On December 27th, 2018, we switched CAT managed Linux workstations in our major computer labs to use an authentication/encryption system called Kerberos when accessing your files. This change is designed to significantly enhance the security of our file servers as they interact with these workstations. While most general users of these systems should not notice [...]
Primary departmental office printers are now available through Web Print. Web Print is a web-based interface for submitting files for printing. It can be a useful service for people with Tier 3 computers who are having trouble getting printing setup to MCECS printers (or don’t want to bother). You can learn more about how to [...]
Watch out for phishing spam The start of Fall term is phishing season. Avoid falling for attackers who want your login details and other personal data PSU OIT's information regarding phishing attacks https://portlandstate.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2/article/44755919 Computer Labs Windows labs are now running Windows 10 version 1709. The Classic Shell start menu has been deprecated. Windows lab software [...]
Externally accessible systems at PSU are those that present services to the open Internet that can be reached without the use of a VPN. There have been some recent lapses in security among externally accessible Tier 3 (self-managed) systems as well as a push by OIT to better secure PSU's network border. This has put [...]
In the past year, we have found many instances of MCECS faculty/staff having problems trying to install the PSU licensed version of the Microsoft Office suite on their new Tier 3 (self managed) computers. The problem seems to stem from the vendor's default Windows load (OEM load) on the computer having a trial or starter [...]
We have a web-based Remote Desktop Client available for users who need to remotely access Windows systems in MCECS. This method does not require the use of a VPN and may benefit people who are having problems getting their VPN connection to work. The web client is not as robust as a native RDP app, [...]
Primary notification of upcoming system or network downtimes, outages, or changes are through e-mail. Depending on circumstances, we will give as much advance notice as possible. The mailing lists for faculty/staff are populated by the departments. The distribution scope for MCECS students typically uses your enrollment status in the current or previous term. The DOWNTIMES [...]
Our projected Fall 2018 Linux software list is enclosed. The sponsor/contact column represents who we currently know as the licensing contact or primary/major sponsor for the package. If you are an MCECS faculty member who is using using anything from this list in your classes or projects/research, we need your feedback on the following: Which [...]
This is our projected Fall 2018 Windows Instructional Software list. Much of this software (with a few exceptions) will be available in the load we distribute to the larger MCECS Windows computer labs. If you are an MCECS faculty member who teaches classes using these labs and/or require students to use software in these labs, [...]
The CAT’s Wintel operation is currently neck deep in final-stretch preparations for our Computer Lab reloads that happen in September. This involves doing a lot of software upgrade testing and integration on Windows 10 version 1709. This work is impacting our ability to get new Windows desktop deployments done in a timely fashion. We’ve noticed [...]