General - Full and Archived Messages for 2012


Posted 12/05/12 7:30 a.m.
Centralized anti-virus software upgrade of Symantec Endpoint Protection beginning 10am, Thursday, 12/6
Announcement Type:
General Advisory - Application Upgrade
Subject: Centralized anti-virus software upgrade of Symantec Endpoint Protection beginning 10am, Thursday, 12/6
Service(s) Affected: Symantec Endpoint Protection Anti-malware
Description: Information Technology (IT) will begin upgrading the campus anti-malware software (Endpoint Protection) for Windows to the latest version (12.1.2015.2015) of the software beginning at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 6. Users who are running this software will be prompted (via the Symantec Management Client pop-up window) to click the Download Now button to allow the upgrade. It may take several days for the upgrade to reach all users.

Users may need to reboot their computers in order for the changes to take effect.

Users may receive a Symantec Endpoint Protection registration form pop-up. Users must fill out the form and click OK.

Effective Date: Thursday, December 6, 2012 beginning at 10 a.m.
Reqiored Action(s):
  • When the Symantec Management Client pop-up window appears, click Download Now to allow the upgrade and immediately install it.
    • Additional Information:
  • To temporarily postpone your upgrade, click Remind me later when you see the Symantec Management Client window on your computer.
  • Once users click Download Now, there will be no progress bar or indication of installation. The installation is done in the background.
  • To check what version of Endpoint Protection you are running:
      Windows:
    • Open Endpoint Protection client by selecting Start > All Programs > Symantec Endpoint Protection > Symantec Endpoint Protection.
    • Click Help and Support
    • Click About…
    • The version number, 12.1.2015.2015 (or newer) will be listed under Symantec Endpoint Protection
      Mac:
    • Open Endpoint Protection client (Applications > Symantec Solutions > Symantec Endpoint Protection)
    • The version number, 12.1.2015.2015 (or newer) will be listed in the Product Version field
  • To manually upgrade your software prior to the campus upgrade, you may download and install the latest version of Endpoint Protection from the IT’s web site.
  • PC or Mac users who are running Norton Anti-virus will need to uninstall the current version and manually download and install the latest version of Symantec Endpoint Protection from IT’s web site.
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



    Posted 10/25/12 12:15 p.m.
    Windows 8 Software Incompatibility
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory
    Subject: Windows 8 Software Incompatibility
    Description: Microsoft has released its latest operating system (OS), Windows 8. Due to incompatibility with a variety of key applications such as the university’s antivirus software (SEP), PC backup client (Connected), centralized patch management service, and various scientific applications, Information Technology (IT) cannot fully support Windows 8 and recommends that users not install it at this time. IT has been testing the OS using a pre-release version and will continue to test with the final release as soon as it becomes available. We will work with vendors on issues that arise from our testing and will provide a campus update when the OS is safe to install.
    Effective Date: Immediately
    Recommendated Action: Do not install or purchase Windows 8
    Additional Information:
  • For additional information about Windows 8 visit IT’s web site
  • Incompatible software includes, but is not limited to:
    • Connected Backup client
    • Centralized patch management service
    • EndNote
    • Parallels Desktop for Mac
    • Symantec Endpoint Protection
    • Matlab
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 10/22/12 8:00 a.m.
    Having computer or mobile device issues? We can help!
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory
    Subject: Having computer or mobile device issues? We can help!
    Description: If you are having issues with your computer, smartphone or other mobile devices, whether it’s with connections to RUWirelessSecure, malware, hardware, software installation or advice on computer upgrades, the IT Mobile Help Desk will be stationed in the first floor lobby of the Greenberg Building on, Thursday, October 25th from 11a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Simply bring your computer or device at any time during this period. No appointment is necessary. This service is provided free of charge.
    Effective Date: Thursday, October 25, 2012
    Duration: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Greenberg Building First Floor Lobby
    Additional Information: RUWirelessSecure allows users to connect securely and wirelessly to the campus network and to the Internet without having to use VPN.
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 09/24/12 7:45 a.m.
    Having computer or mobile device issues? We can help!
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory
    Subject: Having computer or mobile device issues? We can help!
    Description: If you are having issues with your computer, smartphone or other mobile devices, whether it’s with connections to RUWirelessSecure, malware, hardware, software installation or advice on computer upgrades, the IT Mobile Help Desk will be stationed in the lobby of WRB on, Thursday, September 27th from 11a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Simply bring your computer or device at any time during this period. No appointment is necessary. This service is provided free of charge.
    Effective Date: Thursday, September 27, 2012
    Duration: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Weiss Research Building (WRB) Lobby
    Additional Information: RUWirelessSecure allows users to connect securely and wirelessly to the campus network and to the Internet without having to use VPN.
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu

    Posted 07/25/12 11:45 a.m.
    Mac OS X Mountain Lion Software Incompatibility
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory
    Subject: Mac OS X Mountain Lion Software Incompatibility
    Description: Apple released its latest operating system today called Mountain Lion (10.8). Information Technology (IT) does not recommend installing Mac OS X Mountain Lion yet due to incompatibility with several key applications such as full Symantec Endpoint Protection, EndNote, Lasergene and the university’s centralized patch management service. IT has been using a pre-release version and will continue to test with the final version as well as will work with vendors on issues that arise from our testing with commonly used applications on campus. We will provide updates on our web site when the OS is safe to install.
    Effective Date: Immediately
    Recommended Action(s):
  • Do not install Mac OS X Mountain Lion (10.8) yet.
  • Delay purchases of new Macs from Apple
    • Additional Information: For additional information about Mountain Lion visit IT’s web site.
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 07/8/12 3:50 p.m.
    Users may loose Internet access on Monday, 7/9 if infected with the DNS Changer Malware
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory
    Subject: Users may loose Internet access on Monday, 7/9 if infected with the DNS Changer Malware
    Service(s) Affected:
  • Windows Computers
  • Mac Computers
    		•
    Description: The FBI issued a warning regarding malicious software called DNS Changer that has infected hundreds of thousands of computers. To mitigate this malware, the FBI set up servers but they will be shutting down those servers on July 9th at 12:01am. As a result of turning off these servers, computers that are infected by this malware will no longer be able to connect to the Internet.

    IT has been scanning the campus network since this malware came out months ago and there are no computers infected on campus or those computers that connect via VPN to the campus network remotely.

    Users who would like to manually check their computers for this infection may do so by going to the following website: �http://www.dns-ok.us. If your machine is not infected then the background of the picture on the website will be green. If your machine is infected then it will be red. If your machine is infected please contact the IT Help Desk at x8940.
    Effective Date: July 9, 2012
    Recommended Action(s): To check if your computer is infected with the DNS Changer malware, go to the following website: http://www.dns-ok.us.
    Additional Information: For additional information about this malware, go to the FBI's website.
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu

    Posted 06/5/12 8:30 a.m.
    Computer use in WRB 302 unavailable from 8am Thursday, June to 3pm Friday, June 15
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory
    Subject: Computer use in WRB 302 unavailable from 8am Thursday, June to 3pm Friday, June 15
    Service(s) Affected: WRB 302 Computer Training Room
    Description: Due to convocation, the use of the computers in WRB 302 will not be available.
    Effective Date: 8:00 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2012
    through 3:00 p.m. Friday,
    June 15, 2012
    Action(s) Required: N/A
    Additional Information: For additional information about the Computer Training Room, visit IT�s web site.
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 06/4/12 8:10 a.m.
    MobileMe Users: Apple discontinuing MobileMe after Saturday, 6/30/12
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory - Application Upgrade
    Subject: MobileMe Users: Apple discontinuing MobileMe after Saturday, 6/30/12
    Service(s) Affected: MobileMe
    Description: Apple�s MobileMe service will no longer be available after Saturday, June 30, 2012. Users who wish to continue accessing and using their MobileMe services must sign up and upgrade to Apple�s iCloud. When signing up for iCloud, users will be able to keep their MobileMe e-mail address and move their e-mail, contacts, calendars, and bookmarks to the new service.

    Using iCloud requires the latest operating system on users� computers and iDevices (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch).

    Mac:

    • Mac OS version 10.7.2 (Lion)

    PC:

    • OS: Windows Vista (Service Pack 2) or Windows 7
    • E-mail Client: Outlook 2007 or Outlook 2010
    • Or an up-to-date version of your preferred browser

    iDevice (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch)

    • iOS 5
    Effective Date: Saturday, June 30, 2012
    Action(s) Required: Users who wish to continue to use their MobileMe services will need to switch to iCloud before Saturday, June 30, 2012
    Additional Information:
  • For additional information on Apple�s iCloud, go to Apple's website
  • For Apple�s FAQ information on transitioning to iCloud from MobileMe, go to Apple's FAQ website
  • For additional information on computer and device requirements for iCloud, go to iCloud's informational website.
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



    Posted 04/30/12 1:00 p.m.
    New RUWirelessSecure certificate; users will need to accept certificate if prompted
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory - Application Upgrade
    Subject: New RUWirelessSecure certificate; users will need to accept certificate if prompted
    Service(s) Affected: RUWirelessSecure Wireless Network
    Description: Information Technology has upgraded the security certificate associated with RUWirelessSecure wireless network. Users may receive a certificate warning message when establishing a connection to RUWirelessSecure Users will need to accept the new certificate if prompted.
    Effective Date: Immediately
    Reqiored Action(s): If prompted, accept the certificate
    Additional Information:
  • RUGuest is not affected by this upgrade.
  • Users who will be connected to RUWirelessSecure will not be affected until they reconnect.
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 03/12/12 12:00 p.m.
    Centralized anti-virus software upgrade of Symantec Endpoint Protection beginning 10am, Tuesday, 3/13
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory - Application Upgrade
    Subject: Centralized anti-virus software upgrade of Symantec Endpoint Protection beginning 10am, Tuesday, 3/13
    Service(s) Affected: Symantec Endpoint Protection Anti-malware for Windows
    Description: Information Technology (IT) will begin upgrading the campus anti-malware software (Endpoint Protection) for Windows to the latest version (12.1.1000.157) of the software beginning at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 13. Users who are running this software will be prompted (via the Symantec Management Client pop-up window) to click the Download Now button to allow the upgrade. It may take several days for the upgrade to reach all users.

    Users must manually reboot their computers 1 hour after clicking Download Now in order for the changes to take effect.

    Mac users who are running an older of Symantec Endpoint must manually download and install the latest version, 12.1.1000.0157, of Symantec Endpoint Protection from IT�s web site

    After rebooting their computers, users may receive a Symantec Endpoint Protection registration form pop-up. Users must fill out the form and click OK.

    Effective Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 beginning at 10 a.m.
    Reqiored Action(s):
  • When the Symantec Management Client pop-up window appears, click Download Now to allow the upgrade and immediately install it.
  • Users must manually reboot their computers 1 hour after clicking Download Now in order for the changes to take effect.
    • Additional Information:
  • To temporarily postpone your upgrade, click Remind me later when you see the Symantec Management Client window on your computer.
  • Once users click Download Now, there will be no progress bar or indication of installation. The installation is done in the background.
  • To check what version of Endpoint Protection you are running:
      Windows:
      1. Open Endpoint Protection client by selecting Start > All Programs > Symantec Endpoint Protection > Symantec Endpoint Protection.
      2. Click Help and Support
      3. Click About�
      4. The version number, 12.1.1000.157 (or newer) will be listed under Symantec Endpoint Protection
      Mac:
      1. Open Endpoint Protection client (Applications > Symantec Solutions > Symantec Endpoint Protection)
      2. The version number, 12.1.1000.0157 (or newer) will be listed in the Product Version field
  • To manually upgrade your software prior to the campus upgrade, you may download and install the latest version of Endpoint Protection from the IT web site
  • PC or Mac users who are running Norton Anti-virus will need to uninstall the current version and manually download and install the latest version of Symantec Endpoint Protection from IT�s web site
  • Symantec Endpoint Protection version 12 for PC has new features � Symantec Intrusion Prevention Web Browser Add-on and Download Insight. For additional information about these features, refer to the Symantec Endpoint Protection Guide for Windows available from IT�s web site
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



    Posted 03/05/12 7:45 a.m.
    MobileMe Users: Apple discontinuing MobileMe after Saturday, 6/30/12
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory
    Subject: MobileMe Users: Apple discontinuing MobileMe after Saturday, 6/30/12
    Platform(s) Affected: MobileMe
    Description: Apple�s MobileMe service will no longer be available after Saturday, June 30, 2012. Users who wish to continue accessing and using their MobileMe services must sign up and upgrade to Apple�s iCloud. When signing up for iCloud, users will be able to keep their MobileMe e-mail address and move their e-mail, contacts, calendars, and bookmarks to the new service.

    Using iCloud requires the latest operating system on users� computers and iDevices (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch).

    Mac:

  • Mac OS version 10.7.2 (Lion)

    • PC:

  • OS: Windows Vista (Service Pack 2) or Windows 7
  • E-mail Client: Outlook 2007 or Outlook 2010
  • Or an up-to-date version of your preferred browser

    • iDevice (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch)

  • iOS 5
    • Effective Date: Saturday, June 30, 2012
    Action Required: Users who wish to continue to use their MobileMe services will need to switch to iCloud before Saturday, June 30, 2012
    Additional Information:
  • For additional information on Apple�s iCloud, go to Apple's website
  • For Apple�s FAQ information on transitioning to iCloud from MobileMe, go to Apple's website
  • For additional information on computer and device requirements for iCloud, go to Apple's website
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



    Posted 02/06/12 10:30 a.m.
    Attn Mac OSX 10.6 (Snow Leopard) Users: Apple fixes Rosetta problems with new security update; install security update
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory
    Subject: Attn Mac OSX 10.6 (Snow Leopard) Users: Apple fixes Rosetta problems with new security update; install security update
    Platform(s) Affected: Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
    Description: Apple has released a new security update which corrected the bug which affected PowerPPC applications. Users can install the new security update, which addresses various security vulnerabilities. Users who installed the original security update last week can install and apply this version over the existing security update.
    Effective Date: Immediately
    Recommendated Action: Install Security Update 2012-001 version 1.1
    Additional Information: To run Software Update, click the Apple menu and select Software Update
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



    Posted 02/03/12 9:45 a.m.
    Attn Mac OSX 10.6 (Snow Leopard) Users: Do not install Apple Security Update 2012-001 if you use PowerPC (PPC) applications
    Announcement Type:
    General Advisory
    Subject: Attn Mac OSX 10.6 (Snow Leopard) Users: Do not install Apple Security Update 2012-001 if you use PowerPC (PPC) applications
    Platform(s) Affected: Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
    Description: Apple released Security Update 2012-001 yesterday to address various security vulnerabilities. This update broke several functionalities such as printing and saving files in some PowerPC (PPC; pre-Intel) applications such as Eudora, Office 2004 and Photoshop version 8. Some applications may even crash or no longer respond.

    PowerPC applications are older programs written for the Mac before 2006. Mac CPUs went fully Intel that year, and all newer software is written for the new architecture.

    Users who have Intel-based applications only such as Office 2011, new versions of Photoshop may proceed with the security installation.

    Effective Date: Immediately
    Recommendated Action: Do not install Security Update 2012-001 if you use PowerPC based applications
    Additional Information:
  • For additional information about Apple Security Update 2012-001, go to Apple�s web site
  • For additional information about this bug, go to C|Net�s web site
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



    Posted 02/01/12 11:00 a.m.
    Seminar: Getting the most out of MacVector on Tuesday, 2/7 in WRB 302
    Announcement Type:
    Service Advisory
    Subject: Seminar: Getting the most out of MacVector on Tuesday, 2/7 in WRB 302
    Product(s) Affected: MacVector
    Description: Information Technology invites you to join MacVector for a complimentary seminar on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 in Room 302 of the Weiss Research Building (WRB).

    Who Should Attend

  • Faculty
  • Students
  • Researchers
    • There will be two 90 minute workshops covering basic overview to getting the most out of MacVector, including new features in the upcoming release this spring of version 12.6.

    Highlights include:

  • Opening, importing and manipulating single sequences
  • Basic analysis functions on single sequences
  • Alignments in MacVector
  • Sequence Assembly
  • Protein Analysis
  • Adding and manipulating features, understanding GenBank features and files
  • Auto-annotation - using your existing files to annotate new sequences
  • Quick sequence comparisons - using the Pustell dot-plot analysis to quickly compare two sequences.
  • Align To Reference - SNPs, sequence confirmation and cDNA alignments
  • Circular sequence support
  • One-out restriction enzyme sites and click-cloning enhancements
  • New multiple alignment algorithms
  • Next Generation Sequencing support
  • Using Bowtie to align millions of reads to a genome
    • Effective Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012
    Duration: Session 1: 10:00 a.m. � 11:30 a.m.
    Session 2: 1:00 p.m. � 2:30 p.m.
    Action Required: Register to attend at http://workshops.rockefeller.edu/?macvector2012
    Additional Information: Light refreshments will be provided by MacVector. Please register as seating is limited.
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



    Posted 01/29/12 9:30 a.m.
    Attn Linux Users: Red Hat Linux 4 no longer supported after February 29
    Announcement Type:
    Service Advisory
    Subject: Attn Linux Users: Red Hat Linux 4 no longer supported after February 29
    Service(s) Affected: Red Hat Linux
    Description: Red Hat�s support for version 4 has reached its end of life. As of February 29, 2012, Red Hat will no longer provide any security updates, enhancements or technical support for the following products:
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 4
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES 4
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS 4
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Extras 4
    • Red Hat Desktop 4
    • Red Hat Global File System 4
    • Red Hat Cluster Suite 4
    Users running Red Hat version 4 or older will need to upgrade to version 5 or 6. Contact the Help Desk at x8940 to see if your computer meets the requirements for an upgrade. Information Technology (IT) will only support Red Hat version 4 or older on a best effort basis.
    Effective Date: February 29, 2012
    Action Required: Upgrade to Red Hat version 5 or later
    Additional Information:
  • For additional information about Red Hat�s Linux Life Cycle, go to their web site
  • To find out what version of Red Hat you are running, open a Terminal session and enter cat /etc/*-release
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu



    Posted 01/17/12 8:00 a.m.
    Attn Firefox Users: Firefox version 3.6.x no longer supported after April 24
    Announcement Type:
    Service Advisory
    Subject: Attn Firefox Users: Firefox version 3.6.x no longer supported after April 24
    Service(s) Affected: Firefox Web Browser
    Description: As of April 24, 2012, Mozilla will no longer provide any security updates, enhancements or technical support for Firefox 3.6.x Users running Firefox version 3.6.x or older are encouraged to upgrade to a current version, currently version 9. Users may download a new version from Mozilla�s web site or contact the Help Desk at x8940 for assistance.

    Prior to installing a newer version, users with browser add-ons will need to confirm that their add-ons are compatible with the newer version of Firefox as well as confirming that their computer meets the minimum system requirements.

    Effective Date: April 24, 2012
    Action Required: Upgrade to a newer version of Firefox, currently version 9
    Additional Information:
  • Firefox 9 computer requirements go to Mozilla's web site
  • To find out what version of Firefox you are running:
      Windows
      1. Open Firefox
      2. Click Help > About Firefox
      Mac
      1. Open Firefox
      2. Click Firefox > About Firefox
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 01/13/12 7:15 a.m.
    Computer use in WRB 302 unavailable from 7am Friday, 1/13 to 1pm on Monday, 1/23
    Announcement Type:
    Service Advisory
    Subject: Computer use in WRB 302 unavailable from 7am Friday, 1/13 to 1pm on Monday, 1/23
    Service(s) Affected: WRB 302 Computer Training Room
    Description: Due to an event, the use of the computers in WRB 302 will not be available.
    Effective Date: 7:00 a.m. Friday, January 13, 2012 through
    1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2012
    Action Required: N/A
    Additional Information: For additional information about the Computer Training Room, visit IT�s web site
    Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu


    Posted 01/05/12 8:00 a.m.
    Sending extra-large files of up to 10GB in size now available using xELF
    Announcement Type:
    New Service Advisory
    Subject: Sending extra-large files of up to 10GB in size now available using xELF
    Service(s) Affected: Exchange of Extra Large Files (xELF)
    Description: In response to user�s request, I.T. has created xELF (Exchange of Extra Large Files), a web-based application that allows the RU community to send and receive extra large files, up to 10GB in total size, over the Internet with a standard Web Browser such as Firefox and Internet Explorer and having java preinstalled.

    Standard ELF is still available for the exchange of files less than 2GB in size

    Effective Date: Immediately
    Action Required: Use xELF to transfer data files that are between 2GB and 10GB in size over the Internet.
    Additional Information:
  • A detailed overview of xELF is available on IT's web site
  • Links to ELF and sELF are available on the home page of each application.
  • Users who need to send sensitive data must use Secure Exchange of Large Files (sELF).
    • Examples of sensitive data that must be encrypted include:
      1. Personally identifiable information maintained for University business (Social Security numbers, credit cards, etc.)
      2. Proprietary research data
      3. Identified patient information, medical records, etc.
      4. Any data that a user feels would cause substantial damage if exposed to the public
    • Contact: Help Desk, x8940 or helpdesk@mail.rockefeller.edu