The spring semester is here! Campus Technologies has been busy rolling out Windows 7 across campus, and that project will continue through the spring semester. If you have not been migrated to Windows 7, you building technicians will be in contact with you when it is your areas time for upgrade.
If you have already been upgraded to Windows 7, the new deployment has brought a few changes to your desktop environment.
CT has been deploying some “best practice” security measures with the rollout of the new systems. This is in response to a recent PASSHE security audit that was performed here at Mansfield. Due to the amount of confidential information available via a computer account / connection, CT has an obligation to safeguard the data as best we can. Therefore, CT is now enforcing a lockout on workstations after a period of inactivity. CT has adopted a university-wide standard of 15 minutes for staff and faculty workstations. CT has not implemented a lockout on labs and classroom computers.
Ctrl-Alt-Delete-2 When you are alerted by email to change your Active Directory password, and you are logged into your campus Windows 7 machine, you should follow the on screen directions presented to you on the password change log-in screen.Specifically, you should change your password using the “Ctrl+Alt+Delete” key combination to change your password, rather than online interface. This will insure you will have full access to email, shared drives, applications, etc. without the need to reboot your machine.
Vostro 460 Desktop CT will start a rollout of new computers through the Spring 2012 semester. CT has received funding for the purchase 140 new Dell Vostro 460 computers. CT hopes to work with department heads in an attempt to determine a schedule and priority requirements for the installation of the new equipment. The target date for completion of this project is May 15th, 2012.
mystica_USB_Flash_Drive All computer users should be sure that the mission-critical data residing on your university-owned computer is backed up on a regular basis. Hardware failures can occur without notice so it is critical for you to have a backup copy of your important files. There are several ways to back up your system. You can save to an external hard drive, or use a USB (thumb) drive. It is important to know where your data is stored (usually My Documents), and then make sure that you have backed up your data on a regular basis. Please consult with your CT technician about CT-recommended backup solutions and steps that you can initiate to make sure your data is backed up.
CT wishes the Mansfield University students, faculty and staff a great 2012. Check back to our news site during the semester for more technology news and updates!
