We recognize that Google Drive has quickly become a popular way to store and share files at Simmons, and that the widespread adoption of this tool can make it difficult to keep track of what files you’ve uploaded and with whom you’ve shared them.

To help keep our data safe, Simmons Technology will deploy a solution called CloudLock to monitor sensitive data in Google Drive beginning November 15th. While Google Drive meets our security requirements and is FERPA compliant, there are certain kinds of data that should not be stored there, including credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and student financial information. Many members of the Simmons community also access Google Drive on various mobile devices from non-Simmons WiFi networks, which increases the possibility of sensitive data being made available outside the Simmons network.

That’s where CloudLock comes in. It programmatically identifies certain data that appear to match these types of sensitive information, and if found, alerts you by email. This automated process does not require Technology staff to view or monitor files in Google Drive, and it directly alerts you to the presence of any sensitive data so that you can remove it.

Prior to the rollout of CloudLock, we will send an email to all faculty and staff detailing how you will be notified and what action you can take to remove sensitive data. In the meantime, if you have questions about CloudLock or keeping your Google Drive files compliant, please contact David Bruce, Director of Infrastructure & Online Services.

If you are a faculty or staff member who uses SPSS for statistical analysis, you can now download the newest version of SPSS to your personal computer.

To get started, make sure you’re connected to the Simmons network using the Simmons Virtual Private Network (VPN), and then follow the instructions here.

If you have questions about the download, or would like to install SPSS on a Simmons-owned computer, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222.

On Tuesday, October 22, Apple released their newest Mac operating system: OS X Mavericks (10.9). The new operating system was immediately made available as a free download for current Mac owners. Mavericks is a completely new version of OS X and requires a reinstall of the entire operating system. Because Mavericks has just been released, we are asking anyone with a Simmons-owned Mac to continue using their current OS until the Service Desk has verified that Mavericks works with all applications commonly used at Simmons.

To find out more about Mavericks, please visit the official OS X webpage here.

Simmons Technology has opened a new support venue in Lefavour Hall, just in time for the Fall semester. The Technology Support Center (TSC) provides a variety of services focused on student workers supporting other students. The TSC provides assistance with personally owned computers, mobile phones, tablets, and the various Simmons online resources, such as Simmons Connection, Google Apps, and Simmons Moodle. The TSC is located in LEF-331, conveniently positioned upstairs from Beatley Library and is open Monday-Friday from 8am-6pm. The TSC operates on a first come, first served basis and, while the focus is on helping students with tech questions, our student workers are available to assist faculty and staff as well.

In addition to the TSC, technology support is also available at the Beatley Library reference desk. Technology staff will be there to assist with any computer or printing difficulties in the Library and can also direct you to the TSC for assistance with more complex issues. Technology staff are available in the library Monday-Friday from 8am-6pm, with extended hours as needed.

For additional information on this and other Technology services, please visit the technology support page on our website.

If you frequently plan or attend meetings on the phone or via the Web, you know that there are a lot of options out there. Simmons Technology also recognizes this and, to better serve the community, we’ve created a partnership with GoToMeeting to provide a comprehensive phone and web conferencing solution for faculty and staff that’s accessible using your Simmons email address. GoToMeeting is available on your computer or mobile device and features built-in chat, webcam sharing, desktop sharing, and more. We hope you’ll find this service useful for enhancing your use of collaborative media in your office or classroom.

All Simmons faculty and staff now have access to GoToMeeting using their Simmons email address. You should have received an account creation email from Simmons Technology instructing you to create a password and complete your account setup.

If you’re using a Simmons computer, the software is already installed. If you want to install GoToMeeting on a personal computer or mobile device, you can find the download links here. Once you’ve installed the software, you can create, schedule, or join a meeting of up to 25 participants at any time.

We’ve created an FAQ to help you get started, and you can find additional resources by visiting the GoToMeeting support center, where you’ll find answers to common questions as well as step-by-step video tutorials.

Looking for a guided tour of GoToMeeting? Sign up for a one-hour webinar to learn more:

The transition to a new learning management system began in Summer 2011 and since then, we have worked with each School to move all requested course content out of eLearning and into Moodle. As of the Fall 2013 semester, the transition is complete. Looking forward, we hope that this project will mark the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership as faculty members continue to enrich and improve this critical teaching and learning tool.

Simmons Technology would like to thank the Simmons College faculty and support community for their cooperation throughout this transition. We would also like to thank our original pilot faculty as well as adventurous instructors from across the faculty whose input and patience have helped make this transition possible.

A recent article in The New York Times covered a widespread malware attack conducted through a web browser plug-in that hijacked people’s social media accounts and used those accounts to send spam on their behalf.

While attacks like these are unfortunate, they serve as useful reminders that the proliferation of apps, plug-ins, and add-ons, created by thousands of developers throughout the world, opens new channels for malware, viruses, and phishing attempts. Most apps and plug-ins available through trusted sources such as the iTunes Store or Google’s Chrome Web Store are free from harmful code, but it’s worthwhile to be cognizant of what you’re downloading and installing. You can do this by reading reviews from other customers and being mindful of what access you grant when installing software that integrates with your web browser or social media accounts.

Another important step is to keep your browser and apps up-to-date. While it’s easy to ignore those little app store reminders that updates are available, you should make an effort to install updates as often as possible. Frequently, updates include enhanced security features or fixes for recently discovered vulnerabilities.

Staying up-to-date will minimize your exposure to malicious software and help to keep your data safe.

As many Simmons students and faculty return to campus for the Fall 2013 semester, we’d like to welcome you back and to remind you of the services and support available from Simmons Technology.

If you’re new to Simmons, you can find technology quick start guides here. These guides will give you lowdown on setting up your account, getting online, checking your email, and more. You can also find answers to many common questions by visiting our support database.

If you need one-to-one assistance, you can stop by the Tech Desk inside the library during regular library hours or contact the Service Desk by calling 617-521-2222 or visiting servicedesk.simmons.edu/getsupport.

Whether it’s your first day at Simmons or just the first day of a new semester, we’re here to help you get the information you need.

During the Spring semester, you might have noticed something missing from the walls around campus. Those helpful screens that displayed information about upcoming events and campus news were suddenly gone, the result of an irreparable failure of our old message display system.

Over the summer, Technology worked with the Office of Student Life, Marketing, Advancement, Academic Communications and Student Financial Services to not simply replace what we had before, but to upgrade to a completely new system that modernizes the way we communicate across campus. The new digital signage system, which has been rolled out on the Academic and Residence Campuses, will allow student organizations to easily submit announcements about upcoming events, and provide Simmons staff and academic areas with a convenient way to communicate important information about orientation, registration, graduation, and other things students need to know right now.

Another upgrade comes in the form of rich media (videos, Twitter feeds, and more) and integration with Google Calendar. As you walk around campus, you’ll now see a daily calendar of student events provided by Student Life, along with other important news and announcements, all presented in a more engaging and timely way.

Early in the Fall semester, Technology will provide training to department managers and student leaders on how to submit content to the new system. If you’re interested in finding out more about how you can submit a student event announcement to the Student Life calendar or create other content for digital signage, we’ll be posting instructions at servicedesk.simmons.edu/faq very soon.

Even as we launch digital signage, we’re working to incorporate exciting new features and to consistently improve the service over time. If you have feedback about current content or features you’d like to see on digital signage, please send your ideas to [email protected].

This summer, the Moodle and Simmons Connection teams got together to implement a major upgrade to Connection by integrating personalized Moodle course content for students and faculty.

The new My Moodle Classes section in Simmons Connection displays your classes for this semester, along with course announcements, new forum posts, and recent course updates. Clicking on any of the courses in Connection will take you to that course’s home page in Moodle.

To find out more about using Moodle in Simmons Connection, check out this FAQ.