Technology

Improvements to computers in Simmons classrooms, general access spaces, and labs

Filed under Technology Announcements
Posted by Technology, August 29, 2005
View all posts for August 2005

Technology at Simmons College has made a number of improvements to the computers in Simmons classrooms, general access spaces, and technology labs for fall 2005.

1. Internet browsers

Windows computers have Internet Explorer as the default browser and Mozilla Firefox as a second browser. Macintosh computers have Safari as the default browser, and Mozilla Firefox as a second browser. Both browsers on both platforms work with WebCT. Internet Explorer is no longer on the Macintosh computers.

Netscape is no longer on any of these computers because it has a number of security vulnerabilities. Please note: we will continue to install Netscape on faculty and staff computers until there is a suitable replacement for Netscape Mail.

2. Software updates/additions

We've updated or added the software applications listed below (for a list of the software installed on all of these machines, please see http://my.simmons.edu/technology/labs/software.shtml). Faculty and staff may request the new versions be installed on their office computers, by contacting the Help Desk (617-521-2222, helpdesk@simmons.edu). Such installations will start in October.

* Photoshop CS2
* Minitab 14.2 (Windows only)
* Write-N-cite/ebrary plug-ins
* Food Processor (Windows only)
* Meeting Maker 8.5
* Internet utilities (e.g. QuickTime) updated as of July 2005

3. Accessibility icon

On both platforms, we've added a shortcut to the tools built into each operating system that allow users to customize the display, mouse and keyboard function to make them more accessible. For instructions on using these features, please see http://my.simmons.edu/technology/helpdesk/accessibility

4. Antivirus software: vendor change

Simmons is transitioning from Symantec Antivirus to Sophos Anti-virus for Mac and Windows desktop protection. Sophos is installed on all classroom, general access, and lab computers. Faculty and staff office computers will be migrated from Symantec to Sophos later this fall.

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