Category: Software

Public Computing, Security, Software, Tips

Important Security Warning for Internet Explorer Users

Nick

UPDATE: Microsoft has released a patch for this important security hole. Your Windows PC should’ve installed the patch already (indicated by a pesky need to reboot). If not or if you’re unsure, you can run Microsoft Update (or Windows Update) or go to the Microsoft Download Center. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A security exposure was recently discovered within Internet Explorer (IE) that could allow malicious software to be installed on your computer without your knowledge. There is virtually no limit to what this malicious software could do once installed but might include logging user keystrokes, stealing passwords, etc. Simply browsing an infected or … Continue reading Important Security Warning for Internet Explorer Users

Email, Security, Software, Tips

Open an Unanticipated PDF File, Infect Your PC!

Nick

Most everyone knows not to open executables (e.g., .exe, .bat, etc.) and documents (e.g., .doc, .xls, .ppt, .html, etc.) received via email when they’re not expected. However, did you know that Adobe Acrobat documents (.pdf) fall into the same category?? It’s quite straightforward for an attacker to invisibly modify a pdf document in such a way that it takes control of your PC when you open it. Unfortunately, anti-virus programs won’t always detect these malicious pdf documents accurately. There are two ways to protect yourself: 1. Make sure you have the latest version of Adobe software (go to Help and … Continue reading Open an Unanticipated PDF File, Infect Your PC!

Help Desk, Security, Software

Don’t Ignore the Windows Update Shield!!

Nick

If you’re a Windows user, did you ever wonder what the periodic appearance of a yellow shield on your task bar means? When you have Windows Automatic Update enabled (and you definitely should!), your PC will regularly check with Microsoft to see if any new software fixes or patches are available to download and install. Generally, Microsoft releases patches for Windows systems on every second Tuesday of the month (affectionately known, by some, as “patch Tuesday”). Your PC should detect the availability of patches on patch Tuesday and download/install them to your computer. Oftentimes, your PC will need to be … Continue reading Don’t Ignore the Windows Update Shield!!

Faculty/Staff, Help Desk, People, Software, Tips

Google Chrome – a nice complement for browsing

admin

ITS tested Google Chrome on several of our swat online services, and found that many swat services function properly. Chrome is packed with many features that are easy to use including navigation and search history. If you are interested in road testing Google Chrome, feel free to download it; but keep in mind, Chrome is still in beta, and is not as mature as your current College supported browsers (Internet Explorer, Safari, and Firefox). Continue reading Google Chrome – a nice complement for browsing

Email, Email, Calendaring, & Collaboration Tools, Faculty/Staff, Help Desk, Software

Eudora Migration Continues

Robin Jacobsen

EUDORA MIGRATION CONTINUES During the summer over 170 faculty and staff members have transitioned from Eudora to another email client. Thunderbird is the most popular email client selected. Beginning in October, ITS will be scheduling a time to migrate current Eudora users. We understand that changing e-mail software can be inconvenient so please consider the following options: you can switch to another e-mail program (apple mail or outlook), or you can follow our recommendation to migrate to Thunderbird. We are happy to assist you with the process now or when it is convenient for you during the next few months. … Continue reading Eudora Migration Continues

Faculty/Staff, Help Desk, Software, Workshops and Training

Faculty and staff are encouraged to upgrade to Office 2007

Robin Jacobsen

Office 2007 Starting this summer, ITS began transitioning the campus from Microsoft Office 2003 (Windows) to Microsoft Office 2007. Starting this semester, all classroom computers, all public and managed departmental labs, and all new machines and setups will have the 2007 versions of Office installed on them. ITS has been working closely with faculty and staff to schedule the upgrade and many departments are now using Office 2007. Office 2007 has changed substantially for Windows users. To ease this transition ITS is offering several overview sessions and we recommend you attend an overview when planning your upgrade. Scheduled dates are; … Continue reading Faculty and staff are encouraged to upgrade to Office 2007