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hands on computer keyboard

“It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain security standards on their computer, personal laptop, or other equipment used to access our campus network,” says Marcin Pulcer, assistant director for client services in Information Technology Services.

Maintaining these computer security standards ensures UWindsor’s systems and data are free of malicious software (malware) and not compromised — ultimately aiding in the protection of the University’s valuable research and data.

In accordance with identified security standards and best practices, IT Services has defined a set of security requirements for workstations, computers and mobile devices including:

  • Having the most current operating system update installed, with up-to-date security features such as anti-malware, anti-spyware, and firewall enabled.
  • Being enrolled in the University’s device management system which confirms access to the network.

screen grab of portal management menuTo check if your device is enrolled and meeting these security requirements, visit portal.manage.microsoft.com, and select Devices.

You will find a list of devices for which you are responsible. If you would like to add a personal device that you use for work, register it with the Azure Active Directory and enrol it in Intune Mobile Device Management. You can do so by following the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – Device Compliance instructions.

If you receive a “UWindsor Device Alert” email, review it and take the required action. The key to keeping security standards current is to allow your mobile device, computer, or laptop to receive automatic system and security updates, and to restart when prompted. A set of Knowledge Base articles is available for more information about the device compliance specifications and troubleshooting.

The IT Service Desk is available to help with security standards. Connect via phone at 519-253-3000, ext. 4440, or by live chat in the bottom right corner of www.uwindsor.ca/its or www.uwindsor.ca/itshelp.

UWinsite Student update

When UWinsite Student re-opens, a gently refreshed look will greet users. A few basic functions have improved while staying true to the original plan of updating the system to stay current with back-end requirements.

Redesigned icons will appear across the top of the system. Students will now be able to quickly access their registration time in the left-hand navigation panel in “Manage Classes.” Faculty and staff will have the option of opening another window from the menu bar to better compare screens side-by-side.

A few other minor changes will take place; the Registrar’s Office encourages users to visit the system after the update to familiarize themselves with it.

The scheduled UWinsite Student update will cause the system to be unavailable from 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, to the evening of Monday, Nov. 22.

The uwindsor.ca/uwinsite/all-news web page will have the latest information on the project.

Email any questions related to the UWinsite Student Project to uwinsite@uwindsor.ca. If anyone is experiencing an issue with UWinsite Student, open a ticket and it will be routed to the right area for help.

person filling out self-assessment

Can you spot a phishing attempt? Do you know how to thwart a tech-support scam?

To wrap up Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2021, Information Technology Services has launched Cybersecurity Learning Modules and Self-Assessment for faculty, staff, and students to test their skills.

IT Services is offering a Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 tablet to encourage participation.

All you need to do is complete the self-assessment by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 28 to be eligible for a chance to win the prize. One winner will be selected in a random draw and will be contacted by email in the days following.

UWinsite Student logo

A scheduled UWinsite Student update will cause the system to be unavailable from 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, to the evening of Monday, Nov. 22.

In preparation for the update, Information Technology Services is asking faculty, staff, and students who access the platform to be mindful of how this could affect them. The offices of the Registrar, Student Accounts, Student Awards and Financial Aid will be closed during this time.

The team behind the update is working to minimize its impact.

“We know how vital the system is to our campus operations, so it has been mostly scheduled over a weekend, during a quieter period,” says Lorraine Chandler, acting University Registrar.

For students with Winter 2022 registration appointment times prior to Nov. 18, the shopping cart and registration features will be paused during the four-day period. The courses added to the cart prior to the evening of Nov. 18 will be available once the system is back online.

Other campus systems will be minimally affected, and students can expect to continue using Blackboard Learn while UWinsite Student is offline. Anyone who needs a transcript prior to Nov. 23 should submit a request by Tuesday, Nov. 17.

During the next three weeks, news stories and emails will keep the campus up to date. The uwindsor.ca/uwinsite/all-news webpage will have the latest information on the project.

UWinsite Student is expected to be online as usual on Nov. 23.

Email questions related to the UWinsite Student Project to uwinsite@uwindsor.ca. Anyone experiencing an issue with UWinsite Student should open a ticket and it will be routed to the right area for help.

Windows 11 Start screen

Windows 11 will roll out for eligible campus PC users beginning Nov. 2. It will feature a refreshed look, more functionality to organize your desktop, and enhanced integration.

Users with compatible Windows 10 devices will receive a Windows Update prompt on their PCs when Windows 11 is available for their devices. Information Technology Services discourages upgrading before this message is received, as manually upgrading to Windows 11 may not supply the best experience, or it could result in a failed installation.

“We recommend that individuals who receive the prompt to upgrade to Windows 11 schedule at least an hour update. Pick a time that is quieter for you, perhaps when you are free of important deadlines, exams, or meetings for proper installation and to get comfortable with the updated environment,” says Stephen Karamatos, manager of technology and innovation in IT Services. “Remember this upgrade is optional at this time so immediate action is not required.”

More information on upgrading your workstation can be found in a knowledge base article.

In addition to performance improvements, Windows 11 offers a modernized desktop appearance with snap layouts to customize the layout of windows. There is monitor recognition offering continuity to users working remotely and on-campus on different devices. Microsoft now places the Start menu at the centre of the screen. Teams will now integrate into the taskbar for easier access.

Watch a Tech Talk showing some of the new Windows 11 features with Carl Amlin from IT Services.

Windows 10 will continue to be supported by Microsoft until October 2025. IT Services also advises that when buying a new computer, ensure either that it comes with Windows 11 preinstalled or is Windows 11 compatible. Additional questions regarding new computer purchases can be referred to IT Services.