Students and faculty returned to significant visible changes to IT systems and services in several areas across campus. More than 10 projects in the areas of Student and Instructional Services, Network and Security, and Application Services, all designed to improve and enhance usability, were completed throughout the summer.
The following is complete list of IT projects that have improved and enhanced usability:
Computer Pod Upgrades
Approximately 200 new Windows machines were installed in the IT computer pods and upgraded over the summer semester. The upgrades enabled all IT Pod machines to move to the Vista operating system, and the latest version of Microsoft Office Suite was installed on both Macintosh and Windows environments.
Wireless Enhancements
IT improved and increased campus wireless coverage at the Duck Pond, in some student housing, in most centrally-scheduled classrooms including Dane Smith, Ortega, Education, and Sara Reynolds Halls, to meet the growing demand for increased network access from iPhones, Smartphones, Blackberries and laptops. Wireless expansion will continue as budgets allow.
Network Sign-In
Students are now required to log into the wireless network with their UNM NetID and password. This authentication is part of a campus-wide network security initiative, which includes wired access within Student Housing.
Symantec Antivirus Software Available for UNM Users
IT purchased licensing for Symantec Antivirus for the benefit of all employees and students. Students, faculty and staff can download the antivirus software free of charge at http://it.unm.edu/download. Departments can purchase antivirus installation discs from Software Distribution with a departmental Purchase Request for $5.
Web Mail Performance
UNM WebMail servers and software were upgraded and fine-tuned to accommodate the increasing number of users and devices, resulting in improved response time and availability by all users.
Software Licensing Services
Microsoft Operating Systems Vista and XP, and MS Office Suite for employees and for UNM departments, staff and faculty, can now be purchased at the UNM Bookstore for an extremely low price under the new MS Campus Agreement. Personal-use OS and Office purchases can be made at the UNM Bookstore for $10 per copy, and departments can purchase the operating system and Office software through IT Software Distribution for $5 per copy.
Media Contact: Vanessa Baca, (505) 277-0987; e-mail: vjbaca1@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at August 31, 2009 02:20 PM