News
Windows XP and Win8 PCs blocked from the network on 3 May 2022
Windows XP and Windows 8 PCs will be blocked from network access May 3 due to security risks of these older operating systems. They need to be updated or replaced for continued network access.
A variance is required for continued network access for Windows XP and Windows 8 computers (also Windows server 2000 & 2003) if they cannot be updated or replaced.
Windows 7 PCs will also be blocked at a date to be decided.
More info on security software requirements can be found here:
https://rc.partners.org/security/secure-your-computer.
Questions and Comments:
email DFCI_FLS_NAC@partners.org
Thank you for helping make our computing environment more secure.
Google Chrome Security Updates
Important update to Google Chrome
DNAstar Lasergene updated
New lasergene install
Updating your Mac for security
A tip for keeping your Mac secure.
Linux vulnerability requires security patch
Polkit's pkexec utility is found across several Linux distributions. Please update.
Apple critical security patches released
Several security flaws were patched across Apple operating systems.
New webform for help from Research Computing
We are consolidating support for better service
Webform for help not available from Informatics
The Research Computing ticketing system is shutdown due to a problem.
The server RC-data2 is back up and running and is currently available
Our software utility ran all night and succesffully completed at 9:30AM Thursday Oct. 14.
Thank you for your patience.
Researchers using Terra: please note changes at Broad Institute
This relates to the number of new projects a researcher can add to a Terra account.
2nd Urgent Apple Security Updates
NEW another Apple Security update for older iPhones & iPads (iOS 12.5) and also Macs running Catalina (MacOS 10.15)
Outlook for Mac
Mac users: Please do not use the "New Outlook" option -- it causes problems.
Important -Install Security Updates
New updates available now are for security purposes. Computer users should install them as soon as possible.
Apple Security updates May 24
Mac users please run software updates for a recent Apple Security release. This is for users of Mojave (10.14), Catalina (10.15) and Big Sur.
Update Adobe for Security Patches
Important: please update your Adobe software to install security patches.
Windows 7 PCs end of support
Windows 7 support has ended, including extended security updates. Please upgrade to Windows 10 or request a variance.
Important Apple Security Updates
Apple released security updates for MacOS Big Sur and Safari. Please open System Preferences, Software Updates, and install to secure your Mac.
EndNote 20 now available
EndNote 20 for Mac and Windows is now available. Please click this weblink for access.
GraphPad Prism new licenses available
GraphPad Prism licenses have been renewed until February 28,2022. The technical problem with email addresses being rejected has been corrected.
Users need to enter in the new license code for Prism; instructions here
Reminder: each researcher is only permitted one license of this software to ensure we have enough licenses for all DFCI researchers, unless you’ve been given special permission. It's important to keep the number of licenses low to reduce costs for the Institute.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Chik Tsiknas - Manager, Frontline Support
DNA Star Lasergene updated for Big Sur
DNAstar Lasergene is now compatible with MacOS Big Sur (MacOS 11). Please visit this link to download this latest version of the software. You can always search for Lasergene to find this link here. Thank you for your patience as we waited for the vendor to update.
Rc-stor8 server is back up and running
The problem with rc-stor8 has been corrected. This research server is now online and available.
Network Access Control (NAC)—On hold
In recent weeks, Mass General Brigham has been encountering errors within the NAC software. While they are continuing to work with the vendor, the details for how the project will proceed may be changing. For this reason, any work on NAC at DFCI (including running reports, installing the NAC software on devices, and submitting variance requests) is on hold for an undetermined period of time.
Thank you to everyone who has worked on identifying non-compliant devices, installing the software, and applying for variances. We will be in touch as soon as the effort is re-initiated.
Mac Users—Please update enterprise apps prior to installing macOS Big Sur 11
Prior to upgrading to macOS Big Sur, please ensure you have the most recent version of enterprise apps that you use, like Citrix Workspace, Cisco VPN or Microsoft Office. The latest version of these applications are available in PEAS Self Service. Also verify the compatibility of any non-enterprise apps you use prior to upgrading. 32-bit applications are no longer supported on macOS Catalina or macOS Big Sur.
Detailed information can be found in this announcement.
Lab Instrument PCs and Network Access Control(NAC)
Frontline Support recommends users not setup or use Outlook email accounts on Lab Instrument PCs. These devices are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks such as ransomware.
Network Access Control (NAC) Requirements: if you know of a lab instrument that is not compatible with the NAC software, or it would be negatively impacted if it was not allowed to access the network, see the NAC Variance page. Otherwise, after the December holidays, they will be blocked from the DFCI network.
Lab Instrument PCs need either NAC software installed or a request made to be exempted (”variance request”).
new "macOS Mojave 10.14.6 Supplemental Update"
Apple has released a new version of its Mojave update that corrects earlier problems. For most Mac users this will happen automatically.
Graphpad Prism licenses
New activation licenses are now available.
DNASTAR Lasergene—version 17
DNASTAR Lasergene has been upgraded to the new version 17. Please see the DNASTAR Lasergene page to learn how to install. You will need to be logged into VPN if you are offsite and wish to install the software.
NIH Strides Webinar—June 17th
The NIH STRIDES Program is funding training on Google Cloud Platform through Coursera - providing free licenses for up to 500 individuals in the healthcare and life science university research community. To learn more and receive a free Coursera license courtesy of NIH, attendees should register to attend the University Connect Event co-hosted by NIH, Google, Coursera, and Carahsoft. The webinar is being held on June 17th at 1:00pm ET.
Licenses will be granted to webinar attendees on a first-come, first-served basis, for a 1-year free access to Coursera's complete catalog of Google Cloud Platform content.
Home drive transition from CIFS2 to CIFSHD
On Sunday, 5/17/2020, Home (H:) Drives will be moved. Managed devices that are onsite at a Partners location should automatically update.
For Macs and non-standard devices, please complete the linked steps applicable to the device you use: macOS, Windows 10, Windows 7.
This change only applies to Home Drives and does not impact shared file areas (SFAs). Please reference the attached FAQ for additional information.
Wiki page for computer user help
We have been adding tips and how-to's on our new Wiki page here. Or point your web browser to the DFCI Wiki home at https://wiki.dfci.harvard.edu:8443 and search for Frontline Support.
NIH STRIDES Initiative
As of Monday April 20, 2020 DFCI will be participating in the NIH STRIDES Initiative. Joining the initiative will give researchers with NIH funded grants, access to discounts for services offered by Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Find more information and how to apply here: NIH STRIDES Initiative GCP Account
Remote Work—Computer Delivery
With Dana-Farber operating in a remote support model, Receiving is now delivering computers straight to offices. Frontline support has documented self service instructions for setting up new devices and are available for follow up using Teamviewer to remotely access your computer if any issues arise.
Please continue to check this website for updated information as this is a rapidly changing situation.
Computer Support Changes
Frontline Support works remotely to continue helping research users.
To protect our staff and patients we are moving our support team to an all-remote model. By using phones, computers, and remote access tools we are able to perform most functions users are accustomed to. Thank you in advance for your patience during this period as we adapt to our new circumstances.
Frontline Support—ticket response delays
Due to the increase in help requests around work-from-home readiness and COVID-19 our normal response time will be effected. Thank you for your patience.
GraphPad Prism—licenses are now available
GraphPad Prism licenses have been renewed until February 28, 2021. The problem with email addresses being rejected has been fixed. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Users need to enter in the new license code for Prism; instructions here
Reminder: each researcher is only permitted one license of this software to ensure we have enough licenses for all DFCI researchers, unless you’ve been given special permission. It's important to keep the number of licenses low to reduce costs for the Institute.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Chik Tsiknas - Manager, Frontline Support
GraphPad Prism—user account cleanup
We are reviewing GraphPad Prism licenses in preparation for license renewal on February 28th. Reminder: each researcher is only permitted one license of this software to ensure we have enough licenses for all DFCI researchers, unless you’ve been granted special permission. It's important to reduce the number of licenses as much as possible to reduce our costs.
Users with duplicate accounts who have received an email this week requesting to remove a duplicate license are asked to please respond promptly. Anyone can purchase their own extra copy of Graphpad Prism at https://www.graphpad.com/scientific-software/prism/
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Chik Tsiknas - Manager, Frontline Support
Mac users—Please update or install antivirus software
All Mac users need to install antivirus software to improve our security on the network. The new software for Mac's is CrowdStrike antivirus. Additionally, if you already have Trend Micro installed, it is important to install the new software. The change from Trend Micro to CrowdStrike will resolve known issues with MacOS Catalina. Read the announcement and installation instructions here.
CrowdStrike does not have a user interface and runs silently in the background.
End of support for Windows 7—Important message for Non-Partners PCs
As of January 14th there are no new updates available to Windows 7, and you need to update to Windows 10 as soon as possible. This puts Windows 7 computers and our network at a security risk, such as malware and viruses like “Wannacry” in 2017.
New Windows updates will only be available now for Windows 10 (and Windows 8) computers. We need users who are running Windows 7 to upgrade to Windows 10 asap. Not all users will be able to upgrade their computers due to a PC’s age or unique usage. In some cases this may mean moving to a new PC that can run Windows 10.
Please continue reading for more information and instruction how to request support.
Update Mac antivirus before installing Catalina OS
Notice to Mac users:
All Mac users should update their antivirus. This will replace Trend Micro with CrowdStrike Antivirus. There is no known problem with CrowdStrike and Catalina.
User’s Macs are sometimes becoming very slow when Catalina and Trend Micro antivirus are both installed. Although Partners sent this message this week regarding Catalina, there is uncertainty that the updates fix the conflict with Trend Micro antivirus that some users experience.
If you are already running Catalina, MacOS 10.15, please update antivirus as soon as possible. Read the full news article for instructions.
Office for Mac—Excel update
Mac users should update Microsoft Excel immediately. Due to a security flaw, Microsoft has released an update to Office 2016 for Mac. This update is required to protect Excel users from malicious macros. More information from Microsoft can be found here including how to update.
16-inch MacBook Pro release
A 16-inch MacBook Pro was announced replacing the 15-inch model with a bigger display, new keyboard, and faster processor. It will be available beginning November 19, at a starting price of $2399. More information can be found from Apple here.
Code42—New Apple privacy settings
Apple recently introduced new privacy settings in macOS Catalina 10.15. This release impacts Code42's ability to access files from locations like the Desktop, Contacts, Photos, Mail, Documents, and Downloads that contain personal data.
Due to Apple's restrictions, these items will not be backed up until you give Code42 permission to access them. Follow these instructions to update your privacy settings and ensure files and folders continue to back up.
MobileIron and iOS 13.1
Apple has released the latest version of software for the iPhone, iOS 13.1. Partners MobileIron/EMM team has completed testing and it is OK to install. If you upgrade from iOS 12, please note you must re-enter your Partners email password.
GraphPad Prism—Licenses are now available
New GraphPad Prism licenses are now available.
Adobe licensing—A new process
Dana-Farber has changed how Adobe software licenses are issued. Instead of departments buying licenses separately, Dana-Farber will purchase them at the enterprise level. This includes Acrobat DC and the Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Photoshop, Illustrator).
You can fill out an Adobe Software License Request form here, which is reviewed by the Client Support Services team in IS.