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Computing
and Telecommunication Center Newsletter
Spring 2005 |
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CTC
News and Other Bytes . . . |
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| From
Dave's Desk |
| by
Dr. David Schmidt, Director |
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Pervasive Comuting
(Every student has a laptop.)
Pervasive
computing is a term used to refer to the one on one program,
programs that require every student to have a laptop or
other computing device. Many prefer this term to "laptop
university" in part because it recognizes that there
are other devices, such as powerful cell phones, Blackberry
e-mail devices, etc. These devices are often wireless devices
so they can be used across campus and off-campus.
ITPAC
members and other faculty members have participated in a
variety of activities. Some faculty have gone to Wake Forest,
some have been in a conference call with Winona State University
(with their CIO and Technical Coordinator), some in a conference
call with a faculty member at Winona State, and some in
other discussions.
The
following are some observations:
* At
Wake Forest it was noted that most students do not carry
laptops to class because they are perceived as one more
"heavy" item. They will bring them to class for
special projects when required. This surprised most of us.
* A
professor from Winona State noted the same thing, so he
required the students to bring their laptops to every class.
* Wake
Forest recently completed a wireless (wifi) build
out, and students use their laptops extensively
in collaborative settings across campus. They like to take
their laptops to the library, to the coffee shop, to various
lounge areas, etc. They can easily communicate with each
other in these settings using chat, e-mail, and file sharing.
* The
wifi build out underscores the importance of infrastructure
that supports the laptops. Having a wireless infrastructure
that supports the mobility of laptops makes them much more
useful and increases their value to all users. The wireless
adds considerable value to their use on campus, and perhaps
off-campus to those who have wireless in their apartments.
Note that FHSU is evaluating plans for a complete wireless
build out. We are currently pursuing a wireless build out
for public areas for every academic building.
*
There is extensive out-of-class use of
laptops. There are many academic uses: Google searches,
document exchanges, accessing Blackboard, instant messaging
with school-related questions, working on digital portfolios,
doing blogs, writing papers, checking administrative information
(including transcript), etc.
* The
laptop also typically operates as a primary entertainment
device too. Students download music, do instant messaging,
surf the web, make on-line purchases, store digital images,
and other things -- so it needs to be configured to handle
heavy duty uses.
* Winona
State University used to have traditional laptops, but after
reviewing the uses of mobile tablets they now require tablets.
They use the convertible machines, machines with dual use
(tablet and keyboard use). The screen swivels over the keyboard
when used as a tablet. The tablets are handy for taking
notes using the supplied pen. These pens are also used for
annotation and for creating diagrams. There are translation
applications that can convert writing to text, if that is
desired.
* After
the introduction of tablets, faculty noticed that more students
were bringing them to class. They used them primarily for
note taking. Writing on a tablet surface is probably less
intrusive and less off-putting than typing on a keyboard
during meetings. When a person puts up the screen and starts
typing, this can create a kind of barrier between them and
others. When the tablet is placed on the table, it is more
like writing on a note pad. So, users are more likely to
use them in this way than typing their notes. Staff members
also started taking their tablets to meetings.
* Students
do not necessarily know the Microsoft Office
Suite well. They often do not have a real mastery of Excel,
for example, until they are forced by an instructor to use
it. So, the instructor role in requiring the use of software
remains quite important. This illustrates the point that
faculty acceptance of laptop computing is one of the main
components in its success on campus.
* Wake
Forest chose to mandate a single platform. In their case,
it was an IBM laptop. This was a difficult choice for them
because they had been mostly a Mac campus. Winona State
decided to promote two platforms: the Apple iBook
and the Gateway tablet. There is a tradeoff.
On the one hand supporting two platforms costs more. On
the other, certain departments typically have graduates
that use one type of platform or the other in the "real"
world. Apple is widely used in K-12 and in desktop publishing
environments, for example.
*
Both campuses had very good support infrastructure. If a
hard drive goes bad on a laptop, technicians fix it quickly.
If the laptop has a serious hardware failure, replacement
laptops are ready. Some of the instructional support (for
Microsoft Office) has been out-sourced (it is web-based
support at Winona State). Both campuses had HelpDesk support
that students use extensively.
* Both
campuses had extensive site-licenses for software. Both
had the Microsoft suite of software, SPSS,
SAS, GIS software, Macromedia, and Adobe
software. Some of the software must be accessed using a
key. The software is loaded onto the machine, but it can
only be used when the laptop is connected to the network
so its use can be tracked. Licensing is done by the number
of concurrent users, and this helps keep costs down.
* Most
participants cited "leveling the playing field"
as an important reason to require laptops. Faculty can assume
that the students have certain software (and hardware).
They can make assignments accordingly.
* There are two main approaches in requiring all full-time
students to have laptops. One approach specifies the requirements
and students bring their own laptop. The other approach
requires students to buy (or lease) the same make and model
of laptop from a provider. Winona State allowed students
to bring their own laptops for a time. The problem with
this is that the instructor often spends much class time
to handle computer problems. By standardizing the laptops
are configured for wireless, have the right print drivers,
have the right version of the software, have standard virus
control, etc. This minimizes the problems for the instructors
and the support staff.
* There
is an important implication in the argument for standardization.
Faculty should have the same laptop (with the same software)
as the students. This assists the faculty member in preparing
for class because if the software works as advertised on
his or her machine, it will work on all of the student machines.
* When
Dr. Pat Paulson from Winona State University was asked about
the key components of a successful pervasive computing initiative
he replied: 1) Faculty buy-in to the program is essential.
If the laptops are not used in or out of class, they have
little value. 2) Faculty training is essential. Small mini-classes
and web-based training have had some success. Providing
direction for course design is also important. 3) Standardizing
the laptop units greatly reduces classroom problems in using
the laptops in the classroom. If this is not done, faculty
members spend a lot of time on technical issues.
* Dr.
Paulson reported that the students who have used the laptop
computers for several years have better skills and are more
confident in the workplace. Wake Forest also reported that
employers often hired their graduates over those of other
schools because of their computer skills.
* Faculty
members who have taught classes using the laptops report
that they do not want to go back to the pre-laptop era.
They strongly prefer the laptop environment. Students who
have used the laptops for several years also do not want
to give them up. At Winona State they can purchase the laptop
for $25 after their senior year (assuming they have been
there for at least two years). back
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Welcome
and Congratulations |
Welcome
New Employee
The
CTC would like to welcome Mark Cook as
a new full-time microcomputer support technician. He received
his associate's degree in electronics from DeVry Institute
of Technology in Kansas City, Missouri.
Mark
previously worked at Nex-Tech as a service technician in
the networking department. At Nex-Tech he performed hardware
and software troubleshooting on computers and printer repair.
While in Kansas City, he worked as an electronics technician
at Basic Business Products as a technician recharging toner
cartridges. In his pastime, Mark enjoys bowling, computers,
electronics, and spending time with family and friends.
Congratulations
Congratulations
to Jackie Ruder (CTC Programmer/Analyst)
and her husband Chad on the birth of their second daughter,
Amy Lynn, born on February 13, 2005. Amy weighed 7 pounds
11 ounces and was 21 inches long. She has a big sister,
Shannon, to welcome her home also. Mother and baby are doing
fine. back
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Information
Center News
by Jane Rajewski, Manager |
Test
Scanning and Scoring |
As
we approach the end of the semester and finals, please remember
that 150 question answer sheets are available for pick-up
at the Dispatch Window (TH111). Please make sure the students
use No. 2 pencils, fill the bubbles completely and erase
cleanly. Boxes of No. 2 pencils for classroom use are available
at the Dispatch Window. Return the answer sheet, student
score sheets and a completed test scanning request form
to the Dispatch Window. Your test will be scored and the
requested reports printed within 24 hours, M-F. You will
be notified when the job is completed. Please refer any
questions or concerns to Jane Rajewski at
5819 or Alvin Hearne at
5687. back
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CICS
Logon Problems |
After several incorrect password attempts at logging onto
CICS, your ID is disabled. Before you can logon, you'll need
to have it reset. Please contact Jane Rajewski
at 5819. back
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CICS Password
Changes |
Having
a protected password is essential to the security of the information
that you have on your account and the protection and privacy
of the information that you may have access to on CICS. We
encourage you to periodically change your Lotus Notes and
CICS passwords. If at any time you feel that your CICS password
may have been jeopardized or would like to have it changed,
please e-mail Jane Rajewski at jrajewsk@fhsu.edu.
Include in the note your CICS ID, current CICS password and
what you would like for your CICS new password (up to 8 characters).
You will be notified via LN when to start using the new password.
back
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User Services
News
by Viv Zimmerman, User Services/IFAS Security |
CTC Labs Hours |
|
Fall/Spring
CTC Regular Lab Hours |
| Mondays
- Thursdays |
8am
- 10pm |
| Fridays |
8am
- 5pm |
| Saturdays |
1pm
- 5pm |
| Sundays |
3pm
- 10pm |
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On-line
Registration |
Luci
Williams and Judy Channel of the
Registrar's Office held training for on-line registration
(OLR) during March. This was just prior to the actual spring
2005 registration.
Fourteen
faculty were trained. The training is mandatory for any
advisor who wishes to register advisees. We will not be
able to offer these workshops again until October, 2005.
If
you are interested in attending the OLR workshops this fall
to learn how to register your advisees, contact Jane
Rajewski at 5819 to start the
security form process. back
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LN 5.0 Hints
& Tips . . . |
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Check/Update
Your LN FHSU Address Book Entry |
If
you haven't checked your entry in the LN FHSU Address book
lately, please take a few minutes to do so. Click on the Work/Home
tab and make sure that the Location field
contains your correct office location (Ex. TH101) and that
the Office Phone field contains your correct
office phone number (Ex (785) 628-4235)) and that the Office
Number field contains the spelled out address (Example:
Tomanek Hall 101). Most of the information in the FHSU Address
Book is correct; however, occasionally someone moves to another
office and forgets to change this information. Many LN users
utilize the LN FHSU Address Book for finding phone numbers
and we would like to keep this information as current as possible.
Thank you for your prompt assistance in ensuring that this
information is correct. If you need assistance updating your
information, contact Viv at 4031.
back
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Account
/ ID Maintenance |
With
the end of the fall semester rapidly approaching, it is important
that you notify Viv Zimmerman at vzimmerm@fhsu.edu
whenever faculty, staff, or student employees terminate employment
with your office so that we can remove their IDs and update
our mailing groups and security tables.
It
is imperative that all security is removed for those who
no longer work in your office. back
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Use
E-mail Caution |
Always be cautious whenever you receive unsolicited e-mail
from individuals, banks, or companies that you do not know.
It's always a good idea to delete these types of notes without
even opening them. Be extra cautious of unsolicited notes
that contain questions regarding personal or financial information
or those that send attachments asking for this information.
Many times the link included with these notes goes to someone
other than the business, bank, or organization that you think
it is. Once you respond with your personal information, they
have it for possible fraudulent purposes. It's also usually
not wise to open attachments included in unsolicited notes
because they may contain viruses that can infect your computer.
When in doubt about a note, delete it. The sender can always
contact you and resend the note it if it's something important.
back
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| Adding Links
to LN Notes |
In
Lotus Notes, it is simple to include a link in a note. In
the body of the note, enter the complete URL such
as the following: http://www.fhsu.edu/ctc/labs/
. It is also recommended that you leave a space between the
last character of your link and the period if your link is
at the end of a sentence as shown in the above example. It
will not look like a link in the note that you are composing
but it will look and function as a link in the recipient's
note.
Another method for putting a link into
a note is to copy the link from the URL address box from
Internet Explorer and paste it into your note. Either method
works well. back
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Telecom Services
News |
Blackboard
FAQ Web Site
by
Robin Grathwohl, Tiger Info Supervisor |
Tiger
Info has created a new Web site containing Blackboard frequently
asked questions. The page was composed using information from
the Tiger Info Knowledgebase. Topics included within the Web
site include a wide variety of Blackboard issues, such as
taking tests, viewing Tegrity presentations, Discussion Board
instructions, and much more. The page can be viewed by clicking
on the "Problems? Please visit the Blackboard FAQs"
link on the Blackboard login page and also by clicking the
"Help" icon within Blackboard. back
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Cell
Phone Contact Information |
Along
with recently establishing a new cell phone contract with
Alltel, FHSU has also implemented a Cell Phone Policy and
Agreement. Below you will find the correct individuals to
contact for various cell phone issues: |
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Summary
of Cell Phone Duties |
Robin Grathwohl: |
-
Creation
of New Accounts; Deactivation of Old Accounts
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Plan Changes
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Ordering of Phones/Accessories
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Damaged Phones
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Cell Phone Agreement Forms
-
Request for Telecommunication Service Inquires
|
Mike Barnett: |
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Darlene Schippers: |
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Tech Support
1-877-397-9244 |
Requests
for Telecommunication Services must be submitted
for creation, deactivation, ordering, and changes made to
any cell phone account.
If
you have any questions, please contact me by phone at 628-4110
or by e-mail at rgrathwo@fhsu.edu.
back
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Guest Article
. . .
by
Suzanne Klaus, FHSU Web Site Manager |
BHP (Bigcat
Housecleaning Project)
|
I
can safely say that almost nobody dislikes cleaning house
more than I do. There are so many other things that are much
more fun to do. But, I do it because I can't stand the clutter
or the dust either. So, that is what I am going to talk about
in this issue of the CTC newsletter — specifically in
regard to housecleaning on Bigcat, our main Web server.
When we adopted the FHSU template 2 ½
years ago, the suffix for most files changed from html to
shtml. As I do routine checks in departmental directories,
I noticed that some have saved both versions rather than
deleting the old version. This creates problems for readers
who use search engines to find your pages in that they often
get the older version. So, if you are concerned about losing
important past information, archive it somewhere on your
computer, burn it to a CD or back it up some other way.
Then delete the old files from your directory on Bigcat.
The house cleaning process also should
include graphics and photos. They take up space and clutter
up the joint. On the same note, your directory on Bigcat
should not be used as a backup storage facility. There are
other places available for that.
This is a great time to do a clean-up because
the server administrators are starting the transition to
a new server and it would be nice to only have to move necessary
files.
If you need help with the house cleaning
— on Bigcat, not at your house — let me know.
We have helped a couple of departments already. In one case,
we were able to reduce the number of items in the directory
from over 400 to 48. Not only will that save space, but
it will make it much easier for that departmental webmaster
to maintain the site.
So, put on the music, grab your mouse and
commence the BHP.
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Network and
Microcomputer Services
by Mark Griffin, Manager of Servers and
Desktop Systems |
Move to New Web Server |
We
are in the process of migrating our main FHSU web server to
a new platform. We will be moving from an AIX based system
running IPlanet web server software to a Linux based system
running Apache web server software. This will move our web
server to a more "standard" type of web server making
support for new web applications a bit simpler. Additionally,
we will be saving some money on support costs for AIX.
The
problem with moving to a different platform is that there
is a good possibility that some of the web pages will break.
In an attempt to keep the number of problems to a minimum,
we are asking that individuals check their web pages on
the new server that is temporarily named (http://www3.fhsu.edu).
You will need to go to your specific page to really test
the web access. For example, the CTC web page is available
at http://www3.fhsu.edu/ctc
. We will be in this testing mode from now until the end
of the semester. About a week after finals, we will make
the cut over to the new server. If you do not have your
pages tested before then, then you will be at the mercy
of the CTC staff and the waiting line to get pages fixed
after the cut over is made. If everyone can take the time
over the next month or so to check their pages it will make
the migration simpler for everyone in the long run. We appreciate
everyone's help with getting this move done as quickly and
painlessly as possible.
If
you have questions regarding your web pages on the new server,
please feel free to send me an e-mail at mgriffin@fhsu.edu
or call me at 4026. Thank you for your
time and cooperation. back
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Spam |
I
have had several e-mails recently from various faculty and
staff complaining about the pornographic spam that has been
coming into their e-mail. I completely understand your frustration,
and can assure you that we are trying to combat this problem.
Our anti-spam appliance is still blocking a large portion
of these types of e-mails, but spammers are relentless in
constantly coming up with new ways to get around our filters.
This will be a constant give and take situation. The spammers
will get more stuff through for awhile, then we will catch
up for awhile, then they will bypass us again. My best recommendation
is to keep deleting this junk and please do not respond to
these e-mails. Thank you for your patience and cooperation
in dealing with this problem. back
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Spyware/Adware/Malware
--- What Is It and What You Can Do to Protect Yourself?
by
Derek Johnson, Student Assistant Server Administrator |
The
past few years have been interesting for the Internet community.
Between illegal file sharing, Trojans, viruses, worms, spam,
and crackers (note: hackers are not the people who break into
your computers), the Internet has almost become a "ghetto"
of communications mediums. While many of these inflictions
cause us great trauma when unprepared, I focus today on a
growing and evermore popular threat to the afflicted Internet
surfer: spyware and adware. Malware is often a term given
to these two types of software, because they generally cause
malicious problems with your computer. Fortunately for you
Mac and Linux users out there, though there are threats out
there aimed at your computers, the significant majority attack
Windows 95 / 98 / ME / 2000 / XP / 2003 machines.
back
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Spyware |
From
Wikipedia, "strictly defined, spyware consists of
computer software that gathers and reports information about
a computer user without the user's knowledge or consent."
Generally speaking, it's a program that explicitly and illegally
tracks information on your computer, and could potentially
obtain some very private data, including your social security
number, credit card numbers, and passwords. Symptoms of Spyware
may include, but are not limited to:
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Slow surfing on the Internet
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Unstable computer (crashes, blue screens, etc…)
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Noticeable degradation in system performance back
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Adware |
Again,
from Wikipedia, "Adware or advertising-supported
software is any software application in which advertisements
are displayed while the program is running." This
program may not be visible to you as the user. It may run
in the background without your knowledge. Symptoms of Adware
may include, but are not limited to:
|
A
distinction needs to be made between advertisements, and adware.
While visiting a website, you may often experience another
window opening with some form of solicitation. Though this
is annoying and generally frowned upon by the Internet and
programming communities, this does not necessarily mean you
have spyware. If, however, you experience pop-ups even after
your browser has been closed for a few seconds, then that
may be a sign that you have some nasty programs to remove.
back
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How to Prevent
Spyware/Adware |
There
are several ways you can prevent the installation of spyware.
1.
If using Internet Explorer, never click "Yes" when
asked to install extra software or ActiveX controls unless
you are absolutely sure it is safe. For instance,
if you have visited Macromedia's website to install Flash
player, it is OK to click "Yes". Or, if you are
visiting Windows Updates, it is generally OK. However, if
visiting a website for the first time, and you are approached
by a pop-up to install software, always click "No".
2.
Use an alternative Internet Browser. The latest browser
making headlines is Mozilla Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org).
It is not as susceptible to the common ailments of Internet
Explorer, such as ActiveX. However, this comes at a price.
Some websites have been specifically coded for Internet Explorer
(like Windows Update), so you must switch back and forth between
browsers, depending on the website. Fort Hays State University's
website is compatible with several different types of browsers.
3.
Install Anti-Spyware software. Well, there's anti-virus,
there was bound to be anti-spyware. Microsoft purchased company
GIANT Software, and obtained some pretty great anti-spyware
software. It's still in Beta, but the beta's better than any
other anti-spyware available to date. The Full version is
expected to be released in March, 2005, but you can download
the beta by doing a search for "AntiSpyware" on
Microsoft's website (http://www.microsoft.com).
4.
When installing software, be sure to skim the End User License
Agreement (EULA – yes, the long text at the beginning
of a software installation that nulls the software company
of all responsibilities) looking for mention of software designed
to display advertisements or track your personal information.
If you think a certain program installs piggybacking
adware/spyware, don't install it and look for an alternative
program to do the same thing. A good place to look for free/open-source
software is SourceForge (http://www.sf.net).
5.
Install a firewall, such as ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com),
to monitor your Internet activity and prevent intrusion from
unwanted applications. Firewalls can also help stop
adware/spyware from reporting information back to their central
servers, meaning your information would be safe. The Windows
Firewall will prevent incoming attacks, but will do nothing
to stop outgoing information.
6.
Make sure you have Antivirus installed, and keep it up to
date! Check with your vendor to ensure that your
auto-update feature is working properly.
7.
You can try a blocklist file, which will prevent your computer
from accessing certain IP addresses or websites.
This can prevent the installation of spyware/adware, and/or
the transmission of data from an already infected machine.
However, blocklists are black & white, meaning it does
not use any intelligence to block spyware. http://www.spywareguide.com/blockfile.php
8.
Visit windowsupdate.microsoft.com at least once a week to
check for the latest updates, or configure Automatic Updates
(check Microsoft's website for more information on this).
back
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How do I Check
for Spyware/Adware and Remove It? |
|
As with most things, there are two different
ways to remove this software: the easy way, and the hard way.
There seems to be no middle ground.
The
easy way…
* Visit this helpful site for instructions: http://home.earthlink.net/~doniteli/index73.htm
*
Open Add/Remove Programs
*
Search through the list of programs to see if you recognize
any of them. For programs that you do not recognize, compare
them to the list from the website above.
*
If you find a program listed on the website, try to remove
the application. Note, this may take several minutes to complete,
depending on how deeply it integrated into your system.
*
If you find a program that you don't know what it is, but
it is not listed on the website, continue onto the hard way.
The
Hard Way…
The hard way could also be called the "Brute Force"
method. Basically, we're going to install an application that
will search through your computer, find files that have been
identified as known spyware/adware, and remove them. Do note
that doing this may cause instability in your computer, depending
on the type of infection.
*
Download Microsoft AntiSpy (http://www.microsoft.com),
AdAware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com),
or Spybot S&D (http://www.safer-networking.org),
and install it. All three are 100% free.
*
Open the application and follow the instructions to perform
a full system search for spyware/adware. I can't list the
instructions here, as this document would be 30 pages long.
Consult the respective vendor's website (check the forums,
too) for more information on how to search for and remove
spyware/adware. back
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Frequently Asked
Questions about Spyware/Adware: |
Q:
I get a pop-up telling me I have spyware. Is this true?
A: Probably not. These are usually advertisements trying to
goad you into purchasing their product to remove spyware.
Sometimes, these products are spyware themselves! Close the
browser window, and ignore them.
Q:
Can I get virus or spyware from a webpage?
A: Yes. Many times websites will use ActiveX to install their
malicious code into your computer. Once it's installed, it
integrates itself very deeply into the operating system, often
causing instability and poor performance.
Q:
I ran an adware/spyware remover, and now my computer is worse
than it was before! What happened?
A: There are two possibilities for this. 1: the spyware/adware
that was removed was integrated so deeply into your system
(replacing system files), then when removing it, the operating
system was still looking for the removed files. Unfortunately,
this may mean you will have to reinstall your operating system.
Consult with a technician for more details. 2: the program
you used to remove spyware was spyware in and of itself. Uninstall
the program, then download one of the recommended programs
in this series.
Q:
Which is worse: Spyware or Adware?
A: Actually, Adware isn't always that bad. For instance, when
using CuteFTP, advertisements may be displayed in the program
to help cover the costs of distributing the program for free.
These ads are out of the way, and are safe to click. However,
when it begins displaying ads when the program is closed,
that's when the adware has crossed the line. Spyware is generally
considered the worse of the two, because it's a "data
miner," and can run without your knowledge.
Q:
Is there a list of known applications that contain spyware
and/or adware?
A: There are several lengthy lists of applications that contain
spyware (search: list of spyware). Here are some examples:
AOL Instant Messenger, AOL ICQ, Download Accelerator Plus,
FlashGet, Ezula, Gator, Go!Zilla, Grokster, Hotbar, Kazaa,
MySearchBar, Real Jukebox, and WeatherBug. If you are interested
in a more comprehensive list, check eTrust's website: http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/pest/browse.aspx
back
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More Resources: |
| http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/pest/
http://www.cexx.org/adware.htm
http://www.spyware-support.com/resources/spyware-infected-applications.html
http://www.spywareguide.com/index.php |
| |
CTC HelpDesk
News
by Nancy Cunningham, HelpDesk Supervisor
|
Wireless Internet
Access Under Development |
Wireless
Internet access on the FHSU campus is growing, and has now
been completed in several locations:
-
Forsyth Library
-
Rarick Hall (all of second floor and most of first and third
floor)
-
Memorial Union (most of first floor, selected rooms on second
floor)
- Tomanek
Hall (most of first floor, selected areas on second floor
and third floor)
-
Davis Hall (most of the building).
There
are plans to put wireless access in all of the public areas
in every academic building during 2005 starting with Stroup
Hall. All wireless networks on campus require an 802.11b or
802.11g wireless card to connect.
There
is no charge for wireless Internet service. It is available
to current students, faculty, and staff. For more information
or to set up your wireless account, contact Dan Pfeifer
at dpfeifer@fhsu.edu
or (785) 628-4038 or stop by the CTC HelpDesk.
back
to top |
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FHSU Recommendations for New Computer Purchase |
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Your
passwords are only as secure as you make
them. Think for a moment about the types of information your
passwords are protecting. Anyone who can guess your passwords
can access your information or pose as you, and you can be
held responsible for anything they might do. How secure are
your passwords? – Ask yourself:
*
Do my passwords have at least 6 characters?
*
Are they easy to guess?
*
Do my passwords contain all lower case letters?
*
Have I used any of the following as a password: login name,
birthday, phone number, social security number (or part of
it), or someone's name?
*
Have I ever shared a password with others?
*
If someone else learned my password, did I change it?
*
When was the last time I changed my passwords?
Here
are some simple password rules to follow:
*
DO use at least 6 characters in a password; 8 characters would
be even better.
*
DO use both upper and lower case, with alphanumeric and special
characters.
*
DO use a password that is easy for you to remember, but hard
for someone else to guess.
*
DO use a password that you can type quickly, without having
to look at the keyboard. Also try to make it difficult for
someone to follow if they are watching you type.
*
DO change your passwords frequently – a good rule of
thumb is to change them at least every six months. Passwords
to sensitive information should be changed more often.
*
DO change passwords or remove access to systems that departing
employees have used.
*
DON'T give your passwords to ANYONE. If others need access,
they should obtain their own passwords.
*
DON'T write passwords down. This is as good as giving them
to anyone who finds them. If you need to write a password
down until you can remember it, keep it in a safe place –
and then shred it after you have memorized it.
*
DON'T use a name, login name, date, phone number, address,
social security number, etc. Also, NEVER use the word "password"!
*
DON'T put a space in your password. Spaces and some special
characters may not work in some systems.
*
DON'T use the same password for everything. While it is sometimes
OK to use the same password for multiple systems, choose unique
passwords to protect sensitive information.
*
DON'T save your password in e-mail clients or other programs,
such as online services. While this may be OK for less sensitive
uses, it generally is not a good idea. It can be relatively
easy for others to obtain passwords from inside these programs.
Some viruses can also access and distribute passwords.
If
you have forgotten a password or need help changing a password
for a Fort Hays State University system, contact the
CTC HelpDesk for assistance. back
to top |
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Tips for choosing
good passwords: |
|
* Choose a line from a song or a phrase
that you can remember. Then create a password with at least
8 characters, using upper and lowercase letters and numbers
to represent each word. For example: "You eat ice cream
for desert" could be: uEtiC4dT
*
Use a keystroke sequence that is easy to remember, but not
easy to guess or follow, with numbers or symbols and alternating
case, such as: {pO9SdE3 (Try it!)
*
Be creative. Intentionally "twist" or misspell a
word, substituting numbers or special characters. For example,
"information" could be transformed into: ouT4mA$huN
Use
this site to "rate" how secure your password is.
We suggest entering a password that is similar to your password
(don't enter your actual password).
SecurityStats.Com
Password Strength Meter http://www.securitystats.com/tools/password.php
|
Sources |
The
following sources were used for this article and are recommended
if you wish to learn more about how to choose good passwords:
Australian
Computer Emergency Response Team: http://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?it=2260
Geodsoft.com:
http://geodsoft.com/howto/password/
Massachusetts
Institute of Technology: http://www.mit.edu/afs/sipb/project/doc/passwords/passwords.html
SecurityStats.Com:
http://www.securitystats.com/tools/password.php
University
of Chicago: http://security.uchicago.edu/docs/userpassword.shtml
University
of Maryland: http://www.cs.umd.edu/faq/Passwords.shtml
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CTC HelpDesk
Hours |
Spring
2005
|
| Mondays
- Thursdays |
8am
- 9pm |
| Fridays |
8am
- 5pm |
| Saturdays |
CLOSED |
| Sundays |
6pm
- 9pm |
|
| |
|
| |
| Contact
Viv Zimmerman with any
questions or comments concerning this web page. |
| |
| This
page was designed by Viv Zimmerman. |
| Updated
4/05/05. |
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