Free Software available through Campus Software Library
The new Campus Software Library is a small library of research software that members of the campus community can download and install on their individual computers at no cost to them. This includes some statistical software, though all the statistical programs available through the library are also available on Winstat.
SSCC supports the campus software library: it will save us a small but significant amount of money, and it will be a tremendous benefit to researchers who don't have access to resources like Winstat. However, the statistical software in the library is already available on Winstat and we feel strongly that Winstat is a better research platform than individual PCs for most SSCC members. Also, our PC Support group does not have the resources to assist large numbers of SSCC members with installing programs from the software library on their computers. See our new Support for the Campus Software Library policy for more information.
Adobe Products to be Removed from Winstat at Semester End
Last month we told you about the new Adobe campus license agreement that allows us to install Creative Cloud applications on UW-owned personal computers free of charge (see our Knowledge Base for instructions). Unfortunately, this new license no longer allows us to have Adobe software on Winstat. We will be removing Adobe products including Acrobat and Dreamweaver at the end of Spring semester. Adobe Reader will not be removed.
Windows XP Support Ends April 8
As of April 8, 2014 Microsoft will end its support of Windows XP including operating system updates that help protect your PC. If you continue to run Windows XP, your PC will be vulnerable to security risks, malware, and viruses. It’s likely malware producers are waiting to release their most effective attacks after April 8 when no fixes will be available. You can also expect to encounter greater numbers of applications and devices that do not work with Windows XP.
After April 8, Windows XP PCs will no longer be allowed on the campus network (See UW-Madison’s policy). This includes any wired, wireless (UW Net), or VPN network connection. SSCC provides PC support for SSCC members residing in the Social Science building and we would like you to contact our help desk if you have a Windows XP PC (even if it's at home and used for University business). We will upgrade your operating system if possible or work with you to replace your PC. SSCC members in other buildings should contact their local IT support staff. Also, you should check your personal PCs at home and take appropriate action if they are still running Windows XP.
Legacy VPN Service to be Discontinued June 2
Last summer we adopted the newly-upgraded campus VPN service—the new service is faster, more secure, and has better mobile compatibility than the SSCC's existing VPN service. The new VPN service also encrypts your traffic, which is especially beneficial when you are using a wireless connection. We plan to discontinue SSCC's legacy VPN service on June 2.
For those unfamiliar, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows a device to connect to the SSCC network as if it were in the building regardless of its location. This gives you access to network drives and printers. It also allows you to use services that are restricted outside of the university (like many library databases).
To get started using the new campus VPN you can follow the steps in our Knowledge Base (KB) article Connecting to the SSCC Network via VPN. If you've previously mapped drives using the old VPN service you may need to follow the KB article to remap them.
MyWebSpace to be Discontinued June 30
MyWebSpace, the UW file storage system, will retire June 30, 2014, and will be replaced by Box.com. Read DoIT's announcement to learn about the benefits of using Box, how to migrate your files to Box, and where to get help if needed.
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