University Computer Help Desk

The University has taken steps to help create and maintain a safe computing environment for everyone at Illinois State.

Anti-Virus and Anti-Spam on the Server

All incoming email is scanned for viruses and spam. Email sent from known spammers is blocked automatically, and messages that are likely to be spam are held by the campus spam quarantine service.

Blocking viruses and spam at the server level adds a layer of protection for your computer.

ResNet Registration is Strictly Enforced

Student computers represent one of the largest threats to the network. Before joining ResNet, student computers may have never been part of a larger network before, which means they are often left unpatched and without updated anti-virus software.

Online ResNet registration forces student computers to meet the Conditions of Access before they can connect to the campus network. For more information, see 1426: ResNet Terms of Use.

Network Firewall

The campus network is protected by a stateful firewall, which restricts unwarranted access to your computer from the Internet. The campus firewall prevents your computer from being attacked (or even seen) by computers outside the campus network, unless you initiate an outbound connection first.

Like a wall built around a city, the network firewall keeps undesirables out of the campus network (unless they are specifically invited in).

McAfee VirusScan is Required

McAfee VirusScan is the university-approved anti-virus application for Windows and Mac. As described in the University's Policy on Appropriate Use, computers that connect to the campus network must have McAfee VirusScan or McAfee Virex (for older Macs) installed.

Since everyone is required to install the university-approved anti-virus software, the threat of viruses has been drastically reduced on campus. For more information, see 1151: Conditions of Access.

Critical Updates are Required

Just as the University requires anti-virus software, computers that connect to the campus network are required to install critical system updates. If you ignore critical updates, your computer is vulnerable to attacks from Internet threats, like viruses and hackers.

When everyone's computers are patched and kept up-to-date, the threat of computer-based attacks is reduced. For more information, see 1151: Conditions of Access.

Ad-Aware and Spybot are Supported

Spyware doesn't pose the same kind of risk as viruses because spyware doesn't spread through infection like viruses do. But anyone who's had spyware in the past knows the pain of extreme slow-downs and pop-up ads. The University recommends two free anti-spyware applications: Ad-Aware 2008 Free and Spybot Search & Destroy.

The more time spent using your computer for what you want, and the less time spent trying to fix problems, the better it is for everyone.

TechZone Service Center

The TechZone Service Center is dedicated to providing hands-on computer service; their goal is get your computer working the way you want it to work. Offering both free and paid services, the TechZone Service Center assists with virus and spyware removal, as well as software and hardware installation.

The TechZone Service Center is located on the second floor of the Bone Student Center.

University Computer Help Desk

The Help Desk website hosts a knowledge base chock full of answers to questions and solutions to problems. More information is being added all the time, and the Help Desk encourages its visitors to submit feedback and suggestions.

If you're having a problem with your computer, check out the Help Desk website for a possible solution.

Tech Alerts Website

Viruses reported on campus, phishing emails that target Illinois State, and other computer threats are posted to the Tech Alerts website at http://alerts.illinoisstate.edu/. Information about system outages and scheduled maintenance is also posted to the Alerts website.

Stay up-to-date with what's happening by making regular visits to the Tech Alerts website.