Latest Generative AI Tools

Open WebUI is an enhanced generative AI platform based on open-source software and hosted by ITSO, intended for handling University data safely. It features web search, broad document upload support (including XLSX and PPT), image and Cantonese voice input, web page querying, and the ability to switch between AI models for comparison. Users can customize interactions through system prompts and personal memory, and benefit from a 30-day chat retention policy with export options. Open WebUI offers a flexible, user-friendly AI solution for academic and administrative tasks. We encourage you to explore these innovative tools in accordance with the Generative AI Usage Guidelines.

Advanced Research Computing Facility

HPC4 now includes eight Nvidia RTX5880 GPU nodes (6 GPUs each), enhancing GPU power for AI, data analytics, and simulations. Supporting RTX5880, A30, and L20 GPUs, HPC4 offers flexible, high-performance computing. Principal Investigators can apply for accounts and subsidies for their students. More details on usage and charges are online. For support, contact hpc4support@ust.hk .

Effective Storage Management

Please help foster a secure and sustainable digital environment and ensure you receive all official University communications by managing your HKUST email and OneDrive effectively. We encourage you to regularly delete unnecessary emails, save large attachments elsewhere, and clean up unnecessary files in OneDrive to optimize resources. Just a reminder that, in line with Microsoft's global storage reduction, email mailboxes will be adjusted to 15 GB and OneDrive storage to 50 GB by 31 October, 2025. To help, the Outlook Archive Mailbox will be activated once your email reaches 90% capacity. Find more storage management tips here.

Legal software: PDF Editor - Foxit and more

Using legal software is essential for maintaining the integrity of our academic community and protecting yourself from potential legal issues. HKUST is committed to providing students with access to a wide range of such resources, supporting academic success and ethical computing practices. We strongly encourage all students to utilize these offerings, ensuring compliance with copyright regulations and maintaining a secure computing environment. For example, Foxit is our new campus-wide PDF editor that supports advanced editing, annotation, and document management.

For the complete list of software for students, please check out here.

Enhanced Wi-Fi Experience

We're committed to providing you with a seamless and reliable Wi-Fi experience across campus. Thanks to your feedback provided in our service survey in may, we've identified and resolved a recent Wi-Fi authentication issue that caused disconnections during peak times. To further enhance connectivity and address concerns about speed in crowded areas and coverage in specific locations, we're undertaking a comprehensive Wi-Fi site survey to identify and address any remaining gaps and continue rolling out Wi-Fi 7, the next generation of wireless technology.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring multiple steps of verification, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Microsoft Azure MFA is now the University's standard, replacing DUO. Please follow the instructions here to set it up. 

IT Training

ITSO offers IT training sessions and workshops throughout the year to help you leverage the latest IT technologies effectively. Please watch for upcoming trainings, including Effective Storage Management, Introduction to Foxit PDF Editor, and Open WebUI.

We hope these updates will support your learning and research activities effectively. You can also get a general idea of ITSO’s services through the Information for Students. For a comprehensive overview of all IT services, please refer to our Service Catalog or chat with our AI-Assistant anytime.

If you require further assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to our Service Desk.