Students and instructors signing in to ICON (Iowa Courses Online) for the first time this semester have already noticed the cleaner, more accessible design. Don’t think the changes are only skin deep, though; new features include shared spaces for group work and a completely rewritten gradebook. Check out the full list of improvements on the ICON support site.

The start of the new academic year has arrived, and with it comes the probability that people in various departments on campus will be traveling on University-related business (e.g., to conferences, workshops, sporting events, etc.).

As you’re probably well aware, one of the biggest risks when traveling is the loss or theft of mobile devices … even more so if the device contains University-owned data. What would you do if you lost your mobile device en route to a conference? In a bid to assist University travelers, the IT Security Office has put together a list of suggested security checks you should consider before you leave on your trip.

Please visit http://cio.uiowa.edu/ITSecurity/bestprac/travelchkls.shtml for details.

If you need any assistance or have questions or concerns, please contact the IT Security Office at 335-6332, or via e-mail at security@uiowa.edu.

The IT Security Office has just released the latest version of the Uiowa System Registry (USR) web-based application, making it easier for users to add and maintain information about their systems.

The IT Security Office uses the information in USR for contact purposes, and also to provide scan services. All database, web, e-mail and file servers that contain sensitive data are to be registered in USR, as well as any others that are assigned a static IP address.

Please take a few minutes to review and refresh your information, and consider filling out a quick customer survey: https://survey.uiowa.edu/wsb.dll/534/usr.htm

For more information, please visit http://cio.uiowa.edu/itsecurity/usr

The NExTT workshops are coming up on August 18-21.

NExTT stands for “New Experiences with Teaching Technology.” This week-long series of workshops is held in January and July/August for instructors and instructional support staff. Participants can choose to register for only those sessions they wish to attend. Sessions are created and presented with the philosophy that you will get more out of them if you have more hands-on time to work. We create documentation that leads you through many common tasks and exercises. If you get stuck, one of the coaches can assist. For more information and registration, click here.

The 2008 edition of the ITS Technology Survival Guide is now available!

The Technology Survival Guide provides information about IT services for students, faculty, and staff at The University of Iowa. Topics include the availability of computers and software on campus (including discounts for purchases), how to get connected to the Internet, setting up and accessing your e-mail, online academic and employment resources, and more.

The Survival Guide can be found online at http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/survival/. Print copies are distributed at new-student and new-faculty/staff orientation sessions, and a copy is placed in each dorm room prior to move-in. Additional copies are available at the ITS Help Desk locations in the University Capitol Centre and the Main Library ITC.

The 2008 University of Iowa computer bid is complete, and the review committee has chosen the winning vendors. Dell won all categories except tablet PC, which was taken by HP.

• Desktop (small form factor) – Dell Optiplex 755 ($765)
• Desktop (mini-tower) – Dell Optiplex 755 ($765)
• Laptop (standard) – Dell Latitude D630 ($925)
• Laptop (light) – Dell Latitude D430 ($1,198)
• Tablet PC – HP 2710p ($1,331)
• Standalone Monitors – Dell
  • 17” ($195)
  • 19” ($215)
  • 20” ($365)
  • 20” wide ($215/$250)
  • 22” wide ($250)
  • 24” wide ($350)
  • 30” wide ($1,700)

The Dell prices listed above are available via the standard ITS Help Desk link (http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/demo/). The HP tablet PC is not currently available at the discounted price. We are working with HP to get this updated and have been told it will be ready soon. If you find discrepancies on the purchase sites or have questions, please contact Ryan Lenger.

Thanks to Jim Chaffee, Jayne Keiser, Les Neu, and Jenifer Steil who took time out of their busy schedules to help determine the best configurations for campus.

Addendum: HP tablet, laptop pricing now available.