General Archived Messages for 2008



Posted 12/10/08 11:35 a.m.
Audio/Visual Service Requests Need Advance Notice
Announcement Type:
Service Change
Subject: Audio/Visual Service Requests Need Advance Notice
Service(s) Affected: Audio / Visual (A/V) Services
Description: Due to increasingly busy event schedule and limited A/V staff and equipment, IT Media & Design now requires advance notice to guarantee fulfillment of A/V service requests. Basic A/V service requests, including requests for a computer projector and screen, require advance notice of 2 business days. Other requests, such as audio/videotaping and public address systems, require advance notice of at least 7 business days.

As of Monday, January 5, 2009, fulfilled requests that do not meet the advance notice requirements will incur an additional surcharge of 50% of the total AV charge (excluding post-production charges). Please note: fulfillment of "short-notice" requests is subject to availability of staff and equipment, and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Effective Date: Monday, January 5, 2009
Recommended Required: None
Additional Information: The Audio / Visual Services online request form is available at http://itmd.rockefeller.edu/av/
Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



Posted 12/04/08 8:00 a.m.
Availability of Laser Pointers for AV self service locations
Announcement Type:
Service Change
Subject: Availability of Laser Pointers for AV self service locations
Service(s) Affected: Laser Pointers
Description: Laser pointers will no longer be available at the AV Self Service locations. Users who need to use a laser pointer in the Audio/Visual (AV) self service rooms may borrow a laser pointer from the Help Desk (Welch Hall, room 101). The laser pointer is to be returned to the Help Desk as soon as possible.

AV Self Service locations are:

  • Weiss Research Building (WRB) rooms 301 and 305
  • Rockefeller Research Building (RRB) room 110
  • Caspary Hall (CH) room 1B
Effective Date: Immediately
Action Required: None
Additional Information: None
Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



Posted 11/24/08 8:50 a.m.
Self-Service Audio/Visual Equipment Now Available in CH 1B
Announcement Type:
New/Improved Service
Subject: Self-Service Audio/Visual Equipment Now Available in CH 1B
Product(s) Affected: Audio/Visual Services in CH 1B
Description: To provide better service, Information Technology (IT) has installed new self-service A/V equipment in Caspary Hall (CH), room 1B. Users no longer need to reserve the computer projector or screen for this room.

For additional services or equipment, such as a laptop or video recording, please fill out and submit the online A/V request form in advance.

There is no charge to use the self-service A/V equipment. If an A/V technician is needed to assist with set-up of self-service or other equipment, normal rates will apply.

Effective Date: Immediately
Action Required: None
Additional Information:
  • The A/V online request form is available at http://itmd.rockefeller.edu/av
  • An instructional guide is available in the room.
  • For the CH 1B, RRB 110 & WRB 301/305 Quick Start and Detailed Instructional documentation, visit IT’s web site.
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



    Posted 10/31/08 12:45 p.m.
    Important – HP, Toshiba & Dell Laptop Batteryies Recalled
    Announcement Type:
    Advisory Alert - Product Recall
    Subject: Important – HP, Toshiba & Dell Laptop Batteryies Recalled
    Product(s) Affected:
  • Dell Latitude
  • Dell Inspiron
  • HP Pavilion
  • Compaq Presario
  • HP Compaq
  • Toshiba Satellite
  • Toshiba Tecra
    • Description: In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, HP, Toshiba and Dell have announced the voluntary recall of certain laptop batteries due to reports of fire and burn hazards.

    The voluntary replacement program only applies to certain models and battery serial numbers.

    The recalled batteries were sold in certain models. Not all laptops in that series are affected; users should contact the laptop manufacturer to determine if their laptop batter is included in the recall.

    Effective Date: Immediately
    Action Required: If you have one of the affected laptops and battery models, contact the laptop manufacturer
    Additional Information:
  • Customers must contact the laptop manufacturer to determine if the laptop is subject to this recall.
  • For additional information about the recall, including specific model and serial information, go to US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s web site.
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 10/16/08 2:00 p.m.
    Mac Users: Fix for SSL VPN plugin problem
    Announcement Type:
    Service Update
    Subject: Mac Users: Fix for SSL VPN plugin problem
    Service(s) Affected: SSL VPN (http://sslvpn.rockefeller.edu)
    Description: The SSL VPN application and browser plugin were recently upgraded. If you are a Mac user and are having trouble with the SSL VPN plug-in (see symptoms in Additional Information below), you will need to manually delete the old version of the plug-in from your computer first, and then retry your SSL VPN connection. Instructions on how to delete the plug-in are on IT’s Web site.
    Recommended Action: None
    Additional Information:
    • Symptoms of an old plug-in include:
      • A browser crash when the network access is started
      • You continue to be prompted to install the plugin even after you have already installed it
      • Error message pops up about the F5 xvpvn plug-in
    • For more information about SSL VPN, visit the Web site
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 09/10/08 8:15 a.m.
    Your Online Room Reservation System Login Information
    Announcement Type:
    Application Enhancement Alert
    Subject: Your Online Room Reservation System Login Information
    Service(s) Affected: Calendar of Events Online Room Reservation System
    Description: In order to book a room for an event, users will need to use their RUNet account username and password to log into the Calendar of Events (COE) Online Room Reservation System.

    Those who currently have a different COE username than their RUNet account will have their usernames automatically updated.

    Users who do not know their passwords must come to the IT Help Desk with their RU ID cards to have the password reset.

    Effective Date: Friday, September 12, 2008
    Action Required: Use your RUNet account username and password to log into the Online Room Reservation System to book a room for an event.
    Additional Information:
  • The Online Room Reservation system will be unavailable from 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 11 until 9:00 a.m. Friday, September 12.
  • RUNet account’s grants access to e-mail, VPN, CFS, (s)ELF, InsideRU and other applications that uses the RUNet account for authentication.
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu

    Posted 09/08/08 7:45 a.m.
    Centralized anti-virus software upgrade of Symantec Endpoint Protection beginning 9/10
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory – Application Upgrade
    Subject: Centralized anti-virus software upgrade of Symantec Endpoint Protection beginning 9/10
    Service(s) Affected: Symantec Endpoint Protection Anti-malware for Windows
    Description: Information Technology (IT) will remotely upgrade all users of Endpoint Protection anti-malware to the latest version of the software beginning 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, September 10. If you are running this software, you will receive a pop-up notification (the Symantec Management Client window) when your computer is ready to be upgraded. When you see the notice, click Download Now to start the upgrade immediately. This notification window may appear at any time Wednesday, Thursday or Friday once the upgrade process for campus begins.

    Users who have Symantec Corporate Anti-virus version 10.x or older are not affected.

    Effective Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 beginning at 11:45 a.m.
    Duration: N/A
    Action Required: Click Download Now when you see the Symantec Management Client window on your computer
    Additional Information:
  • To temporarily postpone your upgrade, click Remind me later when you see the Symantec Management Client window on your computer
  • If you wish to manually upgrade your software prior to Wednesday, you may download and install the latest version of Endpoint Protection from IT’s web site.
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 09/05/08 11:00 a.m.
    Important – Sony VAIO Laptops Recalled
    Announcement Type:
    Advisory Alert - Product Recall
    Subject: Important – Sony VAIO Laptops Recalled
    Product(s) Affected: Sony VAIO TZ-series Laptops
    Description: Sony, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced the voluntary recall of certain Sony VAIO TZ-series laptops due to reports of overheating and were sold from July 2007 through August 2008.

    The recalled notebook models are the VAIO VGN-TZ100 series, VGN-TZ200 series, VGN-TZ300 series and VGN-TZ2000 series. The computers’ screen size is about 11.1” measured diagonally. Not all laptops in that series are affected; users should contact Sony to determine if their laptop is included in the recall.

    Effective Date: Immediately
    Action Required: If you have a Sony VAIO TZ-series laptop visit their web site or call them at 888-526-6219.
    Additional Information:
  • Customers must contact Sony to determine if the laptop is subject to this recall.
  • User can visit Sony’s web site at http://www.sony.com/support or call them at 888-526-6219.
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 09/04/08 12:00 p.m.
    Self-Service Audio/Visual Equipment Now Available in RRB 110
    Announcement Type:
    New/Improved Service
    Subject: Self-Service Audio/Visual Equipment Now Available in RRB 110
    Service(s) Affected: Audio/Visual Services in RRB 110
    Description: To provide better service, Information Technology (IT) has installed new self-service A/V equipment in Rockefeller Research Building (RRB), room 110. Users no longer need to reserve the computer projector or laser pointer in this room.

    For other services or equipment, such as a laptop or video recording, please fill out and submit the online A/V request form in advance.

    There is no charge to use the self-service A/V equipment. If an A/V technician is needed to assist with set-up of self-service or other equipment, normal rates will apply.

    Effective Date: Immediately
    Action Required: None
    Additional Information:
  • The A/V online request form is available at http://itmd.rockefeller.edu/av.
  • An instructional guide will be available in front of the room.
  • For the RRB 110 & WRB 301/305 Quick Start and Detailed Instructional documentation, go to IT’s web site
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



    Posted 08/25/08 1:00 p.m.
    IT now recommends installation of Windows XP Service Pack 3
    Announcement Type:
    Advisory Alert
    Subject: IT now recommends installation of Windows XP Service Pack 3
    Application(s) Affected: Windows XP
    Description: Microsoft has released its latest service pack, version 3, for Windows XP operating system. Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes security updates, hotfixes and various enhancements. Information Technology (IT) has installed and tested SP3 and found it to be stable and have not come across any issues. Users may install SP3 by running Windows Update from their computer.
    Recommended Action: nstall Windows XP Service Pack 3 by running Windows Update
    Additional Information:
  • For additional information about Windows XP Service Pack 3, visit Microsoft's web site.
  • Instructions on how to manually run Windows Update, visit IT's web site.
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 06/18/08 9:10 a.m.
    Attn PC users: Change in Connected PC Backup Retention Period
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory
    Subject: Attn PC users: Change in Connected PC Backup Retention Period
    Service(s) Affected: Connected PC Backup
    Description: Effective immediately, Information Technology’s (IT) central backup retention period has changed from 1 year to 6 months for those users who use the Connected PC backup service. IT performs nightly backups of new and updated files. Users may retrieve copies of their data on demand through their Connected client or by contacting the Help Desk.
    Effective Date(s): Immediately
    Action Required: None
    Additional Information: For additional information about centralized backup services available through IT
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



    Posted 06/17/08 2:55 p.m.
    Firefox 3 Serious Compatibilities Issues
    Announcement Type:
    Advisory Alert
    Subject: Firefox 3 Serious Compatibilities Issues
    Service(s) Affected: Mozilla Firefox version 3
    Effective Date(s): Immediately
    Description: Mozilla has released Firefox browser version 3. Information Technology (IT) asks that users do not install new version 3 because it is incompatible with applications and services commonly used by the RU community such as SSL VPN and the IAS system. Users should not install version 3 until our software vendors provide updates to these applications and services.
    Recommendated Action: Do not install Firefox version 3 until updates are available from our software vendors.
    Additional Information:
  • For additional information about SSL VPN, go to IT's web site.
  • For additional information about IAS, go to IAS' web site.
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 06/5/08 7:50 a.m.
    New Secure Wireless Network – connect to campus without VPN
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory: New Service
    Subject: New Secure Wireless Network – connect to campus without VPN
    Service(s) Affected: Wireless Campus Network Access
    Effective Date(s): Immediately
    Description: Secure wireless access to the campus network without the need for VPN is now available campuswide. The new RUWirelessSecure network allows you to establish a secure, encrypted connection to restricted campus resources and the Internet, protecting your information from a potential wireless attack. To connect to RUWirelessSecure, you must have a valid RUNet account. Your RUNet login is the same username and password you use to log in to e-mail, Webmail, Central File Store (CFS), your Windows Domain, Exchange of Large Files (ELF) and other electronic services on the campus network.

    To connect to RUWirelessSecure for the first time, you must change your RUNet password (http://runet.rockefeller.edu) and then configure your wireless device. Download instructions from the IT Web site.

    Action Required: To connect to RUWirelessSecure:
    1. Change your RUNet password (http://runet.rockefeller.edu)
    2. Configure your wireless device to connect automatically to RUWirelessSecure when it is in range. Download instructions from http://it.rockefeller.edu/wireless.
    Additional Information: Public Internet access via RUWireless is still available.
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 06/3/08 8:00 a.m.
    Scientific Poster Printing Unavailable 6/11 to 6/13
    Announcement Type:
    Service Advisory
    Subject: Scientific Poster Printing Unavailable 6/11 to 6/13
    Service(s) Affected: Scientific Poster Printing
    Effective Date(s): Wednesday, June 11, 2008
    Thursday, June 12, 2008
    Friday, June 13, 2008
    Description: Due to convocation, Scientific Poster Printing services will be unavailable from Wednesday, June 11 to Friday, June 13. To have your poster printed, users would need to submit their request by noon on Monday, June 9 for a Wednesday pickup. In addition, there will be no same-day printing service available on these days.

    If you need to have a poster printed on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday contact CopyCats, following the instructions noted below:

    To submit a file digitally to CopyCats:

    • Go to http://www.copycats.com
    • Click Customer Portal
    • Use the following log-in
      • username: rockefeller
      • password: password
    • Click Send A File
    • Fill out the form and attach your file.
    • You will receive a confirmation email and be contacted by someone at CopyCats
    Additional Information: None
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 05/21/08 9:00 a.m.
    Change in Help Desk hours of operation
    Announcement Type:
    Service Advisory
    Subject: Change in Help Desk hours of operation
    Service(s) Affected: Help Desk Hours of operation
    Description: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Help Desk hours of operation will need to change as of today from 8am-6pm to 9am-5pm. This is temporary and we will notify the campus once the hours of operation return to our normal schedule.
    Action Required: Immediately
    Duration: Temporary
    Action Required: None
    Additional Information: None
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 05/13/08 12:25 p.m.
    Mac Users: MacVector 10 Now Available
    Announcement Type:
    Service Advisory
    Subject: Mac Users: MacVector 10 Now Available
    Service(s) Affected: MacVector for Mac
    Description: MacVector version 10 is now available for download from the IT web site. Some key features of MacVector are sequence editing, primer design, protein analysis, sequence confirmation, multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic reconstruction, and coding region analysis.

    MacVector is Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard) compatible.

    Action Required: None
    Additional Information:
  • MacVector can be downloaded from IT’s web site
  • Additional information about MacVector 10 is available on their web site
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 04/21/08 7:35 a.m.
    Intermittent Problems with sending campus-wide e-mail messages using the Online Group Mail Tool
    Announcement Type:
    Service Advisory
    Subject: Intermittent Problems with sending campus-wide e-mail messages using the Online Group Mail Tool
    Service(s) Affected: Online Group Mail Tool
    Description: The online group mail application that is used to compose and send campus e-mail messages via the online Directory page is experiencing intermittent problems. Information Technology (IT) is working with our vendor to restore full functionality as quickly as possible.
    Effective Date: Monday, April 21, 2008
    Action Required: None
    Additional Information: None
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 01/10/08 8:30 a.m.
    E-mail Client Security Setting Change Required by March 3rd
    Announcement Type:
    Service Advisory - Service Update
    Subject: E-mail Client Security Setting Change Required by March 3rd
    Service(s) Affected: E-mail
    Description: To prevent the hijacking of passwords, beginning March 3rd, e-mail clients (e.g. Thunderbird, Outlook or Apple Mail) that are not properly configured to encrypt passwords will not be able to access Rockefeller e-mail.

    Configuration changes need to be made in all e-mail programs that you use to check mail (except Web Mail and Exchange) either from on campus or remotely via VPN.

    Effective Date: Monday, March 3, 2008
    Action Required: Change your e-mail security settings to enable secure authentication (SSL) when checking for e-mail.
    Additional Information:
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 01/09/08 9:30 a.m.
    Netscape browser not supported after 2/1/08
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory
    Subject: Netscape browser not supported after 2/1/08
    Description: The vendor, AOL, will no longer provide support or security updates for Netscape Navigator web browser after February 1, 2008. AOL is recommending users migrate to Mozilla Firefox.
    Effective Date: Friday, February 1, 2008
    Action Required: Migrate to an alternative browser such as Mozilla Firefox (http://www.mozilla.com)
    Additional Information: For additional information, visit Netscape’s web site.
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu