ResNet News and Status Updates
Check the status of your computer online!
If you dropped your computer off at one of our stations you can see the status of your machine through our digital queue! During NSO weekend, take special note of the location of your machine as it may have been moved to a different station.
ResNet Computer Registration a Success
As most students know, Grinnell College ITS policy now requires all computers to be scanned and updated before being connected to the residential network. Between Monday, August 16 and Thursday, August 26, user consultants (UCs) performed registration procedures on over 800 computers. Although the Helpdesk is still receiving computers for scanning, the bulk of ResNet computers (1072 as of 9/5) have been registered.
Updating the operating system software has increased the security of campus computers and will help prevent large virus outbreaks. Installation of Trend Micro's OfficeScan antivirus software has already paid off with over 35,000 viruses caught since registration began a few weeks ago. Keeping computers up-to-date and secure is important to maintaining stable connections for all students using ResNet. Next year ITS plans to implement software which will allow updates to take place in student rooms automatically, thus speeding up the registration procedure greatly.
Common Problems With Service Pack 2
A few major problems were encountered with some machines. Most of these problems were related to Microsoft's Service Pack 2 (SP2). The most prevalent problem prevented Windows XP from loading properly and required removal of the Service Pack. These machines also received a small utility that will block the automatic delivery of SP2 by Windows Update until mid-December. By this time, Microsoft will have a fix for the problem and ITS will contact those whose computers experienced this problem with instructions to prevent similar issues when SP2 is installed.
Windows Firewall
One major feature of SP2 is a built-in firewall that selectively blocks internet traffic entering and leaving a computer. Many applications, especially games, use internet connections to download content or other information and may experience difficulty connecting to the internet with the new firewall. The SP2 firewall will create a popup whenever an unrecognized program attempts to access the internet. At this point, the user can click a button and create a rule for that program which specifies whether to block or unblock it in the future.
Dell Computers
Another common problem is that some Dell computers may seem dramatically slower after applying SP2. This can be caused by driver conflicts. Some users report that reinstalling printer or scanner drivers can cure the problem. Others have found that rolling back the processor driver to its previous version will speed up the machine.
Links
Below is a list of hyperlinks you might find useful.
New Computer Registration Procedures for Fall 2004
Due to the extreme amount of virus activity the campus experienced last year, ITS has implemented a new system to register computers on the residential network (ResNet). As part of this system, all students must bring their computers to an ITS computer check location. At each location, ITS employees will perform the following actions:
As mentioned, this procedure is required of any student wishing to use his or her computer on ResNet. Computers which are not checked by ITS will not be allowed on ResNet. Therefore, although these procedures are primarily intended for Windows-based systems, all machines must be brought to the ITS Helpdesk (1233 Park st. - across the street from ARH).