Panther Bytes Blog | Information Technology | University of Pittsburgh
!

You are here

Panther Bytes Blog

January 30, 2025

It’s that time of year when employers and financial institutions start sending you W-2s, 1099s, and other tax forms for 2024. Unfortunately, there are bad guys out there who are hoping you get a refund … so they can steal it. During this Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, make sure that your refund gets deposited into your bank account!

January 22, 2025

In our daily digital lives, web browsers keep us connected and enable us to do our best work. Browsers do a lot of heavy lifting to keep us current and safe while online. Out of date browsers pose cybersecurity vulnerabilities and decrease web functionality. That’s why regularly updating your web browser is crucial.

Storm trooper action figure on a home office desk
January 15, 2025

It’s Home Office Safety & Security Week! If you’re working from a home office or a public location some or all of the time, there are special cybersecurity considerations to keep in mind. Take an active role in keeping your data and the Pitt network safe with this five-point plan for making your living room as secure as an on-campus office, lab, or residence hall room.

January 08, 2025

From Post-It Notes and hand-written lists to advanced project management tools, people use a lot of methods to organize their work and complete projects without tasks falling through the cracks. Microsoft has many programs that can help. It’s not a one-size-fits-all choice.

January 02, 2025

Whether or not you like New Year’s resolutions, setting goals and pursuing self-improvement is an important part of personal growth. Here in Pitt IT, we know that a little bit of tech can make a big difference in helping to achieve your ambitions.

December 18, 2024

Winter break is the perfect time to unwind and recharge, but it can also be a great opportunity to check off some tech-related tasks. Whether you're looking to learn something new, organize your digital life, or just relax, we’ve got some tips to make your winter break both productive and enjoyable. 

December 11, 2024

Skiing and snowboarding at Seven Springs. Ice skating at PPG Place. Building snowmen or going sledding in the backyard. … Or shoveling the sidewalk, clearing off the car, and praying for roads that aren’t ‘slippy’. Whatever you associate with winter in the Burgh, keeping your tech safe from freezing temperatures is critical for preserving performance and battery life.

December 04, 2024

Ah, the thrill of finals week—a rollercoaster of cramming, late-night study sessions, and an alarming spike in caffeine consumption. But fear not! Students can prepare for the final stretch using an array of cutting-edge technological resources that can greatly enhance efficiency and effectiveness. So stop worrying and start preparing!

December 04, 2024

At the University of Pittsburgh, technology isn’t just about making tasks easier—it’s about making them accessible to everyone. Copilot for Microsoft 365 (M365), now available for faculty and staff at Pitt, takes this mission to the next level.

November 20, 2024

As Thanksgiving rolls around, it's natural to start reflecting on all the things we’re grateful for, including the tech that helps us get through life a little easier. Whether it’s powering through late-night study sessions, connecting with family and friends, or just saving time, some standout tools make being a student, faculty, or staff member at Pitt that much better.

November 13, 2024

November is National Career Development Month, making it the perfect time to focus on building your professional skills and connections. As you reflect on your career, it’s important to adopt a holistic perspective. Pitt’s Career Center emphasizes the importance of balancing hard and soft skills in your development.

November 06, 2024

This election season has been intense, sparking heightened conversations on campus and across social media platforms. While staying informed is important, protecting your mental health and well-being is equally essential. With online spaces feeling more heated and polarized than ever, here’s how to ensure your time on social media doesn’t harm your peace of mind.

""
October 30, 2024

At the University of Pittsburgh and in technology, innovation is a way of life. Recently, Pitt IT partnered with the Office of Budget Operations (OBO) within the Controller’s Office to transform their annual Target Letter process, which establishes budget targets for each University unit. This collaboration has resulted in a more efficient, accurate, and automated approach.

October 23, 2024

Phishing attacks can come in various forms—emails, texts, or social media messages. Click, respond, or otherwise give your personal information to hacker, and your system, data, and money are in big trouble. A successful phish can even give a bad actor access to Pitt systems and data, potentially risking the whole University and its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners!