Information Item #3: Submitted by the Campus Technology Committee

e-academy: Microsoft Work-at-Home Software
Information Technology Services is pleased to announce the availability of select Microsoft software to UNF faculty and staff for home use at a low cost. Faculty or staff members order the software online through MyWings using their personal credit card. Faculty and staff pay only a small unit fee and shipping. The software is mailed directly to the faculty or staff member who installs the software on his or her home computer.  Visit http://www.unf.edu/dept/its/eacademy/ to see the available software titles and directions for ordering the software. Questions may be directed to the ITS Help Desk at ext. 4357 (HELP) or helpdesk@unf.edu.   

Windows Vista/Office 2007:
Information Technology Services has developed a Vista client for faculty and staff. It includes Microsoft Office 2007. ITS will make the Vista/Office 2007 client available to any faculty member who requests it, and has a computer that meets the minimum requirements required by Windows Vista.

The Vista client, featuring Office 2007, will be available in the General Purpose Computer Lab and the Lab Classrooms (15/1104 & 1105) beginning summer 2008.   Both Vista and Office 2007 are significantly different than their predecessors. Visit this page (http://www.unf.edu/dept/cpdt/vista/index.htm) to learn about the differences between Vista and XP and Office 2003 and Office 2007.  The technology classrooms managed by ITS will continue to run Windows XP and Office 2003.

Office 2007 applications use a new file format. Office 2003 applications will not open the Office 2007 file formats. Faculty can have the MS Office Compatibility Pack installed on their office computer or UNF laptop by contacting their C-tech or making an online request at https://help.unf.edu. After the Compatibility Pack is installed, they will be able to open, edit, and save Office 2007 documents.

Secure your computing accounts: Passphrases are your friend!
When choosing a password, we have all probably heard at one time or another that the more complex, the better.  The real question is 'better for whom'?  Consider the following two passwords: G00d4B!#j6 and "My favorite pet is my turtle."  Which do you think is stronger? Which do you think is easier to remember and type?

Due to advances in computing power and increases in the effectiveness of password crackers, it is becoming evident that longer passwords are actually better.  Therefore, it is recommended that passwords be 15 characters or longer.  Naturally, we don't want to move into the realm of passwords so long and complex that we're reduced to writing them on sticky notes and plastering them all over our desks, either (of course, *you* don't have one stuck under your keyboard, right?).  So to make it easier to remember a longer password, use a passphrase.  A passphrase is simply a sentence or pseudo sentence, like our second sample password.  If you're feeling really adventurous, you can even include punctuation, spaces and misspelled words. Most systems in use today support these longer passwords, so the next time you're changing yours, why not try out a passphrase?

One final note, keep in mind that certain systems may not accept leading numeric or special characters for passwords, such as the University's Banner system. In those cases, ensure that you use a password that begins with a letter.  Visit http://www.unf.edu/dept/its/security/password.php for more information about passphrases and other password tips.