Getting Started with Technology at the University of Arizona
If you are bringing a computer to use on campus —more and more people are doing just that — there are some important steps you should take before accessing The University of Arizona computer network.
By following the steps described in a guide put together by the Office of Student Computing Resources (OSCR), you can ensure your computer is protected against a variety of potential problems such as viruses. You can find the guide at http://www.oscr.arizona.edu/downloads/UAComputerSetupWindows.pdf. The directions will lead you through finding and registering your hardware (MAC) address, enabling the Windows Firewall, enabling automatic Windows software updates and installing and configuring Sophos anti-virus software.
Here is an overview of what you’ll need to do in order to practice safe computing on The University of Arizona campus:
Registering for on-campus Internet access
Registration is required for all students who wish to access the Internet on campus. This is not optional. To register, find a computer that is already connected to the Internet (either at home or a friend’s) and follow the steps in the guide. Do not attempt to connect to the campus network before you have completed all the steps.
Downloading, installing, configuring and running Remote Update and Sophos Anti-Virus
As an affiliate of The University of Arizona, you are entitled to use the free anti-virus software Sophos. If you already have another up-to-date anti-virus program running on your computer, you are not required to use Sophos. However, please ensure that the anti-virus software is updating frequently. Out-of-date anti-virus software will not protect your computer. If your computer is unprotected and infected with a virus, it will be blocked from the UA network. And you don’t want that, believe us!
Enabling the Windows Firewall
A firewall is the first line of defense against hackers and viruses. On many Windows XP computers, the built-in firewall is enabled by default. The guided steps will show you how to check and make sure the firewall is enabled, or turn it on if it isn’t.
Configuring Windows for Automatic Updates
Windows Update is a catalog of items such as drivers, security fixes, critical updates, the latest help files and Internet products that you can download to keep your computer up-to-date. Keeping Windows updated is one way to protect your computer from virus outbreaks. This can be done automatically, which is recommended.
Again, for in-depth instructions on completing these computer security tasks, first download then use the following PDF file:
http://www.oscr.arizona.edu/downloads/UAComputerSetupWindows.pdf.
If you have any problems or questions please call 626-TECH and an OSCR consultant will be happy to guide you through the process.
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