INSIDE
Computing and Telecommunication
Center
Fort Hays State University
If you have questions or comments about this newsletter,
contact
Dr. David Schmidt at 4487.
Viv Zimmerman and Jane Rajewski, co-editors.
From
Dave's Desk
by Dr. David Schmidt, Director
In the Internet world, there is a tradeoff between convenience and risk. As all of you probably know by now that a hacker got into our Lotus Notes (LN) system over the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend and "thumbed his nose at us" through an E-mail note.
Until this attack, we allowed non-Notes users to look at our FHSU Address Book so that they could see the E-mail addresses of faculty and staff. We also allowed Client access from the Internet. A hacker from the Netherlands took advantage of that openness and demonstrated that he could send E-mail using the system.
Because of that attack, we have taken some measures to tighten up security. Upon discovery of this breach in security, notes system administrators immediately erased all Internet passwords; that meant that those of us who use a browser to access LN were required to enter a new password before we could logon through the browser again. All LN users were sent an E-mail note informing them of the hacker and were sent instructions for changing both their browser and Client passwords.
Using default passwords made it easy for the hacker to decipher the encrypted passwords. We no longer permit Notes Client software (the software that most of us use on our campus desktops) access to Notes outside the FHSU domain. You can still use the Client on our dialup system because those addresses are within the FHSU domain.
In the tradeoff between convenience and risk, we have opted to make things less convenient to increase security. We hope that you will bear with us.
If you are an instructor teaching classes this semester, you probably got a note containing a list of E-mail addresses for your class. The note contained instructions for creating a distribution list using Lotus Notes. We hope that you have found this useful in communicating with students.
You probably noticed that the student E-mail names are no longer in the old four character format but are based on the student's name. Because we have made web-based E-mail available for students these past several years, the scatcat accounts are fairly popular. On the other hand, many students use Hotmail, Lycos, or other freely available mail accounts.
In order for a student to receive mail that you send to his or her scatcat account, the student needs to forward his or her scatcat mail to whatever E-mail system he or she uses most frequently. Students can forward their own E-mail to one of these other accounts by following the instructions posted on www.fhsu.edu/ctc/helpdesk/forwarding_scatcat.html or they can request help at the HelpDesk. If you did not get an E-mail roster for your class or if you need help in using such a roster, contact Jane Rajewski.
Bid for New Administrative System
The bid closing for a new administrative system is February 9. Shortly after that date, we will receive the bids and analyze them. We hope to find a system that we can afford and implement with minimal consultant costs.
In the interim, Bruce Shubert, Vice President of Administration and Finance and I are making several presentations to state oversight committees informing them of our plans. There are a number of authorizations needed to acquire a large system such as this. The state requires some project management training, quarterly progress reports, and frequent communication with the CITO (Chief Information Technology Officer).
If we can find a system that is lean and mean in terms of implementation, we want to move forward quickly.
If a system (or systems) is in our price range, we will ask selected vendors to come to campus and showcase system features. At that point, we would invite the campus community to give us feedback on the system(s).
We expect any system that is purchased to provide 24/7 uptime, use the web extensively, provide good communication links, have student self-service features, and integrate well with desktop software
(Word, Excel, and Access). We believe a new system will assist in recruiting and retaining students because the system would facilitate interactions with Admissions and with other departments. Students would continue to use the system throughout their student career at FHSU to check financial aid, see their grades, enroll, view degree audit functions, and for other purposes. Faculty should expect such a system to assist them in advising and registering students, also. New systems provide very nice functionality; we just hope they are affordable.
We are painfully aware that the Internet is often very slow. We added a third T1, and we were disappointed when it did not provide much relief. Our current connection goes to Manhattan, and from there it goes through a high speed connection to Kansas City. K-State uses that same connection, and it is often saturated despite their efforts at bandwidth shaping. We have looked at a variety of options, and to us the best hope for relief is coming relatively soon.
KANREN (our Internet provider) has agreed to install and configure a new high-performance Cisco router here on campus with an OC3 ATM connection through Southwestern Bell Internet Services. This will initially provide roughly 10 meg/sec connect speed to the Internet (compare that to a 1.5 meg/sec connection for each T1). To share expenses, they will route a number of other low-volume Internet I connections through the OC3.
If we start experiencing problems with speed at some later point, we can increase it rather quickly to 15 meg/sec (based on our ability and willingness to pay for the additional bandwidth). KANREN has ordered the equipment, the circuits, and started the complex process of doing configuration work (routing tables, etc.) needed for the ATM connection. ATM in this context refers to a networking protocol, not a machine for withdrawing money -- although the more that I think about this the more I think it does both. We will keep you posted on KANREN progress.
Because the openness of the Internet to the world and because of the nature of electronic systems, we worry about security. The State Chief Information Technology Officer has requested documentation on security policies from every state agency. Awareness of computer security incidents has increased at the state level because of problems with an employee at the Kansas State Lottery.
We have formed a CTC Security Council to formulate policy, to craft the documentation, and to serve as a clearinghouse for security concerns. We have used what we have done to train new employees and in a variety of other contexts.
If you become aware of any incidents that are suspicious please contact me or the manager in charge of the type of system affected. We want to minimize our exposure to tampering with data, altering systems, and misusing the FHSU systems.
The CTC systems and networking staff have worked hard to minimize our risk, but vulnerabilities remain. Hackers target systems accessible over the Internet. Servers are often targeted because they are more open to the Internet and partly because more resources are available on servers than on ordinary PCs. You might think that servers are machines housed behind glass in the CTC, but that is not always the case. When students in the dorms or others load Napster on their PCs, those machines are vulnerable in a way that they were not before. Others can view files on those machines and experienced hackers can take control of a number of functions -- functions that the user may not expect an outsider to use.
Sometimes vendors have valid reasons to update information on campus machines from the Internet. Occasionally other users find vulnerabilities and use those machines to store files and to share files with others. Some machines are used by sophisticated users to launch attacks on others, so that the attacks appear to come from here (even though they are launched remotely). If our machines are used to attack others, we respond quickly when we are notified. These cases are rare, but they can happen.
The newly switched network in all academic buildings has helped reduce some security concerns. We look forward to extending that network to Sheridan and to other non-classroom buildings. We will highlight some policies and our rationale for specific policies in this or other newsletters and in a variety of training settings.
CTC HelpDesk
News
by Nancy Geier, HelpDesk Supervisor
HelpDesk Services Available
The CTC HelpDesk is a focal point for access to FHSU computing and telecommunication systems. Two major functions of the office are handling applications and support for Internet Dial-Up Accounts and providing computing-related services and information to students through Student Office Systems (SOS).
CTC HelpDesk hours and detailed information about the services provided by the CTC HelpDesk may be viewed at http://www.fhsu.edu/ctc/helpdesk/. Instructions for accessing Lotus Notes from off campus, the Computing Survival Guide, and other helpful information are also available from our web site.
We are located in Tomanek Hall, Room 113. For all services other than Media Equipment Checkout, please contact the HelpDesk at (785) 628-5276 or by sending E-mail to helpdesk@fhsu.edu.
Media Equipment Checkout
The Media Equipment Checkout service (also located in TH113) can be contacted at (785) 628-5521. Equipment checkout is available during regular University office hours (8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday). If necessary, arrangements for pick up and drop off during evening hours can be made; however, all arrangements must be made with the Media Equipment staff between 8am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday.
Attention New Faculty & Staff. . .
Here's how to apply for Internet service through
FHSU
FHSU provides Internet service to faculty, staff, and students through Internet Dial-Up accounts. Dial-up enables you to use your computer's modem to connect to the Internet by 'dialing in' to FHSU's remote access server. By using telnet software, the connection also enables you to access the IBM mainframe and UNIX servers. There are some minimum system requirements a computer must meet in order to do dial-up.
If you are interested in applying for an account, just stop by the CTC HelpDesk (Tomanek Hall, Room 113) to complete an application. A photo ID is required. There is no service fee for faculty or staff accounts.
For more information about Internet Dial-Up accounts or other services provided by the CTC HelpDesk, view our web site. Welcome to Fort Hays - we hope you have a great semester!
Where to Find E-MAIL Addresses
Student E-mail addresses can be found by using FHSU's E-mail address search page at http://www.fhsu.edu/esearch/. Faculty and staff E-mail addresses can be found in the FHSU Address Book on the Lotus Notes Client.
CTC HelpDesk Hours
Spring 2001 Regular Hours
Mon-Thurs.................8am - 10pm
Friday.........................8am - 5pm
Saturday.....................CLOSED
Sunday.......................7pm - 10pm
Spring Break Hours
Mar. 17 & 18................CLOSED
Mar. 19 - 23..................8am - 5pm
Mar. 24.........................CLOSED
Mar. 25.........................7pm - 10pm
Mar. 26.........................Resume regular
hours
For more information, visit our web site. Office hours are subject to change. The hours are posted on our web site and they are also posted outside our office (TH113).
User
Services News
by Viv Zimmerman, User Services
Hours and System Availability. .
CMS Availability Policy
CMS is available after 7am until midnight Monday through Friday. The systems are up and running unattended on holidays and from 2:30am Saturday until 7am Monday morning.
CICS Administrative Databases and SWS Availability Policy
The CICS administrative databases and Student Web Services (SWS) are up from 6am to 10pm Monday through Thursday and 6am to 5pm on Friday. They run unattended from 6am to 7am each of those days and also unattended from 2:30am Saturday through 7am Monday and on holidays.
Dispatch Window Hours
Spring semester hours for the CTC Dispatch Window
(TH111) are:
Mondays-Thursdays....................7am - 10pm
Fridays........................................7am
- 5pm
Weekends...................................CLOSED
CTC Labs Spring Semester Hours
(Effective January 16 through May 11, 2001)
These are the hours that the CTC Tomanek Hall
computer labs will have for the Spring 2001 semester. Hours will be modified
for spring break week and Easter weekend.
Mondays-Thursdays....................8am - 10pm
Fridays........................................8am
- 5pm
Saturdays....................................1pm
- 5pm
Sundays......................................3pm
- 10pm
CTC Labs Spring Break Week Hrs
(Effective March 17 through March 25)
Saturdays, Mar 17 & 24............................CLOSED
Sunday, Mar 18.........................................CLOSED
Monday-Friday, Mar 19-23.......................8am
- 5pm
Sunday, Mar 25.........................................6pm
- 10pm
Regular hours resume, Monday, March 26.
CTC Labs Easter Weekend Hours
Saturday, Apr 14.......................................CLOSED
Sunday, Apr 15.........................................6pm
- 10pm
Regular hours resume Monday, April 16.
As always, if you have questions, feedback, comments or suggestions regarding our labs, please let us know. For more information about our services or hours, visit our web site at http://www.fhsu.edu/ctc/labs/ or stop by TH127 (next to the elevator) and check with the lab monitor on duty.
CTC Newsletters on the Web
For your convenience, we have past CTC newsletters posted on the web at http://www.fhsu.edu/ctc/newsletters/news.html . There are a number of newsletters out there if you are interested in viewing them.
Because of the recent intrusion by a hacker, we are requiring all Lotus Notes users to change their "Internet" passwords for Lotus Notes. This is the password that is used when accessing Lotus Notes from the Web interface or via the POP3 server. User accounts will not have Web or POP3 access to their accounts until they change this password. The information to change both the Client and Internet passwords follows. Now might be a good time to change both passwords.
Changing Your LN Client Password
If you are using the LN Client and want to change the password, follow these steps:
Passwords are case sensitive and must have at least four characters. You may use letters, numbers, or a combination of letters and numbers. Try not to use a password that is easily guessed. Never use "lotusnotes", your "LN ID", "the last four numbers of your SSN", or anything that would be easily guessed such as your "birthday" or "phone number" as the password. Be sure to change your password anytime you feel that is has been compromised.
The password always goes with the user ID. It is specific to the user.id file on the computer that you are working on. The password is secure; it never goes out over the network.
Changing Your LN Internet Password
We recommend that each time you change your LN Client password you also change your LN Internet password just for the sake of convenience. It will be easier to remember the passwords if you keep these passwords the same. However, the passwords may be different if you so choose.
For the average user who is just occasionally checking E-mail from home or looking at the calendar, it may be easier to do this using the browser. The browser address for checking your E-mail/calendar when you are away from your desk or from home is tiger.fhsu.edu .
You must logon to the LN Client to change your LN Internet password; if you use LN through browser access only, contact Viv at 4031 or Jane at 5819 to change your password. Follow these instructions to change your Internet password:
Use the following instructions to load this database to one of your LN Bookmark folders (Favorites or Databases) for later reference:
Replacing Your Mail DB Design
If the Lotus Notes Client software on your on-campus computer does not have some of the buttons or features of LN 5.0, it may be because you have not replaced your mail database design. In order to gain the benefits of the LN 5.0 features, your mail database must be updated to the Mail (R5.0) version. This should only be done after the LN Client software on your on-campus PC has been upgraded to version 5.0.
If you do not replace your mail database design, you will not have all of the buttons and toolbars
that are available through LN 5.0 and will be unable to use some of the enhanced "bells and whistles" on either the Client or the browser versions.
If you have updated your LN Client mail database and these features do not work properly, you can repeat the command to replace the design on your on-campus PC database by doing the following:
If you have any questions or problems with these instructions, please contact us at the CTC HelpDesk for assistance.
FHSU CTC Handbooks Database
We've created an R5 Beginning Lotus Notes Client Handbook in a database on Lotus Notes. It contains basic information to aid you with answers to questions that you may have in getting started using version 5.0.
Use the following instructions to load this database to one of your LN Bookmark folders (Favorites or Databases) for later reference:
It's Your Responsibility. . .
It is the responsibility of each Lotus Notes user to keep his/her LN FHSU Address Book information updated. Many campus users check the electronic directory when looking up phone number and office location information. In addition, the on-line LN requests also use the information contained in the FHSU Address Book for retrieving information for Requests for Services, Workflow applications, and security form routing.
Please check your information to ensure that it is correct. Check the following fields under the Work tab: Title, Company, Department Name, Location, Manager (make sure to pick from the drop-down box), Office Phone, FAX Phone, Pager and Department Number (six digit budget number).
The fields under the Home tab are optional; however, if you'd like, you can fill in your Street address, City, State/province, Zip/postal code, Country, Home phone, FAX phone, and Spouse information. The address book is simple to update. Follow these instructions:
CTC
2000 Statistics
by Jane Rajewski, Information
Center Manager
|
|
|
| Requests for Computing Services | 5,026 |
| Telecommunication Requests | 1,182 |
| CMS Accounts | 422 |
| Faculty/Staff CICS Accounts | 700 |
| Internet Dial-up Accounts | 1,707 |
| Bigcat Accounts | 498 |
| Scatcat Accounts | 6,545 |
| Phone Lines | 1,878 |
| Voice Mail Boxes | 1,758 |
| Lotus Notes Accounts | 1,954 |
| # of Network Accounts | 1,500 |
| # of TEVAL Sheets Processed | 36,293 |
| # of Test Sheets Scanned | 28,995 |
| # of Tests Scanned | 1,050 |
Computer
Usage and Possible Vision Problems
by Cheryl Helget, Network Administrator
I found this article, TO YOUR HEALTH: The eyes have it, edited by RON MCFARLANE, on one of my lists and it provides some interesting information regarding computer usage and eye problems. The following information comes from the article.
If you spend hour after hour in front of a computer, carpal tunnel syndrome isn't the only hazard you're facing. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), the complex of eye and vision problems associated with using a computer, can result in sore eyes, slowness in changing of the focus of the eye, and contact lens discomfort.
Dr. James Sheedy, clinical professor at the University of California at Berkeley, chief of the Computer Eye Clinic, and contributing editor to AllAboutVision.com recommends several easy ways to improve your environment and prevent CVS - both in the office and at home.
"Patients who suffer from eye and vision problems, in addition to physical pain, may not realize their computer can be the culprit," notes Dr. Sheedy.
Symptoms of CVS include sore eyes or eye fatigue, burning, dryness or redness of the eyes, contact lens discomfort, near blurred vision, blur in distance vision after near work, slowness in changing the focus of the eyes (distance to near and back) and glare (light) sensitivity. In addition to these symptoms, CVS has other far-reaching effects on your body, including headache, neck and shoulder pain, and backache. And while it takes some time for a person to develop CVS, it can also take a lengthy period of time to recover.
"Through simple, effective changes in your environment you can make life much easier on your eyes," notes Dr. Sheedy. Your computer screen should be located in front of you, with the center of the screen 10-20 degrees (4-8 inches) lower than your eyes. Reflections in your computer screen can be eliminated with an anti-reflection screen, and you can manage glare from overhead lights and windows with curtains or blinds, or by changing the location of your computer in a room.
Dr. Sheedy includes other tips for CVS prevention in his column on AllAboutVision.com. For more information visit http://www.allaboutvision.com .
In this issue of the CTC Newsletter, we'd like to feature Mike Nease, Microcomputer System Support Manager. Mike joined the CTC micro staff full-time five years ago. He had previously worked at the CTC as a student micro services technician since 1991.
Mike was born and raised in Hays. He and his wife, Wendy, make Hays their home. He attended FHSU and earned two B.S. degrees - one in Physics and the other in Mathematics.
In his spare time, Mike enjoys flying model airplanes,
food, travel, biking, and has been learning golf. Some of his favorite
web sites are: www.tiaa-cref.org,
www.dilbert.com,
www.wunderground.com,
and also
www.tucows.com