ResNet will:

• Provide web-based guidance for securing and protecting a computer. This includes setting account passwords for your computer, installing antivirus software, installing operating systems updates, and removing spyware/adware.

Account passwords: One of the first items you should check is to be sure all of the accounts on your computer are password-protected. This will not only prevent unauthorized physical access to the computer, but it will also prevent others from accessing your computer across the network. Many viruses spread around networks by scanning for computers without passwords. If the virus, known as a worm, finds an unprotected computer without a password it can infect the computer. Learn how to set up a password for Windows or Mac OS X.

Antivirus software: It is important to consider antivirus software when securing your computer. If a virus is trying to infect your computer antivirus software will block the virus. Antivirus software can also be used to scan, and clean, a computer that is already infected. You can learn about free antivirus software here. It is very important to uninstall other antivirus programs before installing a new antivirus program.

Operating system updates: Most modern operating systems (Windows, Mac OS X, etc.) have methods of updating the operating system. These updates are designed to fix security and stability issues, and they occasionally add new functionality to the software on your computer. Installing these updates will fix vulnerabilities that otherwise may be exploited by malicious software (viruses, spyware, etc.) or users.

On a Windows PC, go to the Start menu, select All Programs, Windows Update. On a Mac, go to the Apple menu and select Software Updates. For the greatest protection, ResNet recommends that you configure your computer to update itself automatically. This will help to protect your computer and will assist in preventing the spread of viruses and spyware to other computers on the network.

Removing spyware/adware: Spyware and adware programs have become increasingly prevalent on personal computers. These programs cause numerous problems, such as the following:

• They will likely slow your computer down considerably.
• They may cause your computer to randomly crash.
• They pose a security risk because many of the programs are used for malicious purposes.
• They may affect your computers ability to connect to a network.

Learn more about adware and spyware.

There are numerous adware/spyware scanners that you can run to detect and remove these malicious programs from your computer. Some of these programs are free and others are not. Be careful about downloading programs that claim to remove spyware. Some of these programs are actually malicious. A good example of that would be when a pop-up window appears on your screen claiming that your computer is infected with some type of malware. This marketing practice is not consistent with legitimate malware removal programs.

Due to the nature of spyware/adware, it is possible that removing these malicious programs will cause other problems, such as loss of network connectivity, error messages, etc. However, the risk is small compared to not removing the spyware/adware. If you are uncomfortable performing this process, please seek help from a knowledgeable professional or friend.

You can learn about free Windows spyware/adware removal software here.

• Install a network interface card (NIC) into a computer. The NIC must be provided by the student.
• Configure network settings required for standard access to Union University's network.
• Troubleshoot and repair physical network connection problems.
• Provide "best effort" (1) support for virus-related issues if using University provided antivirus software.
• Primarily support network-related issues with Windows 7 and Mac OS X. "Best effort" (1) support will be provided for all other operating systems.
• Enforce Information Technology's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). The AUP is located at www.uu.edu/it/policies/aup.cfm

ResNet will not:

• Troubleshoot or repair computer hardware other than what is needed to install a network interface card. (2)
• Provide excessive virus and spyware support. (2)
• Provide support for software applications not provided by the University.

Disclaimers:

• Union University and ResNet are not responsible for data loss, hardware issues, or any other problems resulting from work provided by ResNet personnel.
• Information Technology reserves the right to modify these policies.

1. "Best effort" support means that we will provide limited support as time permits, but will not guarantee results.

2. This is a judgment call that will be made by ResNet personnel. In cases where the computer problems/infections are beyond the scope of ResNet's support, additional support options are listed on the ResNet FAQ (frequently asked questions) page.

What type of problems can ResNet help with?

ResNet support is designed to help resident residents with network related issues. We can help install network cards, configure network settings, and troubleshoot networking related problems. We can not help with other computer related problems.

Who can I contact for problems not covered by ResNet?

If you are comfortable tackling the problem on your own but don't know where to start, then do a search on the internet related to the problem that you are having. Go to a search engine, such as Google, and type in a specific error message or problem that you are having. Chances are, if you are experiencing a problem, someone else has probably had the same problem and may have information about how they fixed it.

Learn more about how to resolve problems with your personally-owned computer.

If I have Union-provided file storage, how can I access it?

Learn more about Microsoft Skydrive.