You’ve probably heard about 3D printers, but you may not have had an opportunity to see or use one in person. Simmons Technology would like to change that.

On May 14th and 15th, from 8am-12pm, we’ll be holding demonstrations of our new MakerBot Replicator printer in L225.

We encourage you to stop by if you’re interested in using 3D printing in the classroom, or if you’re simply curious about how 3D printers work and what they can do. Our team will be on hand to provide an overview and to answer any questions you have about modeling and creating objects using 3D printing.

Following the initial rollout of new printers across campus, Technology is preparing to activate ID card readers for faculty and staff. The card readers will provide access to all of the new multi-function devices (MFDs) on campus using your Simmons ID card. You’ll be able to print, copy, and scan quickly and securely from any MFD on campus by tapping your ID card on the reader.

This change provides faculty and staff with the same flexibility that CampusPrint provides to students: a networked, campuswide solution that allows you to get your documents when and where you need them.

In addition, networked MFDs with ID card access help to create efficiencies and to conserve resources by separating black & white and color print jobs, and by defaulting to double-sided printing.

As the ID card readers are activated for faculty and staff, Technology will be providing training to ensure that you have the resources you need. Project manager Roy Balcom will coordinate training sessions with each department, as needed. If you have questions about scheduling a training, please contact him at[email protected].

Over the past year, there has been an uptick in the frequency of so-called imposter scams. These attempts to obtain personal information involve emails and/or phone calls from a scammer who claims to be contacting you on “official” business. These scams often involve direct threats and they can be very convincing. Click the image below to see a full list of the tactics most often employed so you can be prepared.

If you ever suspect that someone is attempting to scam you via your Simmons email address or phone number, please contact the Service Desk immediately at 617-521-2222. For more information about imposter scams and what you can do to protect yourself, see this guide from the Federal Trade Commission.

On April 15th, Technology rolled out new antivirus software to all Simmons-owned computers. The new product—called ESET Antivirus—replaces Kaspersky Antivirus, and provides an effective, sustainable solution to keeping your computer safe from viruses and malware.

If you use a desktop or laptop computer on campus, this change should have occurred automatically and your computer should now be running ESET Antivirus.

If you’re an off-campus user of a Simmons-owned laptop, you’ll need to connect it to a wired connection on campus or to the Simmons Secure WiFi network. You should receive a prompt to start this process within one hour of connecting your laptop to the network. It’s important that you bring your laptop to campus and connect to the network as soon as possible. After April 30th, Kaspersky antivirus protection will no longer receive updates and your laptop may not be secure.

As always, to help keep your personally-owned computers safe, Technology recommends several free antivirus programs for Macs and PCs. Please visit servicedesk.simmons.edu/antivirus for more information.