Author: Zach Peterson

Zach is a Senior IT Training & Communications Consultant with OIT. Zach began his SMU career at the IT Help Desk in 2012 and joined the Training & Communications Team in 2015. He is a 2011 graduate from the University of North Texas and obtained a Master of Liberal Studies degree from SMU in 2018. He enjoys reading and collecting vintage and antique radio sets. He grew up in Valley View, Texas near Denton.

Windows 11 Arriving to Lab and Classroom PCs This Summer

computer check iconWindows 11 made its public debut in October 2021, and most new personal computers since then have been delivered with this new operating system. Now OIT intends to upgrade our computer lab and classroom devices on campus with Windows 11 during our routine summer refreshment process. Whether you’ve used Windows 11 at home or have never used it before, here are a few things to expect once lab and instructional computers are upgraded. Continue reading Windows 11 Arriving to Lab and Classroom PCs This Summer

Microsoft Defender to Replace Cylance for Anti-Virus at SMU

Microsoft Defender logoAll SMU Windows computers will transition from using CylancePROTECT to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint as an anti-malware application during the summer of 2023. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an industry-leading, cloud-powered endpoint security solution that helps to secure against ransomware, file-less malware, and other sophisticated attacks on Windows and macOS devices. Due to technical issues, the deployment for macOS will be scheduled during the upcoming academic year. Continue reading Microsoft Defender to Replace Cylance for Anti-Virus at SMU

Soak Up Summer Knowledge with LinkedIn Learning!

LinkedIn Learning logoJust because it’s summertime doesn’t mean you must stop expanding your horizons! Even with a busy summer schedule, LinkedIn Learning can provide you with on-demand, at-you-own-pace courses for all kinds of topics. From Photoshop, to Excel, to public speaking and mindfulness, there is always something new to discover. Here’s a sample of some courses to dive into! Continue reading Soak Up Summer Knowledge with LinkedIn Learning!

OIT’s Accessibility Checks Spur Panopto Improvements

DUBBOT LogoWith the recent introduction of the DubBot service, SMU websites have already seen marked improvements in accessibility, content quality, and content accuracy. Not only that, DubBot also helped OIT notify a major vendor of an accessibility issue with one of their products that was quickly resolved for customers worldwide! Continue reading OIT’s Accessibility Checks Spur Panopto Improvements