Information Technology and Services

Winter Break is almost over and we all look forward to returning to campus. Here are a few items you should keep in mind as you get ready to come back to Syracuse University with your computer and mobile devices. 

Streamline your connection 

Remember that your computer needs to be secure before it can connect to the SU network.  To avoid any problems we recommend that before you connect you take a few minutes to make sure that your:

• Computer has active and up-to-date anti-virus software
• Firewall is turned on (firewall information for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Mac OS X 10.5 and later)
• Automatic Update service is turned on in Windows, or Software updates are scheduled on Macs (update information for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Mac OS X 10.5 and later)
• Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is disabled (connection sharing information for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.5 and later)

These checks can be done before you get to campus or as the first step to getting connected to the SU network when you get here.

Be Prepared in Case of Problems

Be sure to bring the CDs/DVDs that came with your computer, especially your Windows or Macintosh operating system disks, as well as the original disks and applicable license or key codes for the additional software you have loaded on your computer.  These will be necessary for you, or a technician, to reload your computer software should you have a hard drive failure or other serious problems that require software reinstallation.

Also bring the administrative machine password for your computer, in case it’s needed to change settings on your machine.

Remember

All student residences at Syracuse University are covered completely by the AirOrangeX wireless network. Please leave any wireless routers at home. Installing wireless routers in the residence halls is strictly prohibited. These devices--as well as “mobile hot spots” created by portable devices--will disrupt the SU networks (wireless and wired) and result in a student’s access being disabled.  If you need additional network connections in your room you can use a wired router or hub.  Similarly, Wi-Fi wireless printers can interfere with the wireless network and usually don’t work on campus. However, bluetooth wireless printers will work just fine.  For information about routers on campus visit http://its.syr.edu/rescom/router.cfm. 

Be smart about downloading and sharing

While the variety of great online content grows daily, downloading and sharing copyrighted material online (including music, movies, TV shows, and games) without permission is unethical and illegal, as well as contrary to SU policy.  The entertainment industry is now more vigilant than ever.  Illegal distribution of copyrighted materials may subject you to University, criminal and civil penalties.  Please visit http://its.syr.edu/infosec/filesharing/index.html to find out about copyright law, SU’s related policies, and legal alternatives for downloading.  If you would like a paper copy of this information, contact the ITS Service Center at help@syr.edu or (315) 443-2677.

Stay informed about IT and information security issues at SU

For the latest from ITS, find us on Facebook and follow @SU_ITS on Twitter.  To hear directly from the ITS Information Security team about tips, tricks, and important IT security news, find Secure’cUse on Facebook and follow @Secure’cUse on Twitter.

We look forward to your return!  Please travel safely.

Questions or problems?

Visit http://answers.syr.edu or contact the ITS Service Center.