Updated March, 2013

Read some of the updates to a few of the significant projects and initiatives IST currently has in process:

• Exchange Email
• Windows 7 Operating System
• Desire2Learn Update
• Wireless "N" Project

Exchange Email

Information Services and Technology would like to inform users of an intermittent issue connecting to the Exchange Server.  The problem usually occurs when first launching Outlook.  IST support teams have escalated the issue with our vendors and are working on a resolution. 

Until a permanent solution is implemented, the workaround is to close and reopen Outlook.   Outlook should then function as usual.We thank you for your patience and understanding during this service interruption.
Contact the Help and Solutions Centre at 204 474 8600 for further information.

Windows 7 Operating System

Microsoft has released a new version of the Windows operating system – version 8.  At this time, Windows 7 will continue to be our standard operating system as we have not yet assessed Windows 8 or adjusted the University computer systems to be Windows 8 compatible.  PCs being acquired should continue to have Windows 7 as the operating system to ensure they will work properly with the University’s computer systems particularly, the enterprise systems. 

We have started the process of evaluating Windows 8 to determine if it should be adopted at an enterprise level.  If we decide to adopt Windows 8 we will then need to work to ensure the University’s computer systems are compatible with it.  This will take a considerable amount of time.  The vendors of our enterprise systems have to test their systems for compatibility and make changes to programs as required.  We have to test these new versions and implement them.  We also have to test our own systems for compatibility and make changes as necessary.  There are many systems so this is a substantial project. 

We will make best efforts to ensure consumer devices running Windows 8 can connect to the University’s network.  We cannot, however, provide any assurance that these devices will work with the University’s computer systems and applications.IST and the ITPC will be looking at Windows 8 again down the road.

Desire2Learn Update October 2012

The University of Manitoba is currently transitioning from the ANGEL learning management system to Desire2Learn (D2L). This transition will be completed by the spring of 2013. Please note:

• All ANGEL courses have been migrated to D2L and are visible to instructors teaching the course.
• Students will be able to see course material once the Copyright Office has ensured the course meets copyright regulations.
• Instructors and students can access D2L using their UMnetIDs.
• UMnetID are created through Iridium. The following link leads to the page: Iridium.
• The ANGEL Learning management system has been extended through the 2012-13 fall and winter terms to ensure adequate time is provided for the transition to D2L.

Click here for more information

Wireless "N" Project

UPDATE: The Wireless N Project has now been completed. Click here to read the full article in the September issue of the U of M Bulletin.

With an ever-evolving need for connectivity from faculty, staff, and students, IST has been diligently deploying new wireless across campus.

Wireless N is the newest and most current wireless technology available today. It provides a wider range and capacity to support the many users who now connect to the University’s Network.

The Biological Science Building was the first building to go live offering Wireless N to its users on July 3, 2012. Since then users in Sinnot, Arms, University Center, Machray Hall, Art Lab, St Andrew’s College, Allen, and Administration are now also enjoying Wireless N Service.

In addition to those 9 buildings, two more buildings are now offering Wireless G. Both the Education and Buller buildings will be offering wireless service for the first time. Click here for more.