Hi there, it’s resident Tech Ambassador blogger Brandon here! After a restful winter break before my last semester here at Pitt, I’m back and writing to you all about my experience as a Tech Ambassador and sharing some tips to “spring” into the new Year at Pitt (lol).

Reflections as a Senior Tech Ambassador

After three years of being a Pitt IT Tech Ambassador, I have seen the program evolve from its inception into a thriving, student-run organization.

As a student at Pitt, I rely on technology daily to stay on top of classes, connect with friends, and finish my work. Some days, I’m seriously grateful for how easy it makes my life. Other days? Not so much. As Valentine’s Day approaches, here’s what I love about tech — and what sometimes makes me want to toss my laptop out a window.

Let’s face it: social media is all over the place. TikTok is banned. TikTok is back. Whatever app you use, your feed is probably full of hot takes, trending stories, and viral memes. But not everything you scroll past is legit — especially with recent changes. Facebook has shut down its fact-checking tools, and X (formerly Twitter) has dialed back content moderation, making it harder than ever to know what’s real. Add AI-generated posts to the mix, and it’s easy to see why misinformation is everywhere.

It’s that time of year when employers and financial institutions start sending you W-2s, 1099s, and other tax forms for 2024. Unfortunately, there are bad guys out there who are hoping you get a refund … so they can steal it. During this Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, make sure that your refund gets deposited into your bank account!

In our daily digital lives, web browsers keep us connected and enable us to do our best work. Browsers do a lot of heavy lifting to keep us current and safe while online. Out of date browsers pose cybersecurity vulnerabilities and decrease web functionality. That’s why regularly updating your web browser is crucial.

It’s Home Office Safety & Security Week! If you’re working from a home office or a public location some or all of the time, there are special cybersecurity considerations to keep in mind. Take an active role in keeping your data and the Pitt network safe with this five-point plan for making your living room as secure as an on-campus office, lab, or residence hall room.

A 5-Point Home Cybersecurity Plan

Here’s what you can do to help maintain the security of Pitt’s and your personal data, network, devices, and services:

From Post-It Notes and hand-written lists to advanced project management tools, people use a lot of methods to organize their work and complete projects without tasks falling through the cracks. Microsoft has many programs that can help. It’s not a one-size-fits-all choice. Some apps are insufficient for large team projects, while others are totally overkill for keeping track of your daily and weekly tasks. Here’s a quick look at each Microsoft project management and organizational tool, and how to decide which one to use.

Whether or not you like New Year’s resolutions, setting goals and pursuing self-improvement is an important part of personal growth. Here in Pitt IT, we know that a little bit of tech can make a big difference in helping to achieve your ambitions.

Health and Fitness:

There are numerous fitness apps that can track workouts and nutrition, from MyFitnessPal and Fitbit, to WW and Noom. Wearable tech can be helpful by providing real-time data about your daily activity. There are also tech resources to help you achieve better health here at at Pitt!

Winter break is the perfect time to unwind and recharge, but it can also be a great opportunity to check off some tech-related tasks. Whether you're looking to learn something new, organize your digital life, or just relax, we’ve got some tips to make your winter break both productive and enjoyable. 

Skiing and snowboarding at Seven Springs. Ice skating at PPG Place. Building snowmen or going sledding in the backyard. … Or shoveling the sidewalk, clearing off the car, and praying for roads that aren’t ‘slippy’. Whatever you associate with winter in the Burgh, keeping your tech safe from freezing temperatures is critical for preserving performance and battery life. Follow these basic precautions to keep your tech nice and toasty during the frigid winter season.