|
|
May 5th, 2005: Effective Monday, May 9, the
Office of Information Services in cooperation with Financial Services will be
implementing new password policies for accessing the Network, Cascade Web,
Cascade GUI, and Banner systems. These password policy changes are the result
of our ongoing efforts to improve the security and integrity of our computer
systems.
Network and Cascade Web password changes will take
effect when your current password expires. March 16th, 2005: McAfee 8.0 is now available for download. Please visit the Security and Virus Information page for more information. February 25, 2005: ASUPS, OIS, and the Library released important information to all students today, regarding access to computers, accounts for graduating seniors, and the creation of a new student technology committee. Click here to read the official press release. February 11, 2005: ResNet has posted a new series of Infosheets, or educational tutorials that assist students with campus technology. New guides include Spyware Removal, Duplex Printing, Connecting to Alexandria, and Connecting to the Network from Off-Campus. October 11th, 2004: Dell has released a press statement announcing a recall on their AC adapters that were sold between September 1998 and February 2002. If you purchased a Dell laptop between those dates please read more on the issue and see if your specific model is effected by this recall. October 5th, 2004: A message from Norman Imamshah, Associate Vice President for the Office of Information Services:
September 29th, 2004: ResNet has contacted or attempted to contact some students regarding a new SWEN virus. If you have been contacted or think that you may have this virus please update your virus scanning software or download and run Avert's stinger tool to clean the SWEN virus. As always, if you need assistance please contact ResNet at x8585. September 24th, 2004: An article published in the ASUPS Trail today discusses on-campus wireless networking and plans for expansion. Wireless access points have become a hot-topic, especially as the Class of 2008 entered the university. September 21st, 2004: In case you did not notice the University has been hit with a new e-mail virus. This virus is a variant of the "MyDoom" virus and propogates through e-mail. Please make sure that you are using the current .DAT files for your Virus Scanning Software since this will catch and remove the virus. If you need help with this procedure please contact ResNet @ x8585. August 25, 2004: ResNet evening hours will start tonight. ResNet consultants will be roaming the halls of every residence hall from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Please grab a consultant if you need ResNet assistance. August 17, 2004: Library 034 General Access Lab will be closed until Friday August 20th due to a new ventilation system being installed. August 17, 2004: ResNet's Let's Get Connected guide has been distributed to on campus residences. August 2, 2004: ResNet is here to help you, especially when you are new to the university and need assistance with the unfamiliar ResNet registration process. The 2004-2005 orientation hours for ResNet have been posted. In order to help out, ResNet Consultants will be available in the dorms each night of orientation. ResNet Consultants are trained to get you online quickly and will be around if you have any questions. August 2, 2004: The 2004-2005 ResNet Let's Get Connected Guide, which serves as the manual to ResNet, was published early this morning. A Quick Connection Guide was additionally added and provides a step-by-step procedure for registering computers on the Residential Network. Students will find both publications informative, especially those who are new to the university and unfamiliar with ResNet. July 22, 2004: ResNet published its guide for the updated ResNet registration process today. Users can find more information about the process they will face when they arrive on campus. Students can prepare for the registration process ahead of time by following the Getting Started tutorial. July 15, 2004: An updated version of the ResNet Rules of Use Policy have been published on this website and in The Logger. Students are reminded that the university’s network is a shared resource and its use is intended to enhance the academic environment. The ResNet Rules of Use applies to all students accessing computer or network resources throughout the University. July 14, 2004: The ICommons Lab, one of the most frequented computing facilities on campus, was upgraded today. Twenty five Dell GX270 desktops sporting flat screen monitors and Windows XP were installed in the main-floor library lab. These new computers are equipped with DVD-CDRW, ZIP 250, and floppy drives. This new install will bring the ICommons Lab up to a total of 36 computers with one networked laser printer. July 13, 2004: ResNet today updated its service offerings via the ResNet website. To learn more about ResNet, please visit the About ResNet page. June 30, 2004: The University upgraded its Internet connection (a partial DS3 circuit) from 12 to 24 Mbps on June 30, 2004. The upgrade has allowed network resources to be allocated to ResNet that reflex what used to be the entire University's allocated bandwidth. Therefore, students will find even faster and more reliable connections on the Residential Network than ever before.
May 3, 2004: OIS Installs 10 Additional Computers in Library Basement - In response to the requests of students, the Office of Information Services has delivered 10 additional computers to be used during Reading Period and Finals. The extra workstations are located in the garden level of Collins Memorial Library, across from the entrance of the OIS Tech Center. April 21, 2004: The University of Puget Sound has been recently named by Intel as one of the top 100 most unwired college campuses, offering the greatest wireless Internet accessibility to students. Don't have a wireless-ready computer? Loggers can connect via old-fashioned cord, as UPS is rated in the top 100 most wired college campuses by "Yahoo Internet Life". April 8, 2004: ResNet has updated its computer purchase recommendations for the 2004-2005 school year. Students who wish to purchase a new computer should consult this helpful guide before they place their order. March 8, 2004: Viruses continue to hit the University email server this morning, generating emails that spoof OIS messages and often refer to accounts, spam, and infections. The following is an example of a message that may be sent from a virus:
The attachment that accompanies this email can be infected with the W32.Beagle@mm or the W32.Netsky@mm viruses. For this reason, DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENTS and delete any suspicious emails, no matter where they are sent from (these messages appear that they are from OIS or UPS, but really are sent from the virus itself). For more information about these viruses and other, please visit the ResNet Security and Virus Info page. January 28th, 2004: The following news article is extracted from CNET News and is reprinted here in its entirety for your information:
To download up-to-date McAfee DAT files, the Mydoom patch, or cleaning tool, please consult the ResNet Security & Virus Info page. January 27, 2004: Infections by the W32/Dumaru.y@MM and W32/Mydoom@MM email viruses continue to spread today, affecting student computers and increasing the volume of viral-infected SPAM email. Students are highly encouraged to install two McAfee virus updates in order to protect their computers. Also, please do not open attachments from unknown senders or that appear suspicious in nature. Network ports with infected computers attached will be terminated until the system is cleaned. Owners of infected computers will receive an email and phone call informing them of the infection and will be required to bring their computer down to the ResNet office for inspection. January 26, 2004: This is an urgent message from the Office of Information Services warning campus users about the W32/Dumaru.y@MM and W32/Mydoom@MM email viruses that are affecting PC systems. These emails come with attachments in various forms. Do not open suspicious attachments. Late this afternoon, McAfee and Norton released virus definition (DAT) files to combat these viruses. Since the files are so new, there is only an addendum to this morning's DAT file. Therefore, protecting yourself is a 2 step process!
Please make sure your system has the latest DAT file dated today, January 26th (#4318) and specifically displays "Names of viruses that extra driver can detect: W32/Mydoom@MM and W32/Mydoom.dll". For additional assistance, please feel free to contact the Help Desk at X8585 or emailhelpdesk@ups.edu. January 20, 2004: The Office of Information Services will be sponsoring a Poster/Slogan Contest, opening to all students until February 29th. ResNet has announced that they will no longer be supporting outdated Microsoft operating systems. For more information on which operating systems are affected, please go to the November 27th news posting below. To help raise the awareness on this issue, OIS has organized a contest to put together a witty and catch poster, which will be distributed to current and future students. Entries MUST include a slogan which reflects the new policy set forth by OIS. The winning submission will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to the UPS Bookstore, Diversions Cafe or Pizza Cellar (winner's choice). Official contest rules can be obtained here. January 14, 2004: All returning students will be required to reregister their computers when they return to campus this semester, in hopes that this will improve network stability and security. The Network and Server Systems Group has upgraded the capacity of the registration server, found atcicero.ups.edu, to allow for 40 concurrent registrations to take place per subnet (a subnet is a portion of the campus network that covers a specific geographic area--like Harrington/Schiff). This will allow for a quicker and more efficient registration process for all. If you need help registering your computer, please visit the Getting Started page or contact the ResNet office by calling x8585. December 11, 2003: OIS Installs 10 Additional Computers in Library Basement - In response to the requests of students, the Office of Information Services has delivered 10 additional computers to be used during Reading Period and Finals. The extra workstations are located in the garden level of Collins Memorial Library, across from the entrance of the OIS Tech Center. December 10, 2003: As we approach the last week and a half of the semester, ResNet would like to remind students to backup their personal files. Each semester, the OIS HelpDesk receives requests for data recovery from failed floppy disks, corrupted network profiles, and the accidental deletion of files. We therefore recommend that you backup your crucial semester-long projects and papers that are stored on your network drive (H:), in your email account, and on floppy disk. The Lab Management group has provided diskettes for backup in all computer labs for your convenience. ZIP disks (which hold the capacity of over 50 floppy disks & are more secure) are also available for purchase in the University Bookstore. This redundancy will ensure no accidental data loss or misplacement. In the event that data is lost, OIS will attempt to recover it, but cannot guarantee successful outcomes. Network backups on Alexandria (location where your H: drive files are located) are completed every week for server disaster recovery only, so your latest work may not be quickly recoverable, if at all. November 27, 2003: In an effort to provide the University campus with safe and reliable internet access, the Office of Information Services is announcing residential connection and support changes for the upcoming year. These changes will help to prevent problems similar to those experienced at the beginning of the Fall ’03 term. Our goal is to provide students, faculty, and staff with continuous, secure information services. Since Microsoft and anti-virus vendors have or will discontinue updates for the operating systems listed below, they will not be safe to use on our campus network. Discontinued development means that if any system vulnerabilities are found in these operating systems, no patches will be made to correct them. This leaves machines open to attacks such as worms or viruses. The products listed below are at or nearing their end of life according to Microsoft. OIS will continue to support these operating systems through the semester listed at the right.
We recommend that you plan to upgrade your operating system to Windows XP if you are currently using these operating systems. ResNet will be happy to work with you to determine if your machine meets Windows XP minimum requirements and make recommendations to bring your machine to those requirements. Once OIS stops supporting these operating systems, any computer running them will not be allowed on the network. We realize that this may cause difficulties for some users; however, this policy is necessary to ensure the safety of the campus network. We will not be able to correct problems arising from machines running these operating systems if the vendor does not support them. As always, it is strongly recommended that every machine schedule weekly Windows Automatic Updates and anti-virus definition (DAT) updates. By keeping your operating system and virus protection up to date, you further ensure our network is available for everyone! If you have any questions on system requirements or need help with upgrades, ResNet is available by telephone at x8585. September 24, 2003: The Network and Server Systems Group has restored network access to all student residencies. If for some reason you cannot connect, please contact ResNet by calling 879-8585 or visit our office in Library 018. To prevent further virus infection, the network is being closely monitored by of the Office of Information Services. Any infected machines will be immediately disconnected from the network. The owner of the infected machine will be contacted via telephone or email to setup an appointment for removal. September 19, 2003: The following news articles provide perspective on how academic institutions have responded to the outbreak of viruses:
September 15, 2003: ResNet has finished the sweeps of student computers, which were prompted by the Nachi worm that hit campus last month. Any student who has not gotten their computer certified by ResNet can get back online by:
To speed up the certification process, make sure that your computer is patched, a recent version of McAfee or other anti-virus software is installed, and that you have completed a full system scan. Your network connection will be restored within one business day after your computer has been checked by an OIS employee. September 12, 2003: The sweeps continue today, finishing with Todd/Phibbs this afternoon from 3-7pm. Any students who have yet to get their computers certified (those who live anywhere other than Todd/Phibbs) may bring them into the ResNet office, located in the basement of the library. Starting Monday, September 15, any student can stop by the office between the hours of 9am - 5pm to drop off a computer to be certified. Also, as of yesterday afternoon, the ResNet DHCP server (a network server that assigns IP addresses to student computers) has been prompting registered users to reregister. This is a problem that the Network and Server Systems Group is aware of and working on. We will post an update when this is fixed. Lastly, a rogue wireless access point has been discovered in the on-campus house subnet (affecting all computers in the university houses + Langlow). Users are getting a false IP address assigned by this device, and therefore cannot connect to the network. If you know of anyone who lives in an on-campus house or Langlow and is using a wireless access point, please have them call x8585. According to the ResNet Rules of Use, "Students are required to contact a ResNet Consultant prior to installing any network equipment (e.g., wireless access points, routers, etc.) to receive consultation on appropriate use." September 11, 2003: To better serve the students, the Office of Information Services has hired five temporary staff members to assist with the patching and scanning of computers. The following dorms will be scanned:
If for some reason you have missed your scheduled appointment (or OIS was unable to get to you), please bring your computer down to the ResNet office (Library 028) the day after your scheduled time. We will be accepting computers Monday - Friday, from 10am - 2pm. Please bring your power cord if you have a laptop that needs certification. Also, be sure to note your room and network wall jack number before you come. Thank you for your patience as this difficult process is completed. September 10, 2003: Earlier today, Microsoft announced serious new flaws that leave its flagship Windows software vulnerable to Internet attacks remarkably similar to the Blaster virus that infected hundreds of millions of computers last month. Outside experts said the new flaws were nearly identical to problems that were exploited by the so-called Blaster infection, which spread last month with devastating damage. ResNet is suggesting that you install all critical updates, found at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. September 9, 2003: The Office of Information Service's staff have been certifying student computers and getting them online this last week. Students in the following zones still need to be patched and scanned on these dates:
To make this process easier and more timely, please make sure that your computer is patched, a recent version of McAfee or other anti-virus software is installed, and that you have completed a full system scan. September 4, 2003: The ResNet portion of the campus network is currently turned off due to significant virus infection caused by student machines brought to campus over the past few days. ResNet will not be turned back on until anti-virus software and patches are installed on all student computers in order to protect the overall University network operations. OIS will begin performing a sweep of all computers in campus residences beginning late afternoon today (09/04/03) through Friday, September 12 in the following order:
Please do your best to be present during these times. You may expedite this schedule by installing the anti-virus CD delivered to your campus mailbox. You also may help facilitate this process by being in your room with your computer turned on during the designated sweep times. All residents must be present when a computer is checked; a roommate cannot give permission for OIS staff to check someone else's computer. OIS will then certify the installation. If you are unable to be present, please call 8585 and set up an appointment. Only computers that have been certified by OIS will be reconnected to the network. OIS will communicate with residential students further by VOICE MAIL regarding the status of ResNet. Students are requested to please activate their on-campus voice mail to stay up-to-date! Until ResNet is fully operational, students can access the campus network including web-based class materials and email in any of the general access computer labs on campus. Locations and hours are below:
This message is being delivered to our residential students threefold via telephone broadcast, campus-wide email message and a campus letter to their residential address. Thank you for your patience as we continue to ensure that your network is secure. For additional information or assistance, please contact the Help Desk by telephone at ext. 8585, (253) 879-8585 or email helpdesk@ups.edu. September 2, 2003: The Office of Information Services has temporarily suspended network access in all dormitories, on-campus houses, and Greek Row this afternoon at 1:15pm to protect the campus network from crashing due to virus infections. To keep our network available to the entire campus now and in the future, ResNet is requiring that ALL computers connecting to the network install the following patches and anti-virus software. The network will be restored once student computers are patched and cleaned. August 23, 2003: Files sharing has been restored to all on-campus residencies. Students are reminded that shared files and folders must be password protected. Please consult the ResNet Rules of Use for more information. Additionally, ResNet has released a new registration process for all students. Found at http://cicero.ups.edu, ResNet users are now required to patch Windows systems affected by the Nachi\Blaster worm. All student computers must also have McAfee Virus Scan installed, which can be downloaded here. August 22, 2003: The Office of Information Services has temporarily suspended file sharing in all dormitories, on-campus houses, and Greek Row to protect the campus network from further virus infection. Connections to the Internet will nevertheless remain active to all student residencies. August 18th [7pm]: The University network was struck by the Nachi worm tonight, flooding network resources and shutting down vital systems. In response, on the morning of Tuesday August 19th, OIS disconnected the campus network from the Internet. The Office of Information Services completed a sweep of the entire campus, flushing the Nachi Worm from infected machines. Once completed, the campus network became stable, and the Internet was restored to all computers. To keep our network available to the entire campus now and in the future, ResNet is requiring that ALL computers connecting to the campus network install the following patches and anti-virus software.
August 18, 2003: Updated versions of the ResNet Rules of Use Policy have been published on this website, in The Logger, and in the ResNet Let's Get Connected Guide. Students are reminded that the university’s network is a shared resource and its use is intended to enhance the academic environment. The ResNet Rules of Use applies to all students accessing computer or network resources throughout the University. July 21, 2003: Current versions of McAfee Virus Scan are now available for download at the "Security and Virus Info" page. University students must have an updated version of anti-virus software running on their computer when connected to the network. Get one here for free! July 8, 2003: A listing of current general and departmental labs has been added to the ResNet website and is available here. June 27, 2003: ResNet is proud to launch our new website, offering even more resources presented in a fresh look. New sections to the website include:
Contact: resnet@ups.edu
|
