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.

A 5-Point Home Cybersecurity Plan

Here’s what you can do to help maintain the security of Pitt’s and your personal data, network, devices, and services:

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. Some apps are insufficient for large team projects, while others are totally overkill for keeping track of your daily and weekly tasks. Here’s a quick look at each Microsoft project management and organizational tool, and how to decide which one to use.

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.

Health and Fitness:

There are numerous fitness apps that can track workouts and nutrition, from MyFitnessPal and Fitbit, to WW and Noom. Wearable tech can be helpful by providing real-time data about your daily activity. There are also tech resources to help you achieve better health here at at Pitt!

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. 

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. Follow these basic precautions to keep your tech nice and toasty during the frigid winter season.

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!

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.

The Setting:

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday are all happening in the next week. Freshly recovered from their Thanksgiving food coma, people are logging on or heading out to take advantage of great deals on gifts for their kids, partners, friends, and family. Some people will stock up on gift cards to give away or to purchase presents.  

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. Let’s dig into a few pieces of tech that we’re particularly thankful for this season!

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. “Employers are looking for well-rounded individuals who not only have the technical expertise, but who can also communicate effectively and work in teams.”