IT Services
Training Tips
Training tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the wide array of useful technologies and services available at the University of Chicago. Check out IT Services on Twitter every Tuesday for the latest #TrainingTipTuesday.
Training Tip: Protect Your Devices from the Cold
It’s January in Chicago and that brings many days with below freezing temperatures. In addition to keeping yourself warm, you should take extra care of your electronic devices. Most devices are designed to work between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (0-35 degrees Celsius). Here are a few tips for protecting your electronic devices from the cold:
- Don’t leave your phone or laptop in your car for an extended period of time even if it’s inside a bag or insulated cover.
- Let your device warm up to room temperature before turning it on.
- If your mobile phone shuts off, leave it off until you can bring it back up to room temperature.
For information about using iOS devices in the cold, refer to Keeping iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch within acceptable operating temperatures. Also read Top Cold-Weather Tips for Laptops.
Training Tip: Polish Your Skills with Free LinkedIn Learning Courses
Did you resolve to learn more this year? LinkedIn Learning at UChicago is a free service for the entire UChicago community that offers over 16,000 courses in business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.
Choose from top courses to supplement your classes like Microsoft Excel, Python, or R. Enroll in a course to develop your soft skills or to prepare you for a professional certification. As you complete courses, the tool will personalize your learning path. If you choose the audio-only mode, you can even learn on the go.
LinkedIn Learning at UChicago requires a valid CNetID and password. All current UChicago faculty, students, staff, and employees of UCMC are eligible to use the service.
Activate your account today and log in with your CNetID and password. To learn more about the resources that LinkedIn Learning offers, visit the LinkedIn Learning website.
Training Tip: Connect to UChicago Wi-Fi
Did you get a new mobile device or laptop over the holidays? When you’re back on campus, make sure to connect to the University wireless network called uchicago-secure. You may notice other Wi-Fi networks that include “uchicago” in the name. Be aware that uchicago-secure, eduroam, and uchicago-guest are the only University-supported networks, and they provide secure, reliable internet access.
For instructions on connecting to uchicago-secure, view Wireless Network Access at the University of Chicago.
Training Tip: Set Up Automatic Replies from Outlook
If you are heading out of the office for the upcoming holidays, you might want to use the automatic replies feature in Outlook. With these messages, you can share the dates you will be away from your computer and not responding to emails.
Follow the instructions to set up automatic replies on your device.
Training Tip: Add a University Account Recovery Email and Phone Number
If you’re unable to log in with your CNetID and password to access University services, you can call IT Services for support during business hours. But what happens if you get locked out late at night and can’t reach ITS?
Fortunately, you can set up a University account recovery email and phone number at myaccount.uchicago.edu. The recovery information should be an external (non-UChicago) email address and phone number that can be used to verify your identity so that you can change your password quickly without assistance.
To set up your recovery information, follow the instructions in the article Add a Recovery Address or Recovery Phone to Your University Account.
Training Tip: Change Your Display Name
As University of Chicago faculty and staff, you can change the name that appears in the University directory and Outlook. For example, if you have a preferred name that is different than your legal name, you can change it yourself by following the instructions. There are also video instructions to guide you through the process.
Training Tip: Secure IoT Devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) includes devices like smart watches, smart TVs, smart speakers, and smart appliances. Whether you are using these devices for teaching and learning, application development, or personal use, there are safeguards you can take to prevent security threats.
Here are a few steps to increase your IoT device security:
- Choose a strong password and enable two-factor authentication when possible.
- When using on your home network, use a strong password for your router and check it’s using a secure Wi-Fi standard.
- Keep the device software updated with the latest security patches and firmware.
For more information, check out the IoT device guide IT Services created.
Training Tip: Be Smart on Social Media
Social media is a convenient way to connect with friends and family, but you may also use it to promote events, publications, and other activities happening at the University.
Like any other online account, you should take steps to make sure your information is secure. Here are a few smart social media steps:
- Use a strong password.
- Enable two-factor authentication whenever available.
- Check privacy settings, and make sure you accept how your information is being shared.
- Before accepting friend requests or direct messages, check to make sure you are comfortable communicating with that person.
For additional guidance on staying safe on social media, visit security.uchicago.edu.
Training Tip: Create and Store Strong Passwords
A strong CNetID password is your first line of defense against anyone trying to gain access to your University account. To create a strong CNetID password, choose one that contains at least 12 characters and combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You can also select a passphrase, which contains at least 19 characters, including punctuation and spaces between words or letters.
Strong, complex passwords can be difficult to create and remember. Password managers, such as Password Safe or LastPass, generate strong passwords and store them securely in one place. To compare features among the most popular password managers, view a list from PC Magazine.
Also, remember to update your password regularly.
Training Tip: Locate or Wipe Missing Mobile Devices
Many University community members use their mobile devices for two-factor authentication (2FA) or to perform work, such as checking emails or accessing files from Google Drive or Box.
If your mobile device is ever stolen or lost, you can take measures to protect any information that may be at risk. If you have location services turned on, you can locate your device or remotely wipe all information by using either Find my iPhone or Android Device Manager.
Get instructions for iOS (iPhone, iPad) or Android devices.