Announcements

macOS 10.15 code name Catalina – Important Information!

Please WAIT for clearance from OIT before installing this major upgrade.  OIT has been testing using using the pre-release beta version but we expect more changes with the full release.  Due to this we cannot be confident of a smooth upgrade process which does not break important applications. If you… Continue reading »

New Sign-in Process for Adobe Software in Lecterns and Computer Labs

Effective immediately, due to changes required by our license with Adobe, users of Adobe software such as Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, etc. must sign in on computers in lecterns and computer labs with their Williams email address, password and second-factor authentication. Use the “Sign in with your Enterprise… Continue reading »

Why are some phones displaying a login button?

To assist in making faculty office moves easier, extension mobility has been turned on for phones in most faculty office buildings. The phones with this capability will have a login button on the phone display. If your name and number are on the phone, there is no need for you… Continue reading »

Purple Air security certificates have been updated

To prepare for the upcoming semester and keep our wireless network secure, OIT updated our campus security certificates today. Some devices (Apple laptops, phones and tablets in particular) may prompt you to trust or accept a new certificate for Purple Air or for Eduroam.  Please do so.  In rare cases… Continue reading »

Computer Purchasing and Software Guide For Students and Parents

Welcome Firstyears and parents!  As you look ahead to the start of school you will want to be aware of the purchasing options and recommendations from the Office of Information Technology.  Our guide gives information on purchasing a computer, getting college software, preparing for joining the campus network and how… Continue reading »

Important updates for Windows, Chrome, life

Operating systems like Windows and Mac OS update themselves often.  Programs like Firefox and Chrome do it even more frequently.  However it is important to check occasionally to verify your automatic updates are working properly.  This link shows how to check whether your computer is pending updates: https://oit.williams.edu/announcements/security/os-updates/ Security… Continue reading »

Computer Recycling (Greenup) Program

Bring out your dead (tech) – OIT computer recycling project is back May 29-30-31 Computer Recycling (Greenup) Program PLEASE do not put your computer equipment in the trash. For one, it’s not green. Two, it’s not safe – someone could grab your computer, boot it up and read… Continue reading »

Friday upgrade for LiveNavigator backup for PCs

Most Windows computers at Williams utilize a network backup solution called LiveNavigator.  Occasionally we need to push an update to the software.  Starting Friday (4/19/2019) you may see an upgrade option, please allow the updates to continue by following the prompts. If you have questions please contact the Faculty Staff… Continue reading »

Williams Wiki Content Frozen and Available On-campus Only

OIT has been working with departments to migrate content off the wiki onto more modern and better systems (wordpress, google, etc).  We encourage people to no longer create content on the wiki or update existing content, but work to migrate to other content delivery options.   The wiki will be retired… Continue reading »

Email gift card scam

A persistent email threat is hitting us and other schools, the “gift card” scam. The hook is the email appears to come from a Williams department head, chair, or even the president, but it is really from a scammer using an external account. They have subjects along… Continue reading »

Data Privacy Day

Data Privacy Day (DPD) is an annual international event held each year on January 28th to promote awareness about the many ways personal information is collected, stored, used, and shared. It is also an opportunity to provide education about privacy practices that will enable individuals… Continue reading »

Secure Online Shopping

In 2016, for the first time ever, shoppers bought more online than in stores.   It’s very convenient, but keep in mind all Internet-connected devices are vulnerable, especially when being used for purchases. The holiday season is the perfect time for… Continue reading »

OIT Software Web Page

The OIT web page for supported software has been extended.  We hope you find the new page provides details about all the software OIT supports as well as more convenient ways to download the applications you need. The new Supported Software page will be available at: http://oit.williams.edu/software/ For questions… Continue reading »

OIT recommends waiting to upgrade macs to Mojave

Recommendation: Wait to Upgrade Please Note: If you choose to upgrade and run into problems that cannot be resolved, you may need to revert to an earlier version of macOS, which entails backing up your files and doing a fresh install. New Privacy Restrictions The primary problem OIT has… Continue reading »

Fake “your account was hacked” emails

Dear Williams Community, Many, many Williams people have been receiving fake emails regarding “hacked” accounts. Typically the two ways they will throw you off guard is to either display an old password in the email, or to send the message as you (with your email as the From address).  Rest… Continue reading »

Passwords are passe!

You need 2-step to be secure. Over 1550 Ephs and over 20 administrative departments are protected by 2-step! We need you to join the herd. Think it’s not important? Read on to see how lack of 2-step has dramatically impacted companies like JP Morgan, groups like the DNC and many… Continue reading »

Beware Email Job Scams

Fake job emails sent to college students are fairly common. They often put you off guard since they can mention the town or the school you are in currently. There are several simple ways to avoid being scammed. How can you spot these scams? It’s very unlikely you will get… Continue reading »

Access changes for Human Resources system from off-campus

Note: As of September 17th, 2018, access to the HR system from outside the Williams network will require logging in first with your Williams username (e.g. abc2) and password, before logging into the Human Resources System with your user id (e.g. W1234567). For more information see this link. Continue reading »