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For the Afrikaans version of this newsletter, click here.
 
IN THIS EDITION
» What is the “cloud”?
» Which one to choose?
» Every cloud has a silver lining
» A guide to backing up your data
» Password synchronisation giving you a headache?
» New procedures for networkpoints?

Today's gloomy weather may have influenced the choice of topic for this week's newsletter. And I have to warn you, this is going to be a stormy and cloudy one.

As you've probably guessed by now (thanks to my not so subtle puns), this week we focus on clouds - not the cumulonimbus variety, but a different bank of clouds. So, grab your umbrella and keep on reading if you're brave enough.

 

Greetings from the other side (of Merriman)
The IT crowd

 
 
 

WHAT IS A CLOUD?

This isn't a philosophical musing or the start of a poem. We're referring to the type of cloud containing data, not water. The latest buzzword the past few months is "cloud computing", but what is "the cloud"?

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

 

WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?

Now that you know what a cloud is, is your next challenge to make a choice from the multitude of available options. We tried to figure out which is which.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

cloud

 

EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING

Make no mistake, the movement towards cloud computing is a very real one, but before you send all your sensitive and academic information to a cloud, it's important that you know the pros and cons, as well as the risks involved with this growing phenomenon.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

A GUIDE TO BACKING UP YOUR DATA

Or maybe the title of this article should rather read "How to beat procrastination in 5 easy steps". Because, and let's be honest here, there are a multitude of more interesting things I'd rather be doing than backing up my data.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

 

PASSWORD SYNCHRONISATION GIVING YOU A HEADACHE?

Every 90 days you receive an email from helpinfo@sun.ac.za asking you nicely to change your password. We all know that, although it's a bit of a nuisance, it's also necessary for security reasons. But is there a way to simplify the process?

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

NEW PROCEDURES FOR NETWORK POINTS NOW IN PLACE

If you need to apply for a new networkpoint, please keep in mind that applications should henceforth be made by KKW-request. Facilities Management will assist you with the order for cabling and indicate which amount should be paid for the network equipment to IT by interdepartmental requisition. If this sounds Greek to you, contact us at netinfra@sun.ac.za and we'll translate.