Tag: UF Computing Help Desk

Maximize Wi-Fi Experience On Campus

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Eduroam is the campus Wi-Fi network option for students, faculty, and staff with active GatorLink credentials.

Instead of connecting to ufguest — an unencrypted, basic option for visitors — members of the UF community should connect to eduroam for the fastest and most secure experience. Ufguest users have a slower internet speed, can’t use Gatorlink VPN, and are unable to connect to UF’s private IP network. Follow these steps to make eduroam your default Wi-Fi when in range:

1) Open your Wi-Fi settings and connect to the “ufgetonline” network
2) Open a new browser window and visit getonline.ufl.edu to register your device
3) Select your device type from the dropdown
4) Follow instructions until you’re able to connect
     a. Note that you must use your “gatorlink@ufl.edu” as the username
5) Once connected, open your network settings again and forget the “ufgetonline” network

When you change your GatorLink password, you will need to follow steps 1-5 again on each device you have previously connected to eduroam. Call the UFIT Help Desk (352-392-HELP/4357) or visit the Help Desk (132 Hub) during business hours for assistance connecting to eduroam.

Retention Policy Announced for UF Zoom

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A retention policy for UF’s Zoom service takes effect Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. Any recording older than 365 days will be removed from Zoom’s cloud storage. Users needing to preserve any cloud recording older than 365 days can download recordings to a storage destination of their choice. Users can also elect to upload Zoom recordings to UF’s Mediasite environment.

Deleted recordings remain in the Zoom trash for 30 days. To retrieve recordings that have been moved to your Zoom trash, log in to Zoom and follow the steps in the Recover a Deleted Cloud Recording document. After 30 days in the trash, a recording is no longer retrievable.

On July 15, 2022, UF’s Zoom retention policy will be reduced to its final state of 180 days.

Please visit the UF Zoom cloud recording FAQ page for additional information. Faculty and staff with questions or who need assistance should reach out to their local IT support. Zoom users may also contact the UFIT Help Desk.

Getting Started Pages for Faculty, Students

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New webpages are available to facilitate the transition to UF teaching, learning, and research.

● Faculty Resources https://it.ufl.edu/resources/faculty-resources/

● Researcher Resources https://it.ufl.edu/resources/researcher-resources/

● Student Resources https://it.ufl.edu/resources/student-resources/

The new faculty resources page has informational links on primary services such as email, UF’s VPN, and Zoom. But the faculty page drills down to services and support focusing on facilitating learning and collaboration. Likewise, the researcher services page also has information for getting started with everyday IT services, but also includes links for grant support and research project consulting. The student page provides an overview information on student support, links to review before you arrive on campus, and IT resources for your student life once you are here.

All UF community members can browse UFIT’s service catalog for information on additional campus-wide technology services and support.

Revised UFApps File Storage Policy

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The UFApps M:drive is designed for files actively being used and not intended to be a long-term storage solution. Beginning in January 2022, UFApps users with files stored on the M:drive will have their current files archived in a new O:Drive titled “Old UFApps M Drive.” Any file two years old or more will be purged starting January 1, 2023. Then, each December, files on the current M:Drive will be migrated to the O:Drive, and the old O:Drive archive will be purged. UFApps users will always have access to two calendar years’ worth of their M: drive files, the current year and the previous year. Also, to better reflect that it is temporary storage space, this December, the M:StudentFileStorage drive will be renamed M:UFAppsTempStorage.

UFApps users should make a habit of transferring files to another storage option. The easiest way to transfer files is to map your UFApps account to your GatorCloud account via Kumo. Visit the UFApps “start using Kumo” page to learn how. Another option is to move files with a flash drive.

Faculty, please remember that UFApps R:Drive set-up must be requested for each course every semester. Anyone who needs help with UFApps may contact the UF Computing Help Desk (132 HUB, 352-392-HELP/4357, helpdesk@ufl.edu).

Ten IT Services for Undergrads

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There’s a lot to learn during your first semester, from where classes are to managing e-Learning assignments. Technology enables living and learning at UF, and UFIT is here to support your academic journey. While you’ll discover more over the next few years, here are 10 IT services to discover now to help maximize your UF experience.

Anyone with questions about these services may contact the UF Computing Help Desk (352-392-HELP/4357, helpdesk@ufl.edu, and HUB first floor).

1. UF Computing Help Desk: Speaking of getting help from the Help Desk, the staff have you covered for all things technical at UF. There are self-help resources on their website and have 24/7 assistance for things like password resets.
2. Canvas: UF’s e-Learning platform where you access quizzes, assignments, and more.
3. ONE.UF: The campus portal to register for classes, viewing and ordering transcripts, and resources like phishing training.
4. GatorMail: UF’s official email service for contacting instructors, administrative staff, and fellow students.
5. Eduroam: A secure wireless network for on- and off-campus connectivity. Protect yourself and UF, Gators! Stay on secure wireless.
6. Discounted Software: Learn what software packages Gators can purchase at a discount.
7. UFApps: A collection of more than 190 applications available 24/7 FREE for students.
8. GatorCloud: UF’s cloud-based collaboration with high volume storage options.
9. LinkedIn Learning: UFIT underwrites the cost of membership for Gators to access 15,000+ courses for FREE.
10. Mobile Printing: Learn how to print on the go from over 50 campus locations.

Tips for Multi-Factor Authentication Efficiency

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Since UF adopted multi-factor authentication (MFA), the number of compromised GatorLink accounts has decreased by 99.7%. Using the multi-factor authentication app provides additional protection to the university’s systems and services. This means your personal information as well as your research files, proposals, and all university data, is better secured.

Tips to enhance your MFA experience:

1. Add a second device to your MFA account, in case your primary device is lost or stolen. UFIT created a short video explaining how to add a device.
2. Use a passcode to authenticate even without an internet connection or cell service. Open the Duo app, then tap the University of Florida drop-down tab on the home screen. Type in the six-digit code provided when logging into UF services.
3. Check the “Remember Me” option to not be prompted to authenticate for 10 hours, as long as you’re using the same browser on the same device.

Visit it.ufl.edu/2fa or contact the UF Computing Help Desk (helpdesk@ufl.edu, 352-392-HELP/4357, 132 Hub) for assistance using multi-factor authentication.

Self-Help, Expert Help When You Need It

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The UF Computing Help Desk website has self-help resources for students, faculty and staff, accessible from anywhere, at any time. Among the how-to pages are step-by-step instructions for connecting to eduroam and the UF VPN, setting up UF GatorMail on your phone, updating passwords on your phone, and managing your GatorLink account. For visual learners, how about putting that RTS bus time to good use by watching a video on UFIT’s YouTube channel? There are nearly 100 videos on https://www.youtube.com/GoGatorsUFIT, with more added each month.

For 24/7 assistance regarding technical services you cannot fix on your own, the Help Desk has you covered. During regular business hours, in-person and online consultations cover: VPN and wireless network connections, email services, GatorLink account issues, UF systems, e-Learning [Canvas] support, desktop application support, and thesis and dissertation formatting assistance. After hours (nights and weekends) phone support includes account management issues and general tech information.

There are multiple ways to connect with UF Computing Help Desk experts: Visit (132 Hub), call (352-392-HELP/4357), email (helpdesk@ufl.edu), or submit a myIT ticket to the team. Remember to have your UFID number handy!

When Should You Use UF’s VPN?

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The University of Florida’s
Virtual Private Network (VPN) enables faculty, staff, and students who are off-campus to securely access UF services that are generally only available when connected to the campus network. In layman language, the VPN provides a secure “tunnel” that routes your computer’s network traffic through the UF network. Since the university’s response to COVID-19 began, usage of UF’s VPN has grown significantly. However, it is not always necessary to use the VPN to achieve the goal of secure access. This is because many of the university’s campus-wide services are hosted off-site and accessing via the campus network is not required. Here’s a list of when the UF VPN is — and is not — needed:

Use the VPN to access:
• Departmental drives and network files
• UF library resources
• Remote Desktop
• myIRB

Do not use the VPN to access:
• myUFL
• ONE.UF
• University of Florida email systems
• UF SharePoint sites
• Microsoft Teams
• Skype for Business
• Zoom
• UF e-Learning (Canvas) content
• OneDrive
• UF DropBox
• UFApps

Anyone with questions about how and when to use the UF VPN should contact their local IT staff. The UFIT Help Desk can also answer questions about using the UF VPN.

Highest Attendance Yet for Tech Fair

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Schedule an event about tech services at UF and they will come: There were 4,566 student interactions recorded at the 2020 Tech Fair! Students asked for advice on topics ranging from two-factor authentication, how to earn badges with
LinkedIn Learning and details on the expanded list of items available for checkout at Marston.

“I learned about a lot of services today, and I am so excited that SolidWorks is in UFApps!” said Sophie Williams, a freshman biological engineering major. “It was also interesting to learn about the part-time IT job opportunities on campus. It’s just so great to be at UF and a part of this!”

2020 marks the sixth year of Tech Fair and included two new focuses: Advertising the campus tech jobs that students could apply for on the spot, and serving as an introduction to IT support and services for Innovation Academy students, who are on campus for the spring and summer terms. Photos from the 2020 Student Tech Fair will be posted on UFIT’s Facebook page and the raffle prize winners will be notified on Monday, Jan 27. Anyone with questions about the event is welcome to contact UFIT Communications.

Before Going Abroad: Tips for UF’s Research Community

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Traveling outside of the United States can put your research data–along with your identity and reputation–at risk. Whether you’re conducting a study, lecturing, or simply vacationing abroad, UF’s Information Security Office (ISO) wants you to understand the dangers of data targeting and identity theft.

Some tips to consider:
• If possible, bring a temporary laptop that has only the files you’ll use/need while abroad
• Verify your mobile device’s encryption
• Be sure your laptop’s antivirus software is up-to-date before you travel
• Disable automatic connections to open WiFi networks
• Use UF’s VPN to connect to any service where Gatorlink authentication is required

Also, to protect your data and personal information, only get online via secure WiFi networks. Recent issues to be aware of include China’s blocking of UF’s VPN. More tips are available on the ISO’s traveling abroad page.

Faculty should contact the Office of Research to ensure they are not traveling with hardware or software subject to export controls. Anyone who needs help configuring VPN or changing their laptop settings are welcome to contact the UFIT Help Desk for assistance.