The ITSS Computer Management Group strives to provide an end user experience that is secure and minimally disruptive to your daily work routine. The following are some new features that will be rolled out during the Fall Semester:
Mac Features
Support for Newest Mac Operating System
Apple's latest Operating System (OS) - macOS Mojave - is currently being tested by ITSS and a select number of users across UMD. While this latest OS is currently being restricted to Macs enrolled in our JAMF service, ITSS has set a goal of October 8th to be fully prepared to support the latest OS across campus. If you would like to be a part of this test group - please contact the TechCenter Help Desk and ask to be included in the 10.14 beta testing initiative.
Automatic Apple Security Updates
Apple Security updates will now be automatically downloaded to your machine. Once they are ready to be installed - you will see notifications from the OS informing you that a reboot is required, giving you the flexibility to reboot the machine at your leisure. If no reboot is required, the update will simply install in the background without having to bother you. Beginning in macOS Mojave, App Store sourced Apps will also update automatically without the annoying red number notifications in the App Store.
New Enterprise Connect Software
For Mac users who require frequent access to Active Directory file shares, ITSS has purchased a software package called Enterprise Connect. ITSS staff as well as 30+ users across campus have been testing this software for nearly 6 months with fantastic results. Enterprise Connect synchronizes the password used to login to your Mac with your Internet ID password. It will also automatically connect any available N: and P: drives and show them as shortcuts on the desktop. Finally, it will detect any future password changes and prompt you to update the password - ensuring everything stays connected and updated. Users will be able to opt-in to this service via ITSS Self Service free of charge later this month.
Automatic Microsoft Office Updates
Microsoft Office updates will now happen automatically without the need for end user intervention. Users should no longer see the annoying "Microsoft Auto Update" messages when open Office Applications. The process will check to see if an application is open before applying updates to ensure users are not adversely affected by the update process.
Opt-in to JAMF
ITSS recommends all Mac users opt-in to our JAMF service to ensure your machines are patched and maintained per University policy. For more information, please contact the TechCenter Help Desk.
PC Features
ITSS is proactively reaching out to end users with machines that have a high number of security updates pending in an effort to keep our computing environment as secure as possible.
Encryption Assistance
Beginning later this fall, ITSS will begin notifying end users who are using un-encrypted PC's. Encrypting data at rest is an important part of the University of Minnesota's overall device security strategy and is required for the vast majority of end users. ITSS will contact users directly and assist with getting the machine properly encrypted.
Windows 7 Upgrade to Windows 10
Windows 7 users should plan on upgrading their machines to Windows 10. Microsoft has announced that Windows 7 extended support will end on January 14th, 2020. ITSS no longer supports imaging of Windows 7 machines.
Opt-in to Active Directory
ITSS recommends all PC users opt-in to Active Directory to ensure your machines are patched and maintained per University Policy. For more information, please contact the TechCenter Help Desk.