Category Archives: TechNews

Wireless Update

TechNews, ,

Wifi LogoThe return to a campus under construction has introduced some challenges as we learn to adjust temporarily to a higher density environment.  Technology has taken significant steps to ensure better wireless connectivity on both the main and residence campuses.  

It continues to be important for us to know where and when issues are occurring so we can ensure adequate coverage and bandwidth everywhere.  You may do this quickly by reporting problems to the Service Desk via our Wireless Network Support form.

Welcome Back, We’ve Moved!

TechNews, , ,

TSC is located at Ground Floor of MCB Room A-050

Technology is excited to welcome you back to campus! Whether you’re new or have been here for years, we’re here to assist you. The Technology Support Center (TSC) has moved and is now located on the ground floor of the MCB, room A-050. TSC’s services, including walk-up support and equipment loans, are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Not on campus or remote?  Our Service Desk provides technical support on a wide variety of topics. We can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer, account access, printing, Zoom, and many other technology-related issues. Our website provides access to many resources including contact information, support hours, FAQs, service and support request forms, classroom and event support information, and hardware and software discounts.

Information Security

TechNews, ,

With the beginning of the new academic year, cybercriminals are hard at work. Phishing attacks are up by 11% over last year and ransomware makes up 10% of data breaches in 2021, more than twice that of 20201. Luckily there are some healthy security practices that we all can take to reduce risk:

  • Beware of email messages urgently requesting personal information. Look out for fake logos, signatures, or suspicious sender email addresses.
  • Make sure that all of your devices, apps, browsers, and antivirus software are up-to-date.
  • Think twice before clicking links or opening attachments.
  • Protect your passwords and use different passwords for your work, school, and personal accounts.
  • When visiting campus, do not leave your personal belongings unattended. 
  • Enable your lock-screen and find-my-phone where available.
  • Delete sensitive information if you no longer require it.
  • See something, say something. Report suspicious activity or suspected scams.

Please contact Richard Phung, Information Security Analyst, [email protected] or the Service Desk for more information or assistance.

Voicemail

TechNews, , ,

In July, Simmons transitioned to a new voicemail system providing easy configuration of Personal Announcements and Away messages through a new web interface.  This system includes voicemail to email and also provides advanced features such as support for blocking callers and delegating voicemail accounts to multiple users. 

If you have not already done so, please login to https://voicemail.simmons.edu to record your Personal Announcement greeting.  Please see these instructions for more information.  Technology has been working with individual Departments and Offices on the configuration of greetings for their central numbers.  Please contact the Service Desk for further assistance.

Zoom Pronouns

TechNews, , ,

Zoom has made sharing your personal pronouns in Zoom meetings simpler and more flexible. To take advantage of the new pronoun feature, make sure your computer has the latest version of Zoom and add your pronouns to your Zoom profile by:

  1. Open a browser, go to https://simmons.zoom.us, and log in.
  2. When you profile loads, click the Edit link to the right of your name.
  3. Scroll down to the Pronouns field and enter your pronouns as you would like them to appear in Zoom.
  4. Select how you would like to share your pronouns.
  5. Click Save.

When you join your next meeting, Zoom will display your pronouns according to the method you selected in your profile.

Zoom releases new versions of its client software on a regular basis. You can install any available updates from within the Zoom client. If you need assistance, please contact the Service Desk.

Simmons Voicemail and Phone upgrade Thursday evening, July 29

TechNews, , ,

On Thursday, July 29, at 6pm, Simmons will transition to a new voicemail system providing easy configuration of Personal Announcements and Away messages through a new web interface.  This system includes voicemail to email and also provides advanced features such as support for blocking callers and delegating voicemail accounts to multiple users. 

While this voicemail migration is scheduled for Thursday, July 29, all users should login now to https://voicemail.simmons.edu to record their new Personal Announcement greeting.  Please see these instructions for more information.

Saved voicemail messages from our retiring voicemail system will not be carried over to the new system, nor will any greetings or away messages. Technology will work with individual Departments and Offices on the configuration of greetings for their central numbers.  

Concurrent with the voicemail migration, we will transition to a new phone system.  The new system will operate the same as the present system on the same phones but will have some minor visual differences on the phone interface screen.  

Please reach out to the Service Desk at 617-521-2222 or [email protected] with any questions or concerns.