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Tech Resources and Tutorials
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- Open Internet Explorer and ensure that you are connected to the Internet.
- Select "Tools" -> "Windows Update" from the Explorer toolbar. (Alternatively, click where instructed in the "New Updates Are Available" popup. Please don't ignore this alert.)
- Wait for the Windows Update page to load. If prompted to accept a Certificate from Microsoft, click "Accept" or "Ok".
- After a moment (or a few minutes, depending on server load), you should see a link labled "Scan for Updates". Click this link to begin the scanning process.
- Wait for the scan to complete. (A status line will indicate the % completion as the scan progesses.) This may take several minutes.
- Once the scan is complete, Critical Updates and Service Packs should automatically be selected for you.
- Click "Review and install updates", and then click the "Install now" button to begin the installation process.
- You should be prompted to read and accept some license agreements. Read these and click "Accept" if you agree to the terms.
- You may be prompted to click "Ok" or "Next" or "Finish" as the installation proceeds, and you will likely be prompted to restart your computer when installation is complete.
- Restart if necessary and revisit Windows Update to verify that the Critical Updates and Service Packs have been installed by running the "Scan" again. If they have been successfully installed, they will no longer show up on the list.
- If you wish, read over the "Windows XP" and "Driver Updates" lists and select any other optional updates that you wish to install. (Many of these are unnecessary under most circumstances, but I personally prefer to install all of them simply to stop them from showing up on the Windows Update list.)
- If you have selected any new updates, again go to "Review and Install updates" and click "Install Now" to begin their installation.
Why do I need to update Windows?
New vulnerabilities and errors are detected in the various components of the Windows Operating System on a regular basis. As these problems are addressed, Microsoft releases updates to correct them via the Windows Update service. In some cases, failure to keep up with these can leave your computer open to attack by certain viruses, worms, or other malicious code, or simply may leave you susceptible to system errors and glitches. Additionally, there may be desirable components or updates available that allow you to get the most out of your computing experience.
How often should I run Windows Update?
First off, whenever you get a "New Updates Are Available" popup. Please do not ignore these. They typically announce updates that correct critical security issues.
Otherwise, once or twice a week is probably enough for most users.
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- Open VitalSource KEY and ensure that you are connected to the Internet. (The DVD need not be in the drive.)
- Select "Help" -> "Software Downloads" from the VitalSource KEY toolbar.
- Once the page has loaded, click the link corresponding to your Operating System (Mac or Windows).
- Either "Save" and run or simply "Open" the Zip archive that downloads, and double-click the file contained therein to begin the VitalSource Update Installation process. Click "Next" or "Ok" as necessary. This may take a few minutes.
- Restart your computer as requested, then restart VitalSource KEY.
- Ensure you are still connected to the Internet, and select "Help" -> "Update License" from the VitalSource KEY toolbar.
- Wait for the License to be updated. This should only take a few moments. (I have heard that some individuals who have had work done on their machines have needed to input their registration key again at this step. Follow any additional instructions provided by the program in this case.)
Why do I need to update VitalSource KEY?
The VitalSource KEY is constantly being updated and upgraded to fix small errors and bugs in the code, as well as to add enhancements and features requested by students and faculty. For instance, the 3.0.5 update for Windows should correct the conflict whereby McAfee VirusScan would crash VitalBooks when a user attempted to remove a highlight.
How often should I update VitalSource KEY?
The faculty and technology staff should alert us when new updates are available for the VitalSource software, and you will get alert messages indicating that a license is due to expire when it is time to renew your licenses.
However, it might be a good idea to go ahead and check for new versions of the VitalSource software every now and again, just to be sure you're running the latest version.
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- Ensure that Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) has been installed from Windows Update
- Open "Add or Remove Programs" from "Start" -> "Settings" -> "Control Panel"
- Locate the entry for Intel PROSet and select "Remove". PROSet should uninstall.
- Open "Services" from "Control Panel" -> "Administrative Tools"
- Locate "Wireless Zero Config", right-click the entry, select "Properties", change "Startup Type" to "Automatic", and click "OK"
- Restart your computer
- You should see an icon resembling a computer monitor in the system tray (lower-right of the screen). The right-click menu option "View Available Wireless Networks" should bring up a list of available wireless networks. Once you've connected to a network, Windows will automatically connect to that network if it is detected in the future, unless you go to "Change Advanced Settings" -> "Wireless Networks" and alter the network properties.
- If there is a message on the "View Available Wireless Networks" screen that says you should allow Windows to manage your wireless, click "Change Advanced Settings" -> "Wireless Networks", check the box for "Use Windows to manage my wireless network settings" and click "OK"
Why do I need to uninstall Intel PROSet and allow Windows to manage my wireless network settings?
A number of students have complained of an annoying 2-minute delay during Windows startup that occurs when a wireless network is not available. After switching from Intel PROSet to Windows wireless management, these students no longer experience this delay.
Furthermore, Windows wireless network management will automatically connect to "Preferred" wireless networks so you don't have to select them from a list every time you wish to connect.
It is also possible to set a network to "On Demand" connection instead of "Automatic" from the "Change Advanced Settings" -> "Wireless Networks" dialogue.
Why do I need to install Windows XP Service Pack 2 before uninstalling PROSet?
This is not strictly necessary, but SP2 contains a number of wireless connectivity enchancements that appear to make Windows much better at handling wireless networks than Intel PROSet.
Also, if everyone has SP2 before uninstalling PROSet, I only have to figure out one set of instructions, since the Windows wireless interface is slightly different pre- and post-SP2.
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- Enter your laptop's BIOS interface by pressing (or holding down) F2 just after the computer is powered on
- Press ALT-P (Hold ALT and tap P) until you reach Page 4 of 7, which should have an entry for "Infrared Data Port:"
- Press the down arrow to select the "Infrared Data Port:" option, and press the right arrow until "COM 2" is selected
- Press ESC to exit the BIOS interface and start Windows
- You should now be able to place an IR-enabled item or another IR-enabled laptop in line with your laptop's IR Data Port (on the left side of the computer underneath the PC Card slot) and Windows will detect the item and give you options for utilizing IR functionalities associated with that device.
Why would I want to enable the IR port on my laptop?
IR capability will allow you to take advantage of IR-enabled devices such as printers, PDAs, etc without the use of cables, and allow for file transfer between laptops without requiring an internet connection.
Why might I not want to enable the IR port?
IR functionality is rarely necessary, as many devices function much better over a cabled USB connection, file transfer over IR is not very rapid, and the IR port may be disabled by default because monitoring for IR devices may put an additional drain on battery power.
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This process will uninstall the current anti-virus programs (PCs: McAfee VirusScan, Macs: Virex) and install Symantec AntiVirus.
Windows XP (Dell machines)
- Plug into the UTHSCSA Network at the cubes (or log on to the VPN from home).
(This may not work from the wireless.)
- Uninstall McAfee VirusScan by closing all open programs and browsing to:
Start, Settings, Control Panel, Add\Remove Programs
Select "McAfee VirusScan" and click "Remove".
Restart your computer.
- Click Here to begin the SAV web installation process.
- Follow the instructions. When prompted, I would suggest the Unmanaged installation, at least for now. (See note below.)
- The installer should now run on its own. It may take several minutes to complete. When it is finished, Symantec AntiVirus should be installed (which will show up as a yellow shield in your system tray).
If you receive an error referencing scanemal.dll every time you start Outlook after switching from McAfee VirusScan, then click here and follow the instructions.
The default setting is to update the SAV Virus Definition Files automatically every Friday. However, if you wish to update them manually for any reason, double-click the shield icon to open the SAV window, click "LiveUpdate", and follow the instructions.
OS X (Mac machines)
- Plug into the UTHSCSA Network
- Open the "Connect to Server" dialogue and connect to 129.111.93.179
- Log in as "Guest"
- Select "Mac Public Depot" and click "Ok" to mount Mac Public Depot to the desktop
- Open Mac Public Depot from the desktop
- Browse to Mac OSX Software, Third Party, Antivirus, Symantec Nav
- Run Uninstall Virex to uninstall Virex
- Run NAV installer to install Symantec Norton AntiVirus
Why do I need to install Symantec AntiVirus?
Well, first off - it's better than McAfee VirusScan in just about every respect. Secondly, the University has begun migrating their license to Symantec's product, and will no longer support McAfee updates once that migration is complete.
I assume the same is true for Virex on the Macs, but I cannot personally confirm this.
Can I obtain a version of Symantec AntiVirus for home use?
Yes. If you have a VPN Client (talk to me about setting that up) you can use these instructions on your home computer to install SAV there as well. In lieu of the VPN, Triage may have CDs available for home use.
Managed? Unmanaged? What's this all about?
A "Managed" installation of SAV is one where the University retains control over certain settings. Specifically, Managed SAV cannot be disabled, updates its virus definitions on the University's schedule, and cannot be uninstalled without a special password. Computing Resources is currently deliberating on whether or not they want any of the private users (us) to be using the Managed install, for liability reasons.
The "Unmanaged" installation is completely under your control. That said, the default settings should be adequate without any extra tweaking necessary on your part.
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Click the following link (provided by Richard Test) to instructions on enabling the Windows Internet Connection Firewall:
[ http://support.microsoft.com/?id=283673 ]
Follow the "configure Internet Connection Firewall manually" instructions. (The Network Wizard simply complicates things.)
Why do I need to turn on the Internet Connection Firewall?
While the UTHSCSA network is itself firewalled from the outside world, users who take their computers home may plug them into insecure networks and become infected with various types of "port-sniffer" viruses and worms, and then plug their computers into the UTHSCSA network, releasing those worms inside the UTHSCSA firewall.
Many types of worms and other attacks can be defeated by simply running the Internet Connection Firewall, even if the attack comes from within the network.
Why might I not want to run the firewall?
Some users have reported trouble connecting to their home Internet connections with the firewall turned on, and the firewall can cause some problems in terms of file sharing (which we shouldn't be doing much of on the UTHSCSA network anyway), and we may have the Norton Firewall enabled when we get Norton Antivirus later anyway.
Unless you have specific problems with the firewall, it would probably be a good idea to turn it on and keep it turned on until instructed otherwise.
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- Open Microsoft Outlook
- Select "Tools" -> "E-mail Accounts" from the Outlook toolbar
- Ensure that "View or change existing e-mail accounts" is checked, and click "Next".
- Select your arwen.v26.uthscsa.edu account and click "Change". On the next window, click "More Settings" to bring up the Internet E-mail Settings window.
- Select the "Advanced" tab, and uncheck the box beside "Leave a copy of messages on the server", then click "Ok".
- At the Account window, click "Next" and then "Finish" to close the Account window.
Why would I want to have messages removed from the server as they're downloaded?
If the only place you check your UTHSCSA e-mail account is on your laptop, and you never use the webmail unless someone tells you that your account is full, then you really have no need to be leaving messages on the server. Once you've downloaded a copy to your Outlook, it can be stored permanently on your harddrive, while leaving messages on the server allows them to fill up your (10MB) e-mail account quota.
Removing them from the server upon download will ensure that if you're checking your e-mail often enough (via Outlook), you won't have to worry about constantly emptying out your account via webmail, since any e-mail you download to your computer will be immediately removed from the server.
If your account fills up, incoming e-mail is simply returned to the sender with no specific notification to you that you've missed a message.
Why might I not want to have Outlook remove e-mails from the server upon download?
If you like to leave certain messages on the webmail server for remote access, then you might not want to have them automatically removed.
If you like to download a second copy of your e-mails to another machine (say, a desktop computer at home set up to check your UTHSCSA account), then you would need to leave the messages on the server.
I deleted an e-mail in Outlook and it's still showing up on the Webmail interface! What gives?
The way we were instructed to set up our Outlook software during orientation specifies that an e-mail will be deleted from the webserver when it is deleted from the Outlook Deleted Items Folder. This means that they remain on the server until you delete them from your Inbox and THEN empty your Deleted Items Folder in Outlook.
Additionally, if you are not connected to the Internet when the Deleted Items Folder is emptied, Outlook will wait until the next Send\Receive cycle the next time you connect to the Internet to tell the webserver to remove those items.
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Arwen (Outlook, Entourage, Webmail)
- Go to http://arwen.uthscsa.edu:7633/popstore_pwd/
This page cannot be accessed from the wireless.
- Enter your new password in both the "Password" and "Verification" fields and click "Change Password"
- When prompted, enter your UTHSCSA Username (the part of your e-mail before "@uthscsa.edu") and your old password, and click "Submit"
- If successful, you should receive a message indicating that your password has been changed. If you see any messages in red text on the page, there has been an error in the password update process.
Blackboard
- Go to Blackboard and log in using your Username and old password.
- Click "Personal Information" in the menu on the left, then select "Change Password"
- Enter your new password in both fields, and click "Submit"
- If successful, you should receive a message indicating that your password has been changed.
Windows Login
- From your Windows Desktop, select:
Start | Control Panel | User Accounts | Username | Change Password
- Enter your old password and your new password twice as indicated. (You need not enter a password hint if you don't want to.)
- Click "Change Password" to complete the process. (There will be no confirmation that the password has been changed.)
UTHSCSA Network (NT-Domain, VPN, Exchange, Webex)
- Go to https://webex.uthscsa.edu/iisadmpwd/aexp2b.htr
- Leave Domain as "UTHSCSA", and enter your Username, Old password, then your New password twice, and click "Submit"
- If successful, you should receive a message indicating that your password has been changed.
When should I change my passwords? Can they all be the same?
The Arwen (E-mail) account passwords expire every 60 days. You may set all your UTHSCSA-related passwords to the same password if you wish. If you do, it would probably be simplest to change them all at the same time when the Arwen password is up for renewal. Just make sure you've chosen a suitably-secure password to begin with. If your Windows Login password "expires" before your Arwen password, it is possible to simply reset it to the same password as the current one until such time as you choose to update it. Your Arwen password, however, must be different each time you change it, as expired passwords are archived and blocked from further usage for a certain amount of time.
What's a "suitably secure password"?
What are the password format guidelines?
You should select a password that contains a combination of letters and numbers that does not form an easily-recognizable word or phrase.
InSec's rules for password format (which your Network password must meet) can be found here.
I forgot my password! What do I do?
Computing Resources knew you'd do that eventually, so they can reset your password for you. Drop by Triage to get that taken care of, and be more careful (or perhaps less creative) next time.
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Why do I need to run these programs?
If you've kept your Windows up to date (these are Windows-only issues) using Windows Update (see above), then you should be protected against the MSBlaster vulnerability. However, someone who has visited this site has a SoBig E-mail Virus infection, so it's probably a good idea to run that one just to check to make sure it's not you. Better safe than sorry.
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Note: If you are still running McAfee VirusScan, it is strongly suggested that you switch to Symantec AntiVirus. Those instructions are located here.
- Ensure you are connected to the Internet and that VirusScan is running. (Until we replace it with Norton AV, you should always have VirusScan running.)
- Locate the "VirusScan Console" icon in the system tray. (It looks like a magnifying glass.) Double-click it to open the VirusScan Console. (While the console is open, you can see the last date that a successful Update and Upgrade were performed. The dates should correspond to the previous Thursday and Friday.)
- Click once on "AutoUpdate" to select it, then click the green "Start" arrow in the toolbar to begin the Virus Definition File update process.
- Wait for the DAT file to be downloaded and installed. (This should take a few minutes if new updates are available.) VirusScan will restart and the progress window will indicate whether or not the files were successfully installed.
- If you feel it is necessary, click once on the "AutoUpgrade" item and click "Start" to begin the upgrade process. As this process updates the Scan Engine itself as well as the Virus Defintion Files, it will take considerably longer.
Why do I need to update McAfee VirusScan?
New viruses and worms are detected by security firms on a daily basis and are added to the detection routines for virus scanning software via the release of "Virus Defintion Files" that tell the VirusScan software what to look for. Occasionally, a class of malicious code is discovered that requires an entirely new method of detection to be implemented, so a new "Scan Engine" is released that is capable of detecting the new type of threat. If you do not keep your virus scanning software up-to-date, you leave yourself vulnerable to any number of new security threats.
How often should I update McAfee VirusScan?
The McAfee VirusScan Console on our machines has a scheduled Update every Thursday, and a scheduled Upgrade every Friday.
However, when severe viral outbreaks are underway, it is usually a good idea to "Update" your Virus Definition files on a daily basis.
"Upgrading" the scan engine takes longer and is not usually something that's performed on a daily basis. Once a week (as automatically scheduled) is probably enough.
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