Did you know that anyone who has a Smith GroupWise email account can also use GroupWise Messenger, an instant messaging system similar to AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)? But unlike AIM, GroupWise Messenger is specifically designed for secure instant messaging between two or more GroupWise users at Smith.
GroupWise Messenger also supports on-line ”chat rooms.” Chat rooms are online “spaces” that can be used by multiple users to hold a shared conversation. Unlike regular multi-user sessions in Messenger, in which one person initiates a short-term exchange of messages with several others, a chat room provides an on-going group chat area that group members can join and leave at will.
For more information about installing and using GroupWise Messenger, click here.
If you use Banner Access Reports (BAR), please do not install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) at this time because SP3 is currently incompatible with BAR.
To avoid downloading SP3 by accident as part of an automatic Windows update, all BAR users should install the SP3 download blocker program, which is now available on the Smith software page.
Note that the software page also includes an SP3 download unblocker program, for use after the BAR incompatibility issue is resolved.
If you use an LCD (flat-screen) monitor with your Windows computer, and want a quick and easy way to improve the visual quality of the text on your display, you need to try ClearType!
ClearType is a built-in feature in Windows XP and Vista that makes the fonts on LCD monitors sharper and clearer. It’s turned off by default in XP and on by default in Vista.
Here’s how to turn ClearType on in Windows XP: Read More »
Are you upgrading to Office 2007, or interested in trying it out? Our new workshops give you hands-on experience using the new Office 2007 ”ribbon” toolbar to create and edit Word 2007, Excel 2007, and PowerPoint 2007 files.
With eight different sessions available, you’re sure to find a date and time that works for you. Click here for the full workshop description, along with schedule and registration information.
Apple has just released an update to its QuickTime media player software that fixes at least 11 security vulnerabilities for both Mac and Windows systems.
If you ever use QuickTime to view videos or listen to audio files on the web, we recommend that you install the new version immediately.
Just go to Apple’s QuickTime download page and download version 7.4.5 for Windows (with or without iTunes).
Note: If you see any warning messages about registry changes while the program is installing, be sure to allow the changes.
For more information about the QuickTime update, see Brian Krebs’s Security Fix column on the Washington Post web site.
March 25, 2008 – 10:14 am
We’ve all received email messages that tell us not to send a reply, but who knew what happened to all those replies that people send anyway?
If you’re curious, Brian Krebs of The Washington Post has the full story.
March 19, 2008 – 11:42 am
Today’s Washington Post has a very informative article about the huge increase in the number of new viruses and other types of “malware” being aimed at Windows computers every day, and the difficulty virus-detection companies are having keeping up with it.
The following excerpt contains essential words of advice for all Windows users:
“Experts say PC users shouldn’t depend on anti-virus software to save them from risky online behaviors, such as clicking on Web links included in unsolicited e-mail and instant messages. Rather, they say, anti-virus should be part of a layered security approach that includes using a firewall to keep out unwanted Internet traffic and applying software updates for both Microsoft Windows and third-party software — particularly popular programs used to display documents or play audio and video files.”
Click here to read the full article.
Welcome to WinBlog, a new resource for Windows users at Smith College. Stop by anytime for news and alerts about the Windows operating system and Smith-standard Windows and Office applications. While you’re here, you can search for information by topic, read any posts of interest, and add your own comments and questions.
If you’d like to see all the latest posts on this blog without even opening a web browser, sign up to receive automatic updates by email. It’s easy - just click on the “By email” option under “Subscribe” on the right, then follow the link on the next page to the subscription-request page.
Before you go, are there any additional topics or categories you’d like us to cover? Please send your thoughts and suggestions to winblog@smith.edu - thanks for your help!
February 14, 2008 – 10:33 am
Office 2007 for Windows is a major upgrade to the Office software suite, with many new features and many changes. As ITS gradually rolls out Office 2007 to staff and faculty over the coming year, Windows users will be asked whether they wish to continue using Office 2003 or upgrade to Office 2007. Click here for information that will help you make your decision.
February 12, 2008 – 3:38 pm
Non-Office 2007 users: If you can’t open a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file you received from an Office 2007 user, it’s easy to install a program that converts the file to a format your computer can read.
Click here for instructions: Windows users | Mac users
