Important security patch for dangerous Windows vulnerability

Microsoft has released an important security patch that all K-Staters should apply to their Microsoft Windows computers immediately. This fixes a dangerous vulnerability in the handling of Microsoft's Vector Markup Language (VML). People who use Internet Explorer for their Internet browser or Outlook for their e-mail client are vulnerable and need to run WindowsUpdate right away to apply the patch. More information is available at Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-055.

K-State has already seen a few instances of malware exploiting the VML vulnerability, so it is critical that people act quickly to patch their computers.

Wildcat ID Number, Student ID number updates

After much discussion with faculty, advisors, administrative staff, and the IT staff, the Wildcat ID Number (WID) and the Student ID number (SID) have been made available in the following locations.

For students: The WID is now available from the student's eProfile page at eid.k-state.edu in addition to being available on the student's K-State ID card.

For faculty:

1. In K-State Online, both the WID and SID are now available in the Roster and the Gradebook. For assignments and quizzes using Scantron forms, faculty are asked to use the WID. However, the system will first look for the WID during the grading process and, if the WID is not available, it will check for the SID.
2. In KATS, both the WID and SID are now available from the Advising, Section Permission, and DARs menus. In other words, the faculty member can type either the WID or the SID in these specific menus and the student's name will appear. The input boxes within these areas (Advising, Section Permission, and DARS) were changed to simply request an "ID". This was put into production on Friday, Sept. 22.

TechBytes series begins Oct. 6 with Google: Beyond Searching!

The TechBytes series for the fall semester starts at 1:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, in 401B Hale Library. All remaining sessions will be in 501 Hale Library.

The goal of TechBytes is to share technology innovations with the campus community, whether it's a new technology or a new way to use an existing technology. An exciting lineup is set for this semester, and we look forward to seeing a big crowd taking these opportunitunities to collaborate with some of the great speakers on campus. The complete lineup for the semester is below.

TechBytes seminars are free and open to the K-State community. To learn more about the series or the sessions, vist the TechBytes website.

Deadline extended, CPU upgraded for discounted Dell desktops

An article last week in InfoTech Tuesday publicized deep discounts that would expire soon on Dell desktops, laptops, and monitors. However, there's been some new developments. See the College of Engineering's updated Dell discounts webpage that incorporates the following changes and has new ordering instructions.

Because Intel has recently reduced prices on Pentium D dual-core processors, K-State's Dell representative has today agreed to a no-cost upgrade on future orders of discounted desktop computers. The model will be upgraded to a Dell Optiplex 745, and the processor will be upgraded from Pentium D 830 (3.0 GHz, 2X 1M, 800FSB) to Pentium D 945 (3.40GHz, 2X 2M, 800FSB).

Also, because the Sept. 30 deadline is so close, Dell has extended the deadline for ordering desktops (and monitors) to Oct. 25 for both departmental and personal orders. The deadline for laptop orders is still Saturday, Sept. 30, which is just a few days away.

One-day-only free download of USB-partitioning software

Until 2 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, NewTech Infosystems (NTI) is offering a free download of their USB security software product, NTI Ninja. This allows you to partition any USB drive into public and private (encrypted) partitions. According to NTI's Overview page, it works with USB flash drives, micro drives, external hard disk drives, and more.

The free download is the full product with no expiration. The free download period expires at 2 a.m. Wednesday (midnight Pacific time). If you think you might want to check it out, grab it now from www.ntininja.com.

K-State Calendar now works with mobile computing devices

K-Staters on the go now have a way to access the university's calendar system from their portable computing devices. K-State Calendar has now been upgraded to version 10.1.2.3 of Oracle Calendar, which allows users to sync their K-State Calendar with a Windows Mobile 5.0 device such as Dell's Axim, Palm's Treo 700, etc.

Any Windows Mobile 5.0 device that meets the following requirements should function properly with Oracle Mobile Data Sync:

1. Requires Internet connection (via cradle, modem, or mobile phone).
2. Requires installation of the appropriate Synthesis SyncML client, available from www.synthesis.ch. (You can use a free, 30-day trial version to test the software, and later purchase a permanent license for Synthesis SyncML Client Standard.)
3. Mobile devices MUST support synchronization over secure (SSL) connections.

For more information about the K-State Calendar and configuring your Windows Mobile 5.0 device, see Calendar Information and Links.

Departmental security contacts training Oct. 4

On Wednesday, Oct. 4, K-State's Security Incident Response Team (SIRT) will host a day-long training event for all departmental security contacts. This year's event will include breakout sessions in the morning, followed by lunch and a group discussion session. Breakout topics to be covered:

• New security policies
• Hardening Linux
• Wireless security
• Trend Micro Q/A
• Practical skills for securing a computer (for non-technical users)
• Hardening Windows

Departmental security contacts should register for this training event no later than Thursday, Sept. 28. Look for the registration e-mail sent to the SIRT-Contacts mailing list with subject titled "SIRT Training Registration". For questions about the departmental security contacts training event, contact Harvard Townsend, harv@k-state.edu.

Registration opens for Electronic Grade Submission training

Registration for Electronic Grade Submission system training is now open to instructors new to the system who would like to use it to submit full semester final grades this fall. Anyone who wants to use the system, including those designated by instructors to submit grades on their behalf, must receive training. Those interested can choose to attend an instructor-led session or complete the training online.

• Instructor-led training sessions will be offered weekly beginning Nov. 14 through Dec. 8.
• Online training will be available beginning Nov. 13 and must be completed prior to noon Dec. 8.

For more information and to enroll, see Electronic Grade Submission System Training.

October IT training calendar available Sept. 29

iTAC's October IT training calendar will be available online by Friday, Sept. 29. All classes are free for K-State faculty, staff, and graduate students, but require pre-registration. Details will be listed on the individual registration pages. Courses include:

• Dreamweaver Exchange
• CSS Exchange
• Creating images using HyperSnap and Fireworks
• Various K-State Online workshops
• K-State Calendar

The Dreamweaver and CSS Exchange sessions are designed for K-Staters who have some experience working with Dreamweaver and/or CSS. During the sessions, we will share a variety of tips that can be used while developing webpages. These are informal sessions, and attendees are encouraged to submit ideas and even present a tip themselves. The sessions are 1-2 hours long, depending on the audience and tips to be shared. E-mail Cathy Rodriguez (cathyr@k-state.edu) or Sarah Silva (gr8ful@k-state.edu) to submit ideas or volunteer to present a tip.

IT job opening in iTAC

The Information Technology Assistance Center has a position opening for a technology trainer to provide documentation and instruction for both desktop applications and locally developed applications. This includes developing, scheduling, and delivering instruction for campus constituents both on and off campus. For more information, see iTAC's website.

Security tip: Lock your computer screen when unattended

Security analysts still report that the greatest threat to information and technology resources is "internal". In other words, it is from people within the organization.

One effective way to protect your computer and the data it holds is to make sure you never leave your computer unattended without requiring a password to regain access. This can be done by logging out or "locking" your computer screen. To lock your Microsoft Windows computer, hold down the Windows icon key and press the L key.

You should also put a password on your screensaver in case you forget to lock your computer before leaving your office. After the screensaver kicks in, your password will once again be required before anyone can gain access. On Windows XP computers, here's how to set the screensaver to require a password:

1. Click Start, Control Panel, and Display.
2. Select the Screen Saver tab. In the "Screen saver" section, choose a screensaver (if you don't have one), and the wait time before the screensaver activates.
3. Checkmark the On resume, password protect box.
4. At the bottom, click the Apply button.
5. Your screensaver password will be the same as your log-in password.

These settings may vary based on the Windows version being used, how the computer is configured, and if a different screensaver is installed. (For example, Windows XP computers with the default "Category View" must click Start, Control Panel, Appearance and Themes, then Choose a Screen Saver.)

A new interim IT security policy now requires both of these security measures for K-State computers. Once you get into the habit, the time it takes to follow these best practices is negligible while the reduction in risk to K-State's information resources is substantial.

IT by the numbers: Tegrity and Horizon Wimba

• 6,314 = number of Tegrity lectures
•    162 = number of courses using Tegrity
•    143 = number of instructors using Tegrity
•     98 = number of users for Horizon Wimba
•     51 = number of classes using Horizon Wimba

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Managing editor
     Betsy Edwards
Executive editor
     Rebecca Gould

Popular IT

IT events
and deadlines

Fall 2006
Doctoral students will be required to submit dissertations electronically.

Sept. 27 (Wed)
"IT and the Future of Higher Education: Fire, Fuel & Focus" by Brian Hawkins, EDUCAUSE president. 3:30-5 p.m. Hemisphere Room, Hale Library

Sept. 30 (Sat)
Last day for deep discounts on Dell laptops. See the Sept. 26 article.

Oct. 2 (Mon)
Deadline for completing transition to Trend Micro antivirus software for all K-State-owned computers.

Oct. 23 (Mon)
"The Evolving Internet" by Vinton Cerf, Google/Regus vice president and chief Internet evangelist. Time and location changes: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fiedler Auditorium, Fiedler Hall

Oct. 25 (Wed)
"Building Educational Games and Simulations" is the second session in the IDT Roundtable Series. Open to all K-Staters. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Union 212. Sign up by 5 p.m. Oct. 23.

Oct. 25 (Wed)
Last day for extended deep discounts on Dell desktop computers and monitors. See the article in this issue.

Nov. 16 (Thu)
"Accessible Design: Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities" is the third session in the IDT Roundtable Series. Open to all K-Staters. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Union 212. Sign up by 5 p.m. Nov. 14.

Nov. 30 (Thu)
James Neal, vice president for information technology and university librarian at Columbia University. 10:30 a.m.-noon Hemisphere Room, Hale Library

Fall 2007
Masters students will be required to submit theses and reports electronically.

Add multimedia richness to your courses. Too often, online learning involves only text and graphics. Explore mixing up your content in K-State Online by adding streaming video, sound files, multimedia files, and automated interactive files. Engage more of your learner senses to promote rich learning.

Upgrade to Microsoft Office 2007 in labs?

What are the plans for upgrading to Microsoft Office system 2007 in the campus computer labs? What is the general timetable for that upgrade to take place?

Typically, the university would wait until the release of the first service pack before deploying 2007 Microsoft Office system in the university computing labs and InfoCommons. It requires about a year to test the new office suite (currently in beta) to ensure that the package is stable and to work out any conflicts with other applications on the computer image for the InfoCommons and labs.

Another concern is that Microsoft is deploying a new file format in Word and Excel that is not backward-compatible with Office 97-2003. K-Staters will be kept apprised of the timeline.

Sue Williams, a K-State champion of technology

Sue Williams, associate professor of sociology and criminology, is a champion of technology. She uses a combination of technology strategies to teach two online courses -- Social Construction of Serial Murder (Socio562); and Diversity and the Workplace (Socio670). She is also developing additional online courses, including a graduate-level statistics course.

What technology tools do you use?
They include:

• Tegrity, a video/audio recording/uploading device that works through a PowerPoint platform
• digital videography
• video conferencing
• K-State Online (virtually all of the functions available)

"Typically I teach the course in a face-to-face format, recording virtually everything I do, including student interaction," she said. "I sometimes supplement with other materials or information about formatting or differences that will apply to online students."

What are your objectives for using the technology?
"Access, excitement, engagement... and then, inevitably I believe, learning takes place."

"As one example, I invite the author of the serial-murder textbook (who lives in California) to talk to on-campus students via teleconference from his university to K-State. I then have a videographer capture the whole thing, including a question-and-answer session. Online students then have the opportunity to see and hear the author of their textbook PLUS ways in which s/he actually acts, reacts, and interacts with students. (This particular author is quite entertaining!)"

What else would you like to share on how you use technology?
"Keep learning about the pedagogy associated with online learning. This is such an exploding area of advancing technology that the publication of pedagogy struggles to keep pace. We need more ways of sharing what works in the meantime."