cyber Security Website!

This is just a quick reminder that there is a major resource for information that is meant to help protect you and your identity. Information Technology has a webpage that specializes in cyber security education and awareness www.unco.edu/cybersecurity . This webpage has information for students, faculty, and staff on how to help protect you against identity theft, viruses, and improve your cyber security knowledge. The webpage has been updated with more information, more topics, and has been reformatted with a different layout; which will make navigation easier. For training on cyber security you can contact the Technical Support Center (351-HELP), to take an online course. This online training offers more on how to protect you, by using helpful informative documents, and visual aids which include short videos on common information security precautions and common computing threats. If you would rather receive information in person, please call the Technical Support Center (351-HELP), and they will arrange for a certified Information Technology security analyst to come out to you. Have a wonderful first week of classes!

Get the Most Out of Your Smart Classroom Experience!

Technicians from Information Technology have tested projectors, speakers, doc cameras, and DVD players within each smart classroom on campus over the last couple of weeks making sure they are fully operational for the upcoming Fall semester. To get the most out of your smart classroom experience, Information Technology recommends that you visit the classroom that you will be teaching in and familiarize yourself with all of the controls on the podium. Another way to learn about your classroom and about smart classrooms in general is by visiting this link, which is on the Information Technology website. This page will give you information on technologies which are included in your smart classroom, as well as direct you to smart classroom training, and smart classroom support. As a reminder, support is always available to you. From Monday through Thursday 7am-7pm and Friday 7am-5pm, you will have access to onsite support; this means that you simply need to pick up the phone located on podium (which will automatically dial the Technical Support Center) and inform the representative of your problem and they will dispatch a technician immediately. Smart classrooms calls are top priority for the Technical Support Center. Outside the aforementioned hours, support will still be available to you. Simply pick up the same phone at the podium, and a representative will assist you over the phone. Please use this resource for any problems that might occur with the equipment. For training on how to use the equipment in these rooms, please refer to the smart classroom link, or contact CETL to schedule a training session. For more information about the types of smart classrooms please visit the link or visit the most recent newsletter and visit the article titled, “More Smart Classrooms Being Added”. Have a wonderful week!

Symantec Antivirus Is In the Process of Being Upgraded

Information Technology is in the process of upgrading the campus antivirus and firewall desktop application. The previous version, Symantec Antivirus (SAV), consisted of antivirus software and a firewall. However, the antivirus and firewall had to be run separately. With the new version of Symantec, Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP), there are many more features. SEP is equipped with antivirus, an integrated firewall, network threat protection, and zero day protection, which are centrally managed for you. In order to install SEP on each computer on campus, Information Technology will be physically visiting each computer to do the upgrade. This process has been underway for the past couple of months. So far, the upgrades have been nearly completed for Central Campus. Following Central Campus will be West Campus. The target date for the completion of all upgrades is December 31st, 2009. Above is the icon that will appear on you bottom toolbar after SEP is installed, next to the time display. Please post comments and let me know if this blog was helpful! Have a great week!