Q:  I have my new laptop and noticed that the Window+X feature doesn’t work the way that it used to… I used to use it a lot especially because I present so often.  When I use the Window+X feature, something different shows up.  A:  With Windows 10 there are two main things to consider when connecting to a meeting display or projection system:  Windows+P will get you to display options for duplicating/extending your screen between multiple monitors.    For turning on presentation mode you still use Windows+X, then select Mobility Center, then you’ll see a box for turning Presentation… Read More

KCIT is rolling out new work tools like Microsoft OneNote, OneDrive, and Power BI. These applications help us all work better, smarter and faster. To help employees adapt, the IT Training team has put together a robust training toolbox, to complement the in-person trainings, and it is filled with short, PDF or video explanations. Emphasis on short videos!  If you are a video learner, check out OneDrive this week: 12 videos, none longer than two minutes! The videos can be accessed on SharePoint here.  KCIT also wants to say thank you to employees for… Read More

Whether it’s your county-issued mobile device or your own personal device, KCIT strongly recommends that you update the Operating System when your provider releases OS updates. These updates keep your device free of viruses, make it difficult for hackers to gain access to your information and help your existing apps work better. In the coming months, KCIT will be rolling out Exchange Online throughout the county. This allows employees to access King County email anytime, anywhere and from any device if that device has the most updated software. For our security and your protection,… Read More

By Ralph Johnson, Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer January 28 is National Data Privacy Day, an educational initiative focusing on raising awareness among businesses and individuals about the importance of protecting the privacy of personal information. With more and more information being collected by companies, websites, and social media, this is something everyone should consider. To understand the importance of Data Privacy day, it is vital to understand Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and exactly what privacy is. PII is any combination of data points that can lead to the identification of a specific… Read More

King County Information Technology is managing two new security flaws that you may have seen or heard about in the last several days. “Meltdown” and “Spectre” could allow hackers to lift passwords, photos, documents and other data from smartphones and PCs. These flaws affect most computers, laptops, smartphones, and servers.  All major tech companies are aware and managing the problem.  Microsoft and Apple have both released patches for PCs, iOS, Macs and Apple TV. Cell carriers will deploy patches to smartphones. KCIT is currently deploying patches to all King County devices. King… Read More

The Archives just rolled out a new form on its home page to facilitate efficient response to requests for King County recordings held in the collection.  Not only is the form easy to use, but it is designed to ensure that requestors provide sufficient information required to locate needed documents.  The new form, combined with a recently implemented online-payment option, greatly improves customer service by streamlining transactions and by allowing clients to conduct business with the Archives from any location and at any time of day. Thanks to Derek Sheppard and the KC Web Team for… Read More

By Ralph Johnson, Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer  The holiday season is a great time to make charitable gifts to support the causes you care about, and charities often run end-of-year fundraising campaigns. However, criminals take advantage of this fact and run scams and frauds of their own to fool consumers into giving them money instead. Below are some common scams and frauds used by cybercriminals and some tips on how to avoid them. If you can spot these seasonal tricks, you are more likely to ensure your donation goes where you… Read More

On Dec. 19, KCIT is rolling out a new Office 365 product called Office Delve. Delve is part of Office 365 and finds the documents you need no matter where they’re stored – from SharePoint to Planner to Excel. It’s designed to be a time saver. You no longer have to hunt through each application one at a time to find something or see if it’s been changed and by whom.  It’s a great work hack or shortcut, fully supported by KCIT and accessible through your O365 waffle. We strongly recommend checking… Read More

New year, new laptops, new software!  Starting January 1, 2018, every new PC setup will come with Office 2016.  To get a sneak peak of the new features, check out the Microsoft training materials at the Office 365 Training Center.  Can’t wait for your next PC replacement to get the new version?  KCIT will soon have a self service upgrade package available that you can use to upgrade your current PC Office version. 

Follow these steps to start using the new OneDrive sync client. OneDrive for Business is more than just cloud storage. This guide brings tips and tricks that improve digital productivity and help create an all-digital culture within KCIT.  IMPORTANT:  These instructions do not apply to DOT users. DOT has implemented OneDrive without the Sync utility. They only store data in the cloud.   OneDrive is not currently approved for use in DPH or DCHS.  This restriction is expected to be lifted in August 2017.    Personal data should not be stored on county PCs or… Read More