Google Begins Rolling out Android P for Beta Users

It's here! Google's next iteration of their mobile operating system has started rolling out through their Beta Program. What does this mean exactly? Well, typically it means the update itself is just around the corner. For us, the devoted Android users, they're bringing in major features such as notch support for the beautiful bezelless phones that companies have been producing this past year.  There are other major UI features such as  narrow top menus, design overhauls and in general a cleaner looking environment. Other big additions were the inclusion of neural network API's (which Google is big on), and other major security updates.

But wait. This Android update brings some bad news with it too. As of this revision, Google has announced that the Nexus series of devices will no longer be getting updates, marking the end of that series. This means it's time for Android users to seriously consider upgrading now.  If you're an Apple user, well, you just need to sit back, relax, and hope Apple doesn't slow your phone down.

-Warrick Rodgers, Student Web Developer (and Android user)

Skimmer Scanners

Skimmers have become fairly popular among criminals in recent years and are used to steal payment information. Skimmers are small devices that can easily be installed without anyone noticing. They are often found at ATMs, gas stations and other places where people come and go frequently.

To combat the increasing threat through skimmers, companies have developed skimmer scanner apps. The apps scan for devices in your immediate area using a specific Bluetooth module and then try to connect to it and check if common skimmer packages are in use. Given that the app relies on criminals not having changed the default password, there is potential for missing a skimmer, so the app should not be used as the only measure of precaution.

While the app is not guaranteed to discover skimmers one hundred percent of the time, it can be a great tool! However, if you are concerned about skimmers, the best precaution is always to pay inside.

To learn more about how the app works follow this link:

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/gas-pump-skimmers

MyIT Tip of the Week

MyIT Tip of the Week

Accessing OneDrive from a Classroom computer

OneDrive is our university’s solution for personal file storage.  Faculty, students and staff can safely store files on OneDrive, knowing that they will be available wherever they are.

The OneDrive app is available on your computer, and once you have synced your local files to One Drive they will be available on the web.

OneDrive also allows access even if a user is logged into a different account, such as when faculty use the SMART classrooms. It does not matter which account is logged into Windows, through the online portal hornet.emporia.edu users may retrieve their OneDrive files by logging into Hornet365:

1: Go to http://hornet.emporia.edu and select Log In.

2: Select the OneDrive Tile. 

  

From there you can open any document or play a video if it is saved to your OneDrive.  You can also share files with others from OneDrive.  You may share files with other ESU staff, faculty or students, by selecting their email address.  You may also share files with email addresses outside of ESU, but exercise caution that you are not sharing protected information.

More information on this is available at hornet.emporia.edu under MyIT.