Earlier this year we posted an article explaining what goes on behind the scenes when you log into a computer in one of 60 MSU computer labs.

This follow-up article shares some of the exciting advancements we’ve made to improve computer lab login times.

During spring and summer 2014, IT Services installed new computers in six computer labs including Bessey Hall 211 and 317, Business College N12, Natural Resources 218, Olds Hall 12, and Wells Hall B110G. Read Full Article →

Cyber attacks on computer systems and networks to obtain personal information and other confidential data take place on a daily basis.

To maintain the integrity and security of our institution’s data, Michigan State University is taking steps to increase the level of protection in systems amassing sensitive and personal information by implementing two-factor authentication in spring 2015. Read Full Article →

Starting on December 19, 2014, courses that are two years old, development courses that have been inactive for two years, and groups that have been inactive for six months in MSU’s ANGEL system will be deleted.

Associated content and records for these courses will also be deleted.

The ANGEL User Support Team is sending specific messages out to affected course and group administrators listing the courses and groups scheduled for deletion. Read Full Article →

MSU IT Services coordinates Seminars in Research and Instructional Technology in the spring and fall for university faculty, academic staff, and graduate assistants.

Fall 2014 seminars are scheduled for December 16 and 17.

Participants may choose from a variety of sessions over two days designed to support teaching and research at MSU. Read Full Article →

This year’s theme is Our Shared Responsibility. MSU Information Technology (IT) Security encourages the community to get involved and do their part to make our Internet, MSUnet, safer and more secure for everyone.

• Read information posted on MSU’s technology security site at tech.msu.edu/secureIT/
• Check the STOP-THINK-CONNECT Web site for additional information at staysafeonline.org/

MSU Information Security is warning computer users about a damaging new form of malware called CryptoWall, which has hit MSU’s campus.

Infections can take place in a variety of ways, but the two most common are malicious links and email attachments.

When infected with CryptoWall, all useful files are irrevocably encrypted unless the victim decides to pay a ransom to receive their files back. Read Full Article →

This is the first of what will be regular updates by the MSU IT Council. These updates are intended to keep the MSU community informed about the topics being tackled, progress made, and recommendations to MSU administration. News updates will contain high-level topic summaries.

The MSU community is encouraged to seek out their IT Council representative or visit the IT Council website for more information on topics of interest. Read Full Article →

The first MSU Security Summit will be held October 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in the MSU Union.

The event offers a chance for MSU IT staff to discuss security topics as part of their jobs and the greater campus community. Space is limited, so register now via EBS. Read Full Article →

Google Classroom is now available through MSU Google Apps for Education. Classroom is a new tool that helps instructors create and organize assignments, provide feedback, collaborate, and communicate with their classes.

Google Classroom isn’t a fully robust learning management system like Desire2Learn, but it may be useful for blended or technology-enhanced courses needing a space for class communication or supplemental instruction. Read Full Article →

IT Services updated technology in 15 classrooms for the fall 2014 semester. Instructors in those specific technology classrooms have received messages detailing the updates.

Select classroom have new technology in Bessey Hall, Jenison Fieldhouse, the Pavilion building, and Wilson Hall.

Updates include the host computer on classroom technology carts will run Windows 7 and Office 2013. Read Full Article →