Introduction to Computing @ WSU
Table of Contents
1 - Information Technology (IT) Security ... 2
Information to Remember ... 2 2 - Malware ... 2 Information to Remember ... 3 3 - Firewalls ... 3 Information to Remember ... 4 4 – Anti-spam Utility ... 4 5 - Network Drives ... 4
6 - Logging into the Campus Network ... 5
7 – VPN (Virtual Private Network) Software ... 5
8 – Accessing Your Network Files from Home ... 6
9 - WINGS – Wright Information, News, and Group Services ... 6
10 - Campus Password ... 7
Information to Remember ... 8
11 - WINGS Express (WE) ... 8
12 - University ID (UID) and PIN ... 8
13 - Email ... 9
14 – Software Discounts ... 9
15 – File Encryption ... 9
Information to Remember ...10
16 - WINGS Resource Center (WRC) ... 10
17 - CaTS Resources ... 11
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1 - Information Technology (IT) Security
IT security has become an integral part of the worldwide computing environment, and keeping computers, networks, and data safe is of utmost importance. In keeping with this trend, CaTS has created a security website that houses a wealth of information regarding IT security. Please visit http://www.wright.edu/security/itwright/
to review this information. You can also view a short security video at the following website:
http://www.wright.edu/security/securityvideo/flashvideo.html.
Information to Remember
• Downloading and installing security updates are crucial when defending against viruses and other computer oriented attacks
• Never allow another person to use your computer account • Close and lock your door whenever you leave your office • Use a password protected screensaver
• Lock your workstation whenever you leave for any amount of time
2 - Malware
Malware is a term that encompasses both viruses and spyware. A computer virus is a program that is infectious and can by highly complex. Viruses implant instructions in other programs or storage devices that can attack, scramble, or erase computer data.
To check WSU’s current computing status go to the CaTS homepage (http://www.wright.edu/cats/) and look for the “CaTS Bulletin” button on the right sidebar. Check this location for important computing news or alerts such as the latest worm/virus outbreak information.
The following activities are among the most common ways of getting computer viruses. Minimizing the frequency of these activities will reduce your risk of getting a computer virus:
Freely sharing computer programs and system disks
Downloading executable software from public-access bulletin boards Opening email attachments from people you don't know
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Spyware is software that watches your activities and collects personal data without your permission. Adware displays pop-ups and other forms of unauthorized advertising. Because these programs run in the background while you use your computer, they consume system resources and can slow down your PC significantly. WSU Policy: Wright State University is concerned with the health of your computer and with maintaining effective network resources. In the interest of your computer and the health of the University network, you are REQUIRED to have up-to-date operating system patches as well as virus and spyware scanning software on your system. In order to ensure uninterrupted network access, you must keep your operating system and all
virus/spyware tools updated.
Virus and Spyware scanning software for home use is available on the ConnectWright website, located at
https://www.wright.edu/cats/cw/.
Information to Remember
• Characteristics of spyware: monitoring computer activity, collect personal information, sends personal information back to the spyware creator
• Macintosh computers are susceptible to this type of computer oriented attack; CaTS recommends users download and install our free antivirus program for the Mac OS
• Characteristics of a virus: erase data, scramble data, replicate itself
3 - Firewalls
A firewall is a system that is designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software formats. Here at Wright State University, CaTS maintains both hardware and software perimeter firewalls for the entire campus community that control Internet traffic in and out of our network. For individual computers, personal desktop firewalls, such as Windows Firewall, should be installed to help prevent unauthorized access.
CaTS manages the security software on all university computers. For home use, the easiest and most convenient firewall to use is the Windows Firewall, but other popular programs include Zone Alarm and Tiny Firewall, which can be downloaded from the website http://www.download.com.
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Information to Remember
• Personal firewalls protect your computer from unauthorized access
4 – Anti-spam Utility
Unsolicited commercial email, also known as spam, has become an increasing problem at WSU. To reduce the amount of time involved with managing spam, CaTS offers a spam filtering service for faculty, staff, and students. The service is currently available to all users with CaTS based email accounts (addresses ending in @wright.edu). Instructions for using the utility can be found at: http://www.wright.edu/cats/antispam/. The screenshot below shows the new End User Digest, a way to see all the spam that the filter has blocked for your account.
5 - Network Drives
Active Directory Description
H:/ Drive 5 GB Personal network storage
K:/ Drive Dependent on
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6 - Logging into the Campus Network
Recently, Wright State University made a transition from Novell to Microsoft Active Directory for our file storage and printing network infrastructure. The screenshot below shows what the login screen should look like when you turn on your computer. To log in, type in your campus “w” username and password and click the blue arrow.
7 – VPN (Virtual Private Network) Software
The AnyConnect VPN from Cisco allows authorized users to securely connect to the WSU data network from the campus wireless network or from off campus using various commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Using AnyConnect, wireless and remote users are connected to the university's internal network as if they were directly connected to the campus network. This allows WSU wireless and remote users to access servers and other devices restricted to WSU network users. In addition, a VPN connection allows the user to access all network files (Home H:\ and shared drives K:\). To learn more about VPN software or to download it for your computer, please visit the CaTS VPN site, located at http://www.wright.edu/cats/vpn/.
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8 – Accessing Your Network Files from Home
If you want to access your personal and departmental files from off-campus you must use the university’s VPN connection. This connection allows you to securely connect to the WSU data network to access your files stored on your network drives. In order to use the connection you will be required to install the university’s VPN software on your computer and use it to connect to your files.
For instructions on how to download, install, and use the VPN client, please visit the following website:
http://www.wright.edu/cats/vpn/. You will need to click on the link for “AnyConnect VPN Registration” to start the process.
After downloading and installing the software, re-visit the above listed website and click on the “Accessing Your Files from Home” link under the “Existing AnyConnect VPN Users” section.
9 - WINGS – Wright Information, News, and Group Services
WINGS (an acronym for Wright Information, News, and Group Services), is an electronic portal used by the WSU community to access various systems, services, and information from one location. This secure site provides you with a customizable layout enabling you to add channelized content that matters to you. Log in using your campus account to access your email, personal calendar, announcements, course software, and WINGS Express. Visit WINGS at the following location: http://wings.wright.edu.
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10 - Campus Password
Account management should be done through the WINGS portal (http://wings.wright.edu). Once you are on the WINGS login page, click the “Forgot your Campus Password?” link located on the left side of the screen and you will have the ability to change your password.
Your campus password must be changed every 180 days.
When changing your campus password there are a few things to keep in mind: The password length must be 8 to 14 characters
The password must contain a letter
The password must contain at least one of these special characters: 0123456789^()-_!$ Do not use names or common words in the dictionary
Do not use the following symbols: % # . @
The password cannot be one that you have used before
Resetting your password
There are two ways to change your password. Here’s the preferred way for you to do it.
1) Login to WINGS (http://wings.wright.edu).
2) Click the “My Account” link in the top left corner. 3) Enter your current password.
4) Enter your new password and confirm it. 5) Click the “Save Changes” button.
If you have trouble changing the password using this route, or you can’t log in to WINGS, there’s a second way to change your password. Here’s how.
1) Go to the WINGS website (http://wings.wright.edu).
2) Click the “Forgot Your Campus Password?” link under the WINGS login box. 3) Enter your UID and PIN then click “Submit.”
4) Answer your security question(s). 5) Enter and re-enter your new password. 6) Click “Submit.”
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Information to Remember
• Characteristics of a secure password: a random collection of numbers and letters • Secure password are not easily guessed or found in the dictionary
• Example of secure password: summer2009=5umm3r2oo9
• Simply exchanging numbers for letters can make a password more secure • Never write down your password, even if you plan to store it in a secure place
11 - WINGS Express (WE)
WINGS Express is a service that allows faculty and staff to access personal information at Wright State University, including pay information and grade entering. You can access WINGS Express by logging in to WINGS, then clicking the WINGS Express icon in the top right corner.
12 - University ID (UID) and PIN
Your 9-digit University Identification Number (UID) is assigned to you when you apply as a student or become affiliated with Wright State University. Your UID never changes and is never re-used. It replaces the use of your Social Security Number as a permanent, unique ID number identifying you as a member of the university
community. The UID, along with your PIN, is used to access the WINGS Express system.
If you have forgotten your PIN, go to http://wingsexpress.wright.edu, enter your UID then click the “Forgot PIN?” button. Answer your security questions correctly and you’ll be able to create a new PIN.
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13 - Email
There are numerous methods to check your email: WINGS (http://wings.wright.edu), Thunderbird, Outlook, etc. The most convenient method is through WINGS. Login to WINGS and click the Email icon in the top right.
Email Quota: Faculty/Staff = 250 MB
Official WSU Email Policy: There is an increasing reliance on electronic communication among students, faculty, staff and administration at Wright State University. Because of this reliance and the acceptance of electronic communication, email is considered the official means for communication. The University will send official communications via email and expects that those communications will be received and read in a timely fashion. Students are expected to check their official email address frequently to stay current with university
communications.
14 – Software Discounts
Wright State University has a special licensing agreement with Microsoft and Apple that allows the distribution of a broad range of Microsoft and Apple software to employees. The software can be purchased by logging into the WINGS portal (http://wings.wright.edu), clicking on the “Resources” tab, and then on “Order Software” under the “CaTS Support” channel. Available software includes: Office 2010 for the PC, Office 2008 for the Macintosh, Windows and Macintosh system upgrades, and various other software titles. To see the list of all available titles and to read more about software licensing at the university, visit www.wright.edu/software/.
15 – File Encryption
Encryption is the process of transforming information from clear or plain text into a non-readable format so that only the intended reader can understand or change the message content. Encryption ensures privacy. It is a way to keep prying eyes from reading confidential information that is sent across the public internet.
Certain software applications have encryption methods embedded in them for sending and receiving secure information and for the storage of information. There is also third party software available that can be used to encrypt information.
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For directions on encrypting files, check out the following links:
Encrypting files using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007
• http://www.wright.edu/security/datacomp/office_07_encryption.pdf
Encrypting files using Microsoft Office Access 2007
• http://www.wright.edu/security/datacomp/access_07_encryption.pdf
Encrypting files using Microsoft Office 2003
• http://www.wright.edu/security/datacomp/office_07_encryption.pdf
Encryption with the Macintosh Operating System
• http://www.wright.edu/security/datacomp/mac_encryption.pdf
Information to Remember
• A Microsoft document can be encrypted so that a password is required to view the contents • Documents should be encrypted if they contain any personal information
• The following are examples of personal information: username, password, educational records such as grades, social security numbers, etc
• Never include the encryption password in your email
• If you have any questions about what should be encrypted, please contact the CaTS Help Desk
16 - WINGS Resource Center (WRC)
Looking for help accessing your information in WINGS and WINGS Express? Turn to the WINGS Resource Center, designed to help you more easily navigate WINGS, WINGS Express, and more. In this central location you will find training videos, documentation, training dates, FAQs, and more. You can find the WINGS Resource Center at
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17 - CaTS Resources
Resource Web Location
CaTS Website http://www.wright.edu/cats/
WINGS http://wings.wright.edu
WINGS Resource Center https://support.wright.edu/wrc/
IT Security http://www.wright.edu/security/
Online Training http://www.wright.edu/cats/train/
Online Documentation http://www.wright.edu/cats/docs/
Online Forms http://www.wright.edu/cats/forms/
Computer Lab Schedules http://www.wright.edu/cats/labs/
Anti-Spam Software http://www.wright.edu/cats/antispam/
CaTS Bulletin http://www.wright.edu/cats/info/
Free Software https://www.wright.edu/cats/cw/
18 – Contact CaTS
Contact CaTS for all of your campus computing needs. Here’s our information: Phone: (937) 775-4827 or 1-888-775-4827
Email: [email protected]
