Blackboard IE Browser Issues

Having issues with Internet Explorer and Blackboard? TTU Blackboard isn’t compatible with newer versions of Internet Explorer (yet) and since Internet Explorer 9 has some known security vulnerabilities, the best option is to use an alternative browser like Google Chrome or Firefox. If you have questions or need assistance installing an alternative browser, please e-mail hs.techservices@ttu.edu.

Say Goodbye to Windows XP

Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003 are both very near the end of their service and support. On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will officially stop patching security vulnerabilities for both Windows XP and Office 2003. We have been actively identifying computer systems running Windows XP and upgrading those computer systems to Microsoft Windows 7. If you have a computer, whether it’s a desktop or a laptop computer, and its running Microsoft Windows XP, please e-mail hs.techservices@ttu.edu. You can check whether you are running Windows XP by clicking on “Start”, right clicking on “My Computer or Computer” and selecting “Properties”. The IT Division has taken a very aggressive approach regarding Windows XP. Starting immediately, if your PC or laptop has Microsoft Windows XP, it could be blocked from logging on to the TTU network and accessing TTU services.

Software Updates

This is a reminder, the Lync 2010 client will officially cease functioning on April 16, 2014.  Lync 2013 is available for download and installation from eraider.ttu.edu under the “software download” section.  If you would like assistance getting Lync 2013 installed on your computer, please e-mail hs.techservices@ttu.edu.  As an alternative, Microsoft Office 2013 is available for installation and also includes the Lync 2013 client bundled with it.  E-mail us to schedule a Microsoft Office 2013 installation.

A new version of Symantec Endpoint has been released. The CoHS Technology Services staff will be going through the college updating computers to the new version of Symantec Endpoint. Staff and faculty may also download and install the new version of Symantec Endpoint from eraider.ttu.edu under the “Software Download” section. If you have any questions about the new version of Symantec Endpoint, please e-mail Kory Ellis at kory.ellis@ttu.edu. FYI - The new Symantec Endpoint installation package includes a group of very large files. The Technology Services staff has the installation package already downloaded and ready to install. E-mail us at hs.techservices@ttu.edu to schedule an install.

Apple announced a serious security vulnerability that affects all iPhones, iPads, and iPods (iOS 6 and 7) and Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks. We recommend updating your iPhone and iPad (Settings > General > Software Update) and OS X 10.9 (Apple menu > Software Update) as soon as possible. E-mail us if you need assistance or if you have any questions.

E-mail Spam on the Rise

Don’t become a victim. In this past month, there have been several malicious "phishing" e-mails floating around. Please be vigilant about your e-mail and if you have any questions about the validity of an e-mail sender, feel free to e-mail me @ kory.ellis@ttu.edu with any questions. For safe computing tips, please visit http://www.ttu.edu/safecomputing/.