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Computer screening PDF file in Microsoft Edge browser

UWindsor employees have options besides Adobe Acrobat Pro to create and work with files in Portable Document Format.

A change by Adobe to the way it licenses Acrobat Pro software has prompted some to wonder whether they need it.

Most daily tasks related to PDF files can be done using built-in options or other software:

  • All Microsoft 365 applications such as Word and PowerPoint can save as PDF without Acrobat.
  • Microsoft Edge browser offers a built-in PDF viewer that can be used to view and work with local, online, or web-embedded files. You can open a PDF file by right-clicking on it and selecting “Open With > Microsoft Edge.” Once the PDF is open, you can add text, draw, and highlight the PDF. You can also add a comment by selecting text then right-clicking “Add comment.” Delete a comment by selecting the three dots at the top of the comment box. The text commented on will be highlighted with an icon.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be installed at no cost via Company Portal on all managed University-owned devices, lets users sign most PDFs and incorporate that signature into the file. To learn more, see Sign PDFs in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Users who find they still need a licence for Acrobat Pro can find details in the Licensing Request knowledge base article.

Brightspace logo

The University of Windsor has transitioned to the D2L Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS) this winter semester. To assist students with basic Brightspace navigation, a short 143-second Tech Talk video is available. The video describes how to log in and where to find courses.

Student Support:

  • Find answers to the most common Brightspace Student FAQs, including documents and videos to help you navigate the Brightspace platform at uwindsor.ca/brightspace/studentfaqs or in Ask.UWindsor.
  • Help through UWindsor’s IT Service Desk available via
  • Chat using the chat icon in the bottom right corner of uwindsor.ca/its or uwindsor.ca/itshelp,
  • calling 519-253-3000, ext. 4440, or
  • opening a ticket.
  • Supplemental D2L Brightspace after-hours virtual support for Brightspace-specific issues 24/7/365 whenever UWindsor support services are closed. Users can find the Get Help button in the lower right corner of any Brightspace course site to access support through live chat or email.

Tech Talk is a presentation of IT Services. More Tech Talks are available at uwindsor.ca/its/tech-talk.

keep safe and secure

While most people are in the generous holiday spirit, there are still cyber-scrooges looking to steal your personal information and money.

One of the most popular types of cyber fraud is phishing. These types of attacks come in many forms from unsolicited calls to text messages, to emails. Phishing attempts are malicious and encourage unassuming people to act quickly while pretending to be from legitimate organizations.

How to spot holiday hackers trying to phish for your information:

  • The sender has a public email address, like gmail.com or outlook.com
  • Requesting purchase of gift cards
  • Threat of discontinued service or closing your account
  • Sense of urgency
  • Unsolicited email
  • Attachments
  • Poor spelling, grammar, or look-alike branding
  • Requesting credit card information

What should you do if you think you have received a phishing message?

  1. Do not respond.
  2. Forward the email to spam@uwindsor.ca, if it was sent to your UWindsor account.
  3. Delete the message.

To keep your holiday spirits bright and avoid getting a lump of coal in your inbox, learn more about spotting phishing attempts on the IT Services website.

While many University offices will be closed for the holiday break, the IT Services’ Elf-service client portal will be available to help. In addition to the portal, the IT Service Desk will be open for virtual assistance:

  • Friday, Dec. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Tuesday to Friday, Dec. 27 to 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Firewall hardware upgrade

The University’s firewall hardware will be upgraded on Tuesday, Jan. 3, from 5 to 8:30 a.m. This will cause University systems, including external interdependent systems and internet access, to be unavailable.

Examples of affected systems include:

  • All UWinsite Applications (Oracle)
  • Brightspace Learning Management System
  • Single sign-on for cloud-hosted applications (systems where you use your UWin ID credentials)
  • VPN
  • Food Services
  • UWinCard access
  • Wired and wireless network

The maintenance period should not extend beyond 8:30 a.m. However, in the event that unexpected issues arise, extended outages may occur for some systems. Communication will be shared with the affected system users if necessary, and updates will be posted on the Information Technology Services webpage for System Status and Notification.

The firewall hardware upgrade is necessary for IT Services to continue maintaining UWindsor’s technology infrastructure and data security.
Drupal and University of Windsor logoes

Join a virtual training session organized for new and existing content editors who maintain official UWindsor websites on Thursday, Dec. 1.

The training will cover:

  • Page creation fundamentals
  • Uploading graphics
  • Organizing menus effectively
  • Creating accessible content
  • and more

Faculty and staff, including student employees, can sign up to attend the online Drupal 7 + Web Accessibility Basic Training on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.