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!

1. Zoom and Teams: Our Virtual Lifeline

Remember the early days of remote classes when Zoom became our best friend? Even now, it’s still a go-to for virtual study sessions, club meetings, or attending class virtually when we are sick. The best part? It’s completely free for Pitt students, faculty, and staff. As much as you may groan about “Zoom fatigue,” admit it — you’re still grateful to have a lifeline that keeps you connected, no matter where you are.

2. Ctrl/Cmd+F: The Real MVP

Control+F (or Command+F for Apple users) might be the smallest tool on this list, but it’s a big lifesaver. When you're combing through endless online articles or trying to find that one key phrase in a 50-page PDF, the Find command (and its keyboard shortcut) is the unsung hero. It’s almost like having a personal assistant who quickly helps you find exactly what you’re looking for. I love that I can use Find to search all of my Teams chats or an entire OneNote notebook at once!

 3. Music Streaming Services: Goodbye, Bulky CD Collections!

For all those times we need background music for study sessions, pump-up playlists, or a chill vibe to unwind, music streaming services come to the rescue. I love flipping through my parent’s CD racks and hearing about them making the perfect mix tape. But I really love having endless music at my fingertips. Whether you’re a Spotify loyalist or an Apple Music fan, take a moment to give thanks for music streaming — especially when finals season hits and we need that perfect playlist to stay focused.

4. Free Microsoft 365: Because Essays and Slideshows Don’t Make Themselves

Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more – Pitt students, faculty, and staff have free access to the whole suite without having to worry about a subscription. Writing papers, making slides, organizing projects — it’s all a bit easier with those classic Office apps on hand. Knowing that these tools are just a download away saves time and money. How great is that?

5. Microsoft OneDrive: One Place for All Your Files

Ever lose an important document because you accidentally saved it in the wrong folder (or forgot where you saved it altogether)? OneDrive has your back! With OneDrive, all of your files are organized in one place, accessible across devices, and safe in the cloud. No more frantic searches through email attachments or scrolling endlessly through your desktop. It’s like a huge (5 TB) virtual backpack that’s always organized. It comes with your Microsoft 365 account … and for that, we’re thankful.

6. Adobe Creative Cloud: Unleashing Your Creativity

For anyone who loves creative projects, Adobe Creative Cloud being free for Pitt students is a big deal. From posters for campus events to resumes with that professional flair, Adobe gives you tools to design and create, even if you’re not a professional designer. (I personally love Adobe Express. It’s a quick and easy way to create a graphics or video project for an Adobe newbie.) The fact that it’s free? Consider us extra grateful!

7. Computer Labs: A Quiet Space with All the Tech We Need

Sometimes, your laptop just doesn’t cut it — or maybe you’re in need of a quiet space to focus. That’s where Pitt’s computer labs come in. Equipped with powerful desktops, the software you need, and spaces to spread out and work, these labs are a lifesaver. Plus, it’s nice to know there’s always a backup in case of tech troubles.

8. Pitt Print: Because Sometimes You Just Need Hard Copies

Even in a digital world, there’s still something about a physical copy that can’t be beat — especially when it comes to presentations, study guides, or that last-minute paper. With Pitt Print’s Pharos printing services, you can print from anywhere, then pick up your copies from any Pitt Print printer across campus. With every Pitt student getting a print quota, it’s one less thing to worry about. Say goodbye to cramming your dorm with a printer — Pitt IT has you covered!

Raise a Glass to Tech

This Thanksgiving, let’s raise a toast to all the tech that makes our lives easier, more efficient, and fun. We may take it for granted from day to day, but today, we’re grateful for the tech that keeps us moving forward.

Happy Thanksgiving, Panthers!

-- Haree Lim, Pitt IT Student Blogger