Java 8 being removed

Java has been included in the base University computer image for years as a free and occasionally-used program. Java is now a subscription product and will soon be removed from University computers.

Java is often bundled in apps and those vendors should be compliant. Other apps require users to have Java and these persons usually have (open source) alternatives.

At this time, we are raising awareness that Java 8 will be going away; anyone needing Java to run applications should contact that vendor or the ITS HelpDesk for alternatives.

Important to Use the Help Desk

Whenever your computer has a problem, please report it to the Help Desk … your issue may be impacting others and the desk may already have (or need) a quick fix. Also, this documents issues and provides information to help everyone.

Use the HelpDesk!  If it’s not fixed, contact them again!
Call: 4357 (HELP)
Email: helpdesk@baylor.edu
Online: http://www.baylor.edu/selfservice

March Technology Notes

Cable TV: We’ve mentioned that changes are coming and we will soon know more, but the gist is … most academic cable feeds will be scrambled this summer. Users wanting to continue cable service will need to purchase a set-top box from the chosen provider. This is expected to be a fairly low monthly cost. More to come.

Code 42 – CrashPlan Pro back-up services are available for all University computers; if users have questions, please call the Helpdesk. Users should be proactive.

April 13th is the deadline for Technology Security Review applications for items needing clearance to purchase in the current fiscal year. Even with this deadline, complex requests may not be completed in time to use fiscal 2018 funds – please submit as early as possible!

April 27th is the deadline for fiscal year 2018 technology purchases. Please contact us with any emergency needs. (NOTE: External grant purchases are typically not subject to this deadline but have their own due dates – usually at the end of the grant. If you do not understand this, please ask for clarification.)

As always, click the gold comment button to ask a question or make a suggestion or comment!

Computer Updates

Some A&S faculty perform computational operations which span long periods of time.

Occasionally, computer updates would interrupt these tasks.

Microsoft recently changed how they update Windows which effectively overrides the “no update” group. ITS is working on “deferred update” options and if this impacts your work, please contract the Help Desk for information. Basically, you may assume responsibility to “manage” the timing of the updates. Please comment with your thoughts and suggestions.

Confirm Backup Status

Every computer user may easily CONFIRM their backup status.

Check at your computer by launching the Code42 program. OR, check online (from anywhere) (great for multiple computers) at backup.baylor.edu:

  • Login to the Code42 screen with your Bear_ID and password and DUO
  • Verify you see every computer under your control which need backup services listed (note omissions to add)
  • Verify you see a HIGH Backup Status percentage (over 90%)
  • Verify you see a RECENT Last Activity value (minutes or hours)

This report is dependent upon the admin Bear_ID; if you have someone else administering some of your computers, they must confirm the status. (Please NEVER share your Bear_ID, among other bad things, this grants access to ALL your computer files on ALL computers.)

By the way, backup services are not just for catastrophic failure, use it to restore files accidentally deleted or overwritten, or when you need a previous version!

Another BTW: DUO helps secure your files from unauthorized access. DUO. Good.

HELP Desk – Trouble Ticket

Using the Help Desk solves problems, but just as important, it documents problems and provides accountability and transparency and a certain level of forensics should the issue return. Use the HelpDesk! If the issues is not fixed, contact them again!
  Call: 4357 (HELP) 
  Email: helpdesk@baylor.edu
  Online: http://www.baylor.edu/selfservice