OIT Technology News: Winter 2018 Edition

OIT Technology News
In this edition of OIT's Technology News, we highlight how Microsoft Certifications are making a difference in the classrooms, changes in Help Desk process are reducing wait time, updates on various security efforts in our winter security report, plus much more.


Fall 2017 was the first semester that featured a course that included Microsoft Office Certification as a requirement. and served as a prime example of how essential Office skills are both in the classroom and the workplace. 


OIT has streamlined the process of installing Windows or SAS on student laptops. What was a 2+ hours process is with OIT's new process is saving students time.


Our Winter 2018 edition of the OIT Security Report is now available to the SMU community. , we cover Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities, what is a Bitcoin, how certain physical activities can increase your cybersecurity vigilance, plus “Ask Ms. Security” returns.


OIT is winding down its SMU Mobile app for iPhone and Android. The and will stop working on February 28, 2018. The app is replaced with an improved Current Students page.


A look at how OIT's Web Team and inform the future user experience for the redesign of SMU's Current Students page.


This month, , new Student View button, changes in the New Gradebook, other interface updates, and some navigation updates for students using the Canvas Mobile app on Android.


LANDesk clients have been updated to allow for more consistent and automated reboots with a focus on enhancing security, but have increased the number of reboots. , and how you can lessen them.


Academic Technology Council and the Academic Service Directors have met to address AV needs in the various classrooms. The project has during the summer of 2018 by replacing AV gear or adding new components.


A recent upgrade of the Wiki.SMU system has introduced helpful new features to the platform. Wiki.SMU sends you a report on recently updated articles, the email notifications, if desired.


Last month, Instagram released a new feature that allows people you follow or have chatted with to be able to tell if you are actively using the app. Luckily, .


Did you know that you can install software on your SMU computers using a quick and easy self-service portal? You can!, we show you how to use LANDesk to install software quickly.