On September 13, 2021, Google Drive is releasing a security update that will apply to some Drive files. The security update will make Google Drive files more secure by updating their links to include a resource key and may lead to some new file access requests. This update does not impact Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
For more information, visit go.lbl.gov/drivechanges.
All Windows system users,
Microsoft releases Monthly Updates (patches) to keep your computer as secure as possible. As onerous as it may seem, keeping your Windows system up to date is a very important part of using any modern operating system with Internet access.
While you have received this update to address current issues, there are always new ones being reported. Our recommendation is to run Windows Update NOW, including REBOOTING if required, and please keep an eye out for future Windows Update communications from IT.
If BigFix is not currently installed on your system, we recommend you install BigFix as soon as possible so we can keep your system safe and you informed. It also helps with DOE property tracking. You never need to barcode scan your computer again.
In order to minimize disruption, when checking for updates, you may get more than one update that requires a restart. Please wait until all updates are completed before restarting your computer or you may have to restart more than once. In addition, if the BigFix restart notification appears, double check your Windows Updates application to ensure all updates have been completed before you restart.
Please run Windows Update at least monthly, to check if your system requires any patches.
Please consider rebooting your Windows system weekly or at least monthly.
Here is How to run Windows Update for Windows 10. Please REBOOT your computer if required by the Windows Update.
To all Windows system users, Microsoft has recently released some critical security updates regarding PrintNightmare. Please run Windows Update and check if your system requires any patches. It is strongly recommended to do this NOW and monitor any future communications from IT regarding this recent security threat.
While Microsoft has released updates to address this current issue, there have been reports that the first round of updates are insufficient. Our recommendation at this time is to run Windows Updates, including rebooting if necessary, and keep an eye out for future Windows Update communications from IT. If BigFix is not currently installed on your system, we recommend you install BigFix as soon as possible so we can keep your system safe and you informed.
In order to minimize disruption, when checking for updates, you may get more than one update that requires a restart. Please wait until all updates are completed before restarting your computer or you may have to reboot more than once. In addition, if the BigFix reboot notification appears, double check your Windows Updates application to ensure all updates have been completed before you reboot.
Keeping your Windows system up to date is important
Here is How to run Windows Update for Windows 10. Reboot your computer if required by the Windows Update.
More information:
Apple has announced a new operating system, macOS Monterey. They have released a beta version for consumers to download. The first final release is expected in Fall 2021.
However, we would like to caution our users to be careful before upgrading to the beta or first final release of macOS Monterey. These are the questions you need to ask yourself before proceeding with the install of macOS Monterey:
Is your computer compatible? See list below:
iMac late 2015 and later
iMac Pro 2017 and later
MacBook Air early 2015 and later
MacBook Pro early 2015 and later
Mac Pro late 2013 and later
Mac mini late 2014 and later
MacBook early 2016 and later
Note: if your hardware is not compatible, macOS Monterey should warn you and not install/upgrade. But it doesn’t hurt to double check to make sure.
Are all your peripheral devices compatible?
Is all your installed software compatible?
Do you have the installation files for that software, if you need to reinstall or revert your Operating System to the previous version?
BACKUP your computer before installing/upgrading to macOS Monterey
IT recommends not upgrading or installing macOS Monterey at this time.
Note that all 32-bit applications are incompatible with macOS Monterey.
If you decide to upgrade regardless of this warning, ensure you backup your computer before installing/upgrading or you may lose your data in the event of a corrupt installation or if you find you need to revert to the previous operating system due to incompatibility.
Feel free to reach out to IT if you have any questions.
You can contact our support staff by:
Opening a chat session at go.lbl.gov/ITChat
Sending an email to [email protected]
Calling 510-486-4357
