| ....... | ....... | About CTS | ... |
Computing and Technology Services provides technical support to instruction, research, office automation and the administrative and community service functions of the college.
Computing Alerts
Be Prepared for the Office 2007/2008 Upgrade on May 15th! (posted: 5/14/08 4:10PM)
This is a reminder that all campus computers will be upgraded to the latest version of Microsoft Office on Thursday (May 15th). PCs will be upgraded to Office 2007; Macs will be upgraded to Office 2008. Office 2003/2004 will be removed. Office includes many of the applications you use every day, including – Outlook/Entourage, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
What you need to do
Laptop Users:
To ensure that all campus computers receive the upgrade, faculty/staff with laptops are advised to connect them to the campus network frequently during that week (via a wired connection, not wireless).
Desktop Users:
Desktops users are advised to keep their computers powered on (but logged off) at night.
What you will see on May 15th
For most people the installation of Office 2007/2008 will be completely transparent. When you logon to your computer next Thursday morning, the new version should be installed and ready to use. Some people may be prompted to restart their computer to complete the installation. If you are asked to restart, please be patient while the setup process is completed.
The first thing you’ll notice about Office 2007 is the new interface, which has been completely redesigned and is very different from previous versions. It will take some time to get familiar with the new version. Office 2008 for the Mac has also changed, but is fairly similar to previous versions.
New File Formats
Office 2007/2008 also introduces a new file format which is incompatible with older versions of Office. If you e-mail a file created in the new format to someone who is still using an older version of Office, that person may have trouble opening your file. One solution is to have the person download the Office 2007 Converter Pack from the Microsoft website. Another solution is to first save the file in the older file format or in Rich Text Format (RTF). All files created with older versions of Office should open in 2007/2008 without issue.
Training is Available
To prepare for the transition, we highly recommend attending one of the “What’s New” demos and/or hands-on workshops. For a complete list of upcoming training sessions please visit the CyberQuad Registration page. For one-on-one training, stop by the Application Support Desk in E.H. Butler Library Information Commons or call Paul Reynolds (878-3361).
If your computer doesn’t seem to have the new version (even after restarting), or if you encounter any issues after the upgrade, please contact the Computing Help Desk.
Beware of SPAM asking to Confirm Your Email Address! (posted: 5/1/08 2:25PM)
A number of people have reported receiving SPAM messages recently, similar to the message below, asking you to confirm your account information. Some of these messages pretend to be from "Buffalostate Webmail Center." Please note that Computing Services would never solicit this type of information via e-mail. These messages are not legitimate!
If you ever receive a message like this, you are advised to delete the message immediately. Never click on links in these messages, and never reply to messages like this! Computing Services is aware of this problem, and will work toward blacklisting the sites from which these messages originate.
SAMPLE SPAM MESSAGE:
Dear E-mail Users,
The new Buffalostate™ Webmail is a fast and light-weight appliction to quickly and easily access your e-mail. We are currently upgrading our data base and e-mail center. We are deleting Buffalostate™ Webmail to create more space for new email.
To prevent your email from closing you will have to update it below so that we will know that it's a present used email.
***********************************************
CONFIRM YOUR EMAIL IDENTITY BELOW
User ID: ......... .....
E-mail Password : ...............
Secret Question : ...............
Secret Answer : ...............
***********************************************
Thank you for using Buffalostate™ Webmail!
Access Number: 859480KBM
Thanks,
Buffalostate™ Webmail Center
Beware of E-Card Viruses! (posted: 8/17/07 1:30PM)
We have noticed an increase in deceptive e-mail messages containing links that can trigger virus activity. Many of these claim to be from a cousin, neighbor or friend bringing holiday greetings or e-cards. Many of these are not picked up by the Barracuda or Outlook virus/junk mail filters, and may be delivered to your e-mailbox. These e-mails are characterized by a message stating that someone has sent you an e-card. There is generally a link to a Web site in the message.
Please be aware that clicking on the link could trigger the virus. Do not respond to these messages or click on the links provided.
The messages should be deleted. Please contact the computing help desk at 878-4357 if you have any questions.
Beware of E-mail Scams! (posted: 9/14/06)
We have noticed an increase in fraudulent e-mail recently, especially those that appear to be from a bank or other business at which you may have an account. Many of these are not picked up by the junk mail filters, and may be delivered to your e-mailbox. These e-mails are characterized by some warning about your account status and a request for you to verify account information. There is generally a link to a Website provided for this purpose.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT BANKS AND OTHER REPUTABLE BUSINESSES WOULD NOT REQUEST ACCOUNT VERIFICATION FROM CUSTOMERS IN THIS WAY. DO NOT RESPOND TO THESE MESSAGES OR CLICK ON THE LINKS PROVIDED.
These are “phishing” scams in which the scammer uses these sites to collect personal and account information about you! The messages should be deleted.
Dell Battery Recall Notification (posted: 8/15/06 1:30PM)
Dell has identified a potential issue associated with certain batteries sold with Dell Latitude, Inspiron, XPS and Dell Precision Mobile Workstation notebook computers. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other regulatory agencies, Dell is voluntarily recalling certain Dell-branded batteries with cells manufactured by Sony and offering free replacements for these batteries. Under rare conditions, it is possible for these batteries to overheat, which could pose a risk of fire.
Please go to www.dellbatteryprogram.com to determine if you have any batteries that are subject to this recall and to order the replacement batteries.