Author Archives: Vikki

Engineering Making the Transition to Teams Calling

The University is gearing up to migrate all phone lines to Teams Calling by the end of this year. This includes all lines, including multiline configurations, which are now eligible for migration. The College of Engineering is strategically approaching this transition with a phased migration plan.

Migration requires the removal of your current physical handset, and choosing one of the two service options:

  1. Internal and external calling options:
    Your existing university phone number will transfer to Teams calling.  You will still be able to place/receive calls with external phone service numbers.  The only change is that you will use your computer instead of a traditional handset for your calls, as you would with a Teams/Zoom meeting.  You can also use a headset, earbud, or other USB/Bluetooth audio device paired with your computer for private calls and meetings.  This also applies when using Teams on your mobile device.
  2. Internal-only calling option:
    If you rarely place/receive outside calls, you can relinquish your university telephone number altogether.  With this option, you can still seamlessly place calls to other PSU faculty, staff, and students via Teams.  You can also voice/video call external parties through Teams meetings, with the caveat that those parties also have a compatible client.

If you have not migrated, you can contact your IT support team to be added to the next migration.

FAQ:

I have a multiline handset. Can I migrate?

  1. YES!

Can I forward to the Teams client ring to my cell phone?

  1. Yes, you can still forward your phone to any number you like.  If you have a smartphone, you also have the option of installing the Teams application on your smartphone.  With this option, the Teams app would ring in both locations (Office PC and smartphone app).

Can I keep my PSU telephone number, since it is already announced/known worldwide?

  1. Yes, option 1 listed above allows you to keep your University phone number.  Incoming calls will ring to the Teams app on all devices where it is installed rather than to a traditional handset.

RESOURCES:

Remain Aware of Internet Scams

As part of our ongoing commitment to your digital safety, we’d like to remind you about the importance of IT security. Recently, there has been an increased number of phishing scams targeting users. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and follow best practices to protect your personal and professional information.

Beware of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of unexpected emails, especially those requesting sensitive information or containing suspicious links. If in doubt, verify the sender’s authenticity before clicking on any links or providing personal details.

Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest security threats and best practices. Visit Security Education & Training for valuable resources.

For a more in-depth guide on protecting your devices, data, and accounts, visit Protect Your Device, Data, and Account.

Revamped Engineering IT Website

We are pleased to inform you about some significant changes to our IT website to make your experience more straightforward and efficient. The website has been revamped, and you can now access it at our new URL: engr.psu.edu/it.

Key Improvements:

  1. Simplified Navigation: We’ve reorganized the website layout to make it easier for you to locate the information you need.
  2. Request Support Form: Seeking assistance is now more convenient with our new support request form. Fill it out, and your request can quickly be routed to the appropriate support team.

Your feedback is important to us, so we encourage you to explore the revamped website at https://www.engr.psu.edu/it and share your thoughts.

Syncing OneDrive folders to your computer

Our OneDrive folders allow easy access to our documents wherever our work takes us. It can be easier to navigate these folders right from the File Explorer on our computers, however. This article will walk you through the process of “mapping” your OneDrive to your computer.

  1. Select the white or blue OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area.

    OneDrive SyncClient with blue cloud and white cloud icons

    Note: You might need to select the Show hidden icons arrow The Show hidden icons button. next to the notification area to see the OneDrive icon.

  2. Select OneDrive Help and Settings icon Help & Settings > Settings.

    Screenshot of getting to OneDrive Settings

  3. Select the Account tab, and select Choose folders.
  4. In the Sync your OneDrive files to this PC dialog box, uncheck any folders you don’t want to sync to your computer and select OK.

    Dialog box for selecting sync folders

 

You can go through the same process to map any Teams/SharePoint folders as well.

How to make sure your Zoom client is up to date.

Zoom regularly provides new versions of the Zoom desktop client and mobile app to release new features and fix bugs. To make sure you have the latest, it is recommended to periodically check yours.

You will find the check for updates feature by clicking on your photo or initials inside the Zoom desktop application. Click it and Zoom will see if there is a newer version than you have installed. If there is one available, Zoom will prompt you to install it.

Zoom upload

Find the “check for updates” feature by clicking on your photo or initials in the Zoom application.

NOTE: If you receive a notice that your administrator must update your Zoom client, please contact your departmental IT team.