Windows 11 Upgrade
Beginning in late September, UAB IT is undertaking a project to automatically upgrade UAB Windows systems to Windows 11, which will affect those computers which are currently using Windows 10.
The upgrades are happening because Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 beginning Oct. 14, 2025, and all Windows systems must be upgraded by then.
Automated upgrades will occur every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., from Sept. 27, 2024, to May 26, 2025, and there are steps you should take to prepare for the process. Keep in mind that if you can't adhere to these steps every weekend, your computer will be upgraded at another opportunity, or you can follow the steps below to upgrade on your own.
How to prepare your computer for the upgrade:
- Leave your campus computer on overnight during the update times.
- Ensure your laptop has access to the internet, whether on-campus or off-campus.
- Connect your off-campus desktop computer to the UAB VPN.
How to upgrade your computer to Windows 11 on your own:
- The upgrade will be available beginning Sept. 30 in Software Center.
- Reboot your computer before you upgrade.
- Follow the instructions in this article in the IT Service Portal.
What to know about software and systems:
- Some systems do not meet the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, but UAB IT is working with school and unit Information Security Liaisons to identify and address systems that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.
- Systems must have at least 64GB available disk space to upgrade to Windows 11.
- UAB IT has verified that UAB IT-provided software will work with Windows 11.
- If you are using any software or applications that are not provided by UAB IT, verify with your software vendor that you have a version that will work with Windows 11.
What to expect after your system has been updated to Windows 11:
- Your login screen will look different, and the Windows icon will appear in the middle of the desktop taskbar.
- Your system should be configured just as it was before the upgrade, and you should have access to the same resources.
Where to get help and information
- Contact AskIT at (205) 996-5555 or through our IT Service Portal at uab.edu/techhelp.
- Learn more about Windows 11 on the Microsoft web site.
- Learn more about Copilot for Windows 11 on the Microsoft web site, a built-in tool that allows you to use Copilot with Data Protection.
Reach out if you’re having trouble
When you need help, we’re here to get you back to work, fast! Request IT services, report problems with IT services, or read knowledge articles about IT services.
What’s your Blazer journey?
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Adobe Creative Cloud
Students can experience the power of Adobe Creative Cloud for free while enrolled at UAB.
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Upload, share, and edit files with Microsoft's cloud storage solution OneDrive.
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Classroom Technology
UAB IT oversees classroom technology on campus. Visit our webpage to sign up for trainings, check classroom status or learn how to report issues.
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The division of eLearning and Professional Studies is a faculty-facing center, packed with academic tools for faculty to utilize to empower and enrich students.
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myUAB is your hub for everything you might need during your work day. Checkout the homepage and customize your myApps section to include things like Oracle, eLas and UAB Benefits.
Access myUABResearch Computing
Powered by dragons, created for you. Research Computing is here to provide a framework for sharing research data, accessing computing power, and collaborating with peers.
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Work and collaborate on files from any location with these UAB-approved cloud storage options.
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myUAB
MyUAB is your hub for everything you might need during your work day. Checkout the homepage and customize your myApps section to include things like Oracle, eLas and UAB Benefits.
Access myUABStorage Options
Work and collaborate on files from wherever with these UAB approved cloud storage options.
Explore Storage OptionsMicrosoft Teams
Collaborate and communicate with coworkers on Teams, while being able to access files straight from OneDrive.
Learn about TeamsTechConnect
The store is your campus connection for all your personal tech needs. Employees can receive academic discounts when they shop in-store or online.
Visit TechConnectUAB Anywhere
With UAB Anywhere, employees can safely access their desktops through a secure virtual option without needing a VPN.
Explore UAB AnywhereExport this list
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Zoom AI Companion
Zoom AI Companion is the UAB-approved AI assistant for Zoom. When enabled by meeting hosts, this built-in companion helps bring communication and collaboration across campus, all while being secure. Zoom AI Companion features can be used in the desktop application and web browser. Check out the Zoom page for more information about video conferencing in zoom.
Features
In-Meeting questions with Chat AI
Joined a meeting late? No worries. The chat AI companion has a special tool bar for you to use. When launched, users can choose from already generated commands such as “Catch me up”, “Was my name mentioned?”, and “Are there any action items?” Users can also create their own inquiries to ask the chat AI.
Smart Recordings
Organize cloud recordings into chapters. These new meeting breakdowns allow for a more digestible format for information, while being faster than ever before. When you host a meeting, Smart chapters can provide meeting analytics and conversation factors like talk-listen ratio, monologues, filler word usage, and more.
Meeting summaries
Save time and be more engaged in meetings with the help of Meeting Summaries. When enabled, by the host or co-host, it can provide a synopsis of the event and important action items through email and the Zoom team chat.
FAQ
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Who can use Zoom AI Companion?
UAB Faculty and staff will be able to access Zoom AI Companion. Students with a Pro account will also have access.
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I’m a student, how do I get access to the AI Companion?
Students with a Pro account only have access to the Zoom AI Companion. Visit The Office of Learning Technologies to learn more about your student account.
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How do I access Zoom AI Companion?
Zoom AI Companion features will need to be enabled by hosts during meetings.
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Can I use third party AI apps with Zoom AI?
No, the Zoom AI companion is the only approved form of AI for Zoom.
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Where can I learn more?
To see what other features are available with the Zoom AI Companion, visit the official Zoom website.
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Where can I get help on campus?
For technical support, contact AskIT.
Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection
Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection is a UAB-approved AI chatbot for use on the web, in Windows and in Bing or Edge. Sign in with your BlazerID and password.
Features
Search for information
Pose your query, and Copilot will search a variety of sources, analyze them and provide a concise response.
Generate text
Give Copilot a prompt, and it will analyze the context and intent, and generate text based on your request.
Generate images
Describe what you’re looking for, and Copilot will generate a set of images that can help you with ideation.
FAQ
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Who can use Copilot with Data Protection?
Students, faculty and staff with a UAB campus email address can access Copilot.
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How do I access Copilot with Data Protection?
- On the web at microsoft.com/copilot
- In Bing and the Bing mobile app
- In the Copilot sidebar in Edge
- In Windows 11
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What are the advantages of Copilot with Data Protection?
Copilot with Data Protection, which is part of UAB’s Microsoft license and available for campus faculty, staff and students, is a more secure alternative to consumer tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
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What can Copilot help you do?
Employees can use Copilot to generate text or images, analyze or compare data, summarize documents, learn new skills, write code and more. Instructors can use Copilot to personalize learning, plan a lesson, brainstorm, tutor, communicate, and improve efficiency.
Keep in mind that you should follow UAB’s AI guidelines when using AI tools, and keep people at the center of your process. Closely monitor the inputs and outputs for Copilot.
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Why does Copilot with Data Protection offer stronger security?
Copilot with Data Protection is a more secure alternative to consumer-oriented generative AI services like ChatGPT, Google Gemini or the non-enterprise version of Copilot (formerly known as Bing Chat).
When you log in with your BlazerID and password, you’ll see a green “protected” label in the upper righthand corner. When you are logged in, Microsoft encrypts your queries and does not use them to train its AI.
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Where can I learn more?
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Explore Microsoft’s resources for Copilot with Data Protection, including:
- Overview
- Tips and tricks
- Privacy and protections
- Discussion page
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Where can I get help on campus?
For technical support, contact AskIT.
Overview
Oracle has revised its support pricing model for Java JE subscriptions, requiring them to receive important updates and security patches. The new Employee for Java SE University Subscription replaces the old Java Named User Plus License and Processor. Applications that use an older version of Java are vulnerable to security threats, so it is critical that Java instances use the patched and secure version or are modified to use a no-cost open-source alternative.
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How much does a Java subscription now cost?
According to revised guidance from Oracle, the subscription rate is now $6.75 per month per employee for organizations the size of UAB.
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Do I need an additional Java license for the Oracle HR & Finance application?
No, additional Java licenses are not needed for the Oracle HR & Finance application or any other Oracle product that requires Java, according to Oracle:
My Oracle Support Knowledge Document 1557737.1, Support Entitlement for Java SE When Used As Part of Another Oracle Product documents this in detail, including the following example:
Customer is using Oracle Forms or an Oracle Forms based product, such as Oracle E-Business Suite. Customer is entitled to download and use Java SE updates and patches to run the product on the server. In addition, when the product, like Oracle E-Business Suite, uses client-side Java applications (browser-based or standalone), the customer is entitled to download and install Java SE updates and patches on the desktop PCs used to run Oracle E-Business Suite client applications. Incidental use of the same Java-enabled browser to access non-Oracle Java web-based applications is permitted but not supported.
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Do I need a Java license for any other vendor solution with embedded Oracle Java?
Check with the product vendor if their use of Oracle Java is covered under their license or requires additional licenses. Some vendor solutions are also moving in the direction to replace Oracle Java with OpenJDK.
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Are there alternatives to Oracle Java SE?
Consider if one of the following no-cost, open-source options might be an alternative to Java:
- Windows: Amazon Corretto, Adopt OpenJDK
- Linux/Red Hat: Red Hat Provided OpenJDK, Amazon Corretto, Adopt OpenJDK
- Mac: Amazon Corretto, Adopt OpenJDK
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Get help
If you have questions about modifying a specific application, please contact your unit’s IT department for assistance or contact AskIT.
- Additional Resources