2026 UEN Tech Summit

Bash scripting leverages the power of the command line and tight integration with Linux and Unix operating systems, so it's the easiest and best way to automate repetitive administration tasks (giving you the time to focus on more important issues).
"Magic" is when all you have to do is say a few words and amazing things happen! Bash scripting lets you give Linux and Unix operating systems the ability to take care of themselves (by automating frequent tasks and responding to situations). The key to this is being able to have your scripts make decisions (logic programming). In this presentation, you will begin to learn how to write and run Bash scripts (programs that are interpreted rather than compiled) including loops and logic statements, file redirection, command line arguments, and much more. It's important that you be able to continue doing these things on your own (after the conference), so comprehensive instructions and reference materials will be provided.

To do difficult tasks quickly and with skill, you need powerful tools. The "Vim" (Vi Improved) text editor is such a tool. Come take the beginning steps in how to use Vim and be amazed!

Vim is a text editor that can run in a console/terminal environment, so it is the tool of choice for editing configuration (and other) files in Linux/Unix servers (which usually run "headless" [i.e., without a graphical environment]). Any text editor will let you edit text, but they aren't all the same: why ride a kid's bicycle when you can drive a Ferrari? This class will focus on getting you started with Vim, including the Insert and Normal Modes, and the basic set of Normal Mode commands. Never take your hands off the keyboard, and amaze everyone with how quickly and easily you can edit!

IPv6 has long been a technology "on the horizon", but with recent developments, it's possible to deploy IPv6 to end-users and begin phasing out IPv4.

IPv6 has long been a technology "on the horizon", but with recent developments, it's possible to deploy IPv6 to end-users and begin phasing out IPv4. This session will cover IPv6 trends, technologies around IPv6/IPv6-mostly networks, patterns for deployment, and ways to begin the journey. Depending on the audience, I'll likely focus 30 minutes on the presentation, but may open it up for a Q&A or round-table afterward if applicable. Depending on logistics, I may distribute some free IPv6 Test Pods (ipv6-pod.info) to help interested people start testing. Depending on my own travel plans, this may need to be a virtual presentation.

Keep your internal Linux and Windows servers secure with automatic wildcard certificate renewals — no public exposure needed. Using simple ACME tools, one machine quietly grabs fresh certificates every few months, then securely copies them to all your other servers. No manual work, no opening ports to the internet, just reliable HTTPS everywhere inside your network.

Keep your internal Linux and Windows servers secure with automatic wildcard certificate renewals — no public exposure needed. Using simple ACME tools, one machine quietly grabs fresh certificates every few months, then securely copies them to all your other servers. No manual work, no opening ports to the internet, just reliable HTTPS everywhere inside your network.

Still binding your Macs to Active Directory? It's time to stop. In this session, we'll explore why AD binding is no longer the best path forward and walk through the modern authentication options available today — including Apple's Platform SSO, cloud identity integrations, and third-party solutions that give IT teams the flexibility and security modern organizations demand. Walk away with a clear understanding of your options and a roadmap to modernize your Mac authentication strategy.

What happens when a high-level SysAdmin and a former 5th-grade teacher join forces? We bridge the EdTech divide! Using a playful "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" framework, we’ll flip the script, translating "Tech-Speak" into "Teacher-Speak" to transform your biggest complainers into your best collaborators.

Did you know that UEN offers an Enterprise Backup Solution? UEN’s backup solution is changing, and we invite you to join us for an overview of the offering and an update on our recent expansion.
Whether you are a current consumer or looking for a new solution, come learn how these services can be implemented at your institution. We will provide updates on what is available now, what is coming next, and how UEN can help you feel confident that your backups are safe and secure.