Tech Talk - IT News for Faculty & Staff (April 2024)
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Do a Digital Spring Cleaning
Digitization has transformed the modern world, and the amount of data generated each year is expanding exponentially. About 99% of all existing data was created in just the last decade. Taking control of your data, devices, and online presence has far-ranging implications for you, the University, and the environment.
- Environmental Impacts: The 70+ million storage servers currently in use worldwide generate hundreds of tons of CO2 per year. In addition, digital devices eventually become physical waste containing dangerous pollutants.
- Security and Liability Risk: People rarely update apps they don’t use and may not even realize they are running in the background, resulting in serious vulnerabilities. Digital clutter can also result in people finding or relying on inaccurate or restricted data.
- Storage Costs: In 2023, the global revenue for storage was $42 billion. Pitt’s Microsoft 365 license includes OneDrive for every user and departments purchase servers or use an Enterprise Data Storage or Archive Storage service.
- Clutter Slows Everything Down: A device approaching full capacity becomes sluggish. Eliminating junk, outdated, or duplicative files and software frees up system resources for faster, more efficient performance.
- Finding Files in a Sea of Files: Have you ever tried to find a specific piece of clothing in an overstuffed drawer? Now imagine that drawer had thousands of items in it. That’s what it’s like to find, organize, and share data when you have never purged old files.
Perform a Digital Cleanup Today
Knowing what to keep and what to eliminate takes time. Start with your personal devices: uninstall apps and plug-ins you don’t use. Then, delete unneeded files on your device or in your OneDrive account. Departments go through files on web or departmental servers to see which should be unpublished, deleted, or archived. Contact Pitt IT Security to conduct a security consultation/risk assessment.
Take concrete action by cleaning up your digital data and giving a second life to your computer equipment. Your devices, wallet, and the planet will appreciate it!
From Runners to Research with DocuSign eSignature
Relying on paper processes wastes time, is inefficient, presents risks, and kills a whole lot of trees! See how the Office of Sponsored Program lead the charge to implement DocuSign, helping research and education to thrive!
Spring Tech Training
The spring schedule for the Faculty and Staff Development Program has just opened! Join Pitt IT trainers to hone your tech skills.
Topics include: Microsoft Word, Excel, and OneDrive; Qualtrics surveys; DocuSign esignature service; and IT fundamentals for administrators. View the Pitt IT calendar and register today!
We Need Your Input for
Pitt IT's 10-Year Horizon
Pitt IT is developing an IT 10-Year Horizon to serve as an aspirational guide and strategic roadmap in support of the Plan for Pitt. Your voice is critical! Take our survey or share your thoughts during virtual office hours.
AI General Training Now Available
In response to growing interest in utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, Pitt IT has made online AI training available to all Pitt faculty, staff, and students at pi.tt/securitytraining. The three modules include: 1) Confessions of a ChatGPT Novice, 2) Generative AI: Intelligent and Dangerous, and 3) AI At Work: Use It Wisely.
Stay Alert and Updated
Did you get an email you suspect may be a phishing scam? Wondering why you can't access an IT service? Curious what the latest Microsoft security updates impact and how to get them? The Pitt IT Alerts and Announcements page has it all.
Waiting for Baby Peregrine Flacons
The National Aviary's live stream of the peregrine falcons residing at the Cathedral of Learning is officially back for another nesting season. The 2024 season has two exciting additions: a new falcon pairing (Carla and Ecco) who have laid 4 eggs and a brand-new camera and microphone, with installation spearheaded by the Pitt IT, for the optimal viewing experience at aviary.org. See how Pitt IT worked to bring the excitement of nature straight to your computer: read the Panther Bytes blog.
Panther Bytes to Nibble On
Check out these bite-sized blogs about tech topics you should know.
LinkedIn Learning: Bite-Sized Courses with a Big Impact
Every Pitt staff and faculty member has access to the full range of LinkedIn Learning courses at no cost. Here are some of the newest and most popular courses available on the platform:
- Techno-ethics: A 21st Century Leadership Competency
- Nano Tips for Communicating with Executives with Lorraine Lee
- Logo Design: Handmade Aesthetic
- Learning Screenwriting
- Content Marketing Funnel for Creators
