Category Archives: Software

Java 8 being removed

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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.

BibleWorks Ceased Operations

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As of June 15, 2018 BibleWorks (BW) ceased providing their Bible software. For our users, this means no further upgrades later than our version 9. Unfortunately, the server housing BibleWorks is due for an upgrade this fall which may break the software we have. If this occurs, BibleWorks will fail on University lab computers.

Aug 23 Update: Unfortunately, the server upgrade did break the BW installer and new BW installations are no longer possible.  🙁

A message went out to key departments with details, if you need to hear more, please contact us.

Windows 7 End-of-life

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Microsoft will cease support of their Windows 7 operating system on January 14, 2020.  Due to security vulnerabilities, computers still running Windows 7 at that time will be taken off the University network.

  • If your Windows 7 computer is funded for replacement, those orders should be made now or in early fall.
  • If you do not have replacement funds, contact ITS Installs for a Windows 10 replacement computer – it will be a few years old.
  • If you need Windows 7 computers to remain on the network, send us the details – to be clear, there is no current solution, but we will take the need to ITS.

Windows Defender (Anti-Virus)

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The campus Microsoft license includes Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) and the change from Symantec to ATP is underway … behind the scenes. Users may begin to see Windows Defender messages.

Folks using Symantec at home may see future renewal prompts; this is your call – to remain with Symantec (at a cost) or to transition to Defender (free with Windows 10). Defender plus Malwarebytes is a recommended combination for home protection.

Mac users: ITS recommends you use the free Sophos home version.

Presentation Ratio

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PowerPoint files, and other presentation files, historically used a “Standard 4:3” proportion. University screens use a “Widescreen 16:9” ratio and “Standard” presentations will not use all the screen.Visualize the 4:3 image on top of the 16:9 screen – you will have empty side bars.

Existing files may be changed … in PowerPoint … click the Design tab, then the Slide size button. This may distort your images so they should be saved first and re-inserted, but it is worth the effort to present in full screen.

When creating from scratch, choose widescreen.

Of course, ratio is only one element of good design, other important concepts are font size, readability, creative graphics, very-limited text, et cetera – some folks are pretty good at this and some need help … ask if you need help.

Equation Editor Replacement

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Microsoft removed Equation Editor (Equation 3.0) from the Office suite in late 2017 due to security vulnerabilities.  To create or edit equations, we recommend you install MathType Lite.

Actually, this installs the full version; after 30 days you will be prompted to buy a full license; we recommend you DENY the upgrade purchase and you will retain the LITE version which is exactly IDENTICAL to the Microsoft Equation Editor.

If you want/need the full version, an individual academic license is $57. MathType is approved to install by Baylor ITS.

Click To install MathType

Please use the comments to discuss with other users.