Still have questions?
If you don’t see your question in this list, please contact:
Joelle Chavre - Director of Client Services, Technology Services
chavrejc@whitman.edu, 526-4714
Linc Nesheim - Information Security Officer, Technology Services
nesheijl@whitman.edu, 527-5852
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Unpatched operating systems and “third party” software are significantly more vulnerable to exploitation by viruses and malware than fully updated software. SCCM and JAMF Pro will allow us to push out system and select application updates with little or no disruption to you. To note, if a severe vulnerability is found, WCTS "may" need to patch systems or software without prior notice or outside a regular maintenance window.
Does this mean that when software updates happen, my computer will suddenly restart?
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No, restarts based on software updates will not happen suddenly on your computer. We know that some software updates require restarts, and ( SCCM and JAMF Pro allow us to customize how to negotiate this need.) ?
- Windows computers will typically apply all software updates between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am.
- Please save your work and leave your computer on during week days and nights to allow the updates to happen during scheduled maintenance times. You can put your computer in 'Lock' mode before leaving.
- If a restart cannot happen during the regularly scheduled maintenance time, then you will see a pop-up notice that a restart is needed to apply necessary updates. In Windows 10, you can choose to apply the update immediately, or schedule when the reboot will occur within this pop-up notification.
- Apple computers receive updates as they are released typically without interruption, however those system updates that require a reboot will notify with a pop-up window and the option to defer the installation of the update(s) for 12 or 24 hours via dropdown field.
- If you defer, and then later want to apply the update without waiting for a second notice, feel free to go to the Apple Menu and select App Store, look for pending Updates, and manually apply the updates at your convenience. See instructions here.
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We recognize that the maintenance window we’ve set may not meet everyone’s needs. We are making every attempt to configure the systems so that they are as compatible with the workflows of both staff and faculty as possible. Please contact Joelle Chavre if you have special circumstances.
What specific software will be updated by WCTS?
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As of May 2017
As of May 2019
(Note: updates only apply to software already existing on your system. If you do not have an application listed below, they will not be added without request.)
Windows computers
- Windows core system updates (e.g. security updates, Edge/Internet Explorer, etc.)
- Mozilla Firefox
- Google Chrome
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Microsoft Office
- Apple iTunes
- Keepass v2x
- VLC
- Notepad ++
Silverlight
7 Zip
- Google File Stream
- Putty
Macintosh computers
(JAMF Pro will only update software already existing on your system. If you do not have an application listed below, JAMF Pro will not add or update it.)
- OS X core system updates (e.g. security updates, Safari, iTunes, etc.)
- Mozilla Firefox
- Adobe Flash
- Adobe Acrobat ( Reader and Pro)
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Office suite
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WCTS cannot see specific content on your computer. SCCM and JAMF Pro Jamf are configured to only collect data pertaining to the hardware and software installed on your computer. For example, it will report that the computer is using an Intel processor, how much memory and storage capability it has, and that Microsoft Office 2016 is installed. It will not capture any web sites you have visited nor will it be used to gather information on the specific files being storedutilized to manage the configuration of your computer and provide basic software and hardware inventory. This configuration management is not content-aware beyond how certain hardware and software can impact the security of the device. SCCM and JAMF Pro are intended to assist us in the support and security of computers by making sure that managed software is patched and up to date and to ensure that computers on campus are compliant with applicable laws (e.g. FERPA, HIPPA, etc.) that protect student and employee information.
WCTS takes your privacy very seriously and will use these tools in strict accordance with Whitman College’s Privacy Policy.
To read the full policy please visit Whitman College Privacy Policy
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No. While these tools technically have the capablity capability to install and uninstall software remotely, we will use SCCM and JAMF Pro to update some existing software on your Whitman-owned computer, and to collect data pertaining to hardware and software installed on your computer (described above this question). Software can be deployed directly to your computer upon your request, and in some cases software may be available for self install through Software Center on PCs, or Self Service on Macintosh computers.
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No. Individuals may currently request that their computers be added to a "No-Update" group if it is determined that automatic updates may cause unexpected results to existing software or data processes. These individuals agree to manually install updates on a regular basis to ensure the safety and compliance of their computers on the network. WCTS will periodically scan these computers for unpatched vulnerablilities vulnerabilities that may put the network at risk.
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