Technology Services: From Our Mailbag

Sophos Antivirus Support For MS Windows 7

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:48 -0500

A student wrote to ask when VCU will provide Sophos Antivirus support for Microsoft Windows 7?

The current version of Sophos Antivirus that VCU Technology Services provides does work with MS Windows 7 even though it is not officially supported as such by Sophos at this time. The company released an officially support version of Sophos Antivirus for Windows 7 at the end of October which VCUTS staff is currently testing. Staff expects to continue testing this new software until after the first of the year to ensure that it works properly with the many systems and services that comprise the VCU computing environment. So it is save to use the current version of Sophos Antivirus provided by VCUTS now and the new version will be available in a couple of months.

Please contact the VCUTS Help Desk at the number or email provided in the right column of this page should you have any questions.

Network Performance Issue

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:44:36 -0500

VCU Technology Services (VCUTS) has received feedback concerning network performance via the VCUTS Help Desk, email, and other communication channels. Keith Deane, Associate Director for Network Services provides the following update:

VCUTS Network Services is aware that the VCU data network is currently experiencing intermittent performance issues with both internal (VCU only) and external (Internet) traffic. We have been working with our equipment vendors over the last two weeks to determine the cause of these problems. To date, we have made configuration changes that have positively impacted some services but issues remain. Network Services is aggressively working with our vendors to determine the cause of these issues and develop the appropriate solutions.

Please contact the VCUTS Help Desk with any questions at 828-2227 or via email at help@vcu.edu.

The System Status Link

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:15:03 -0500

Please keep the link to check system status - and make it easy to find. Since email goes down frequently, it is nice to be able to see if there is just no activity on my account or the problem lies with the system. Same with Web access, since I spend much of my day searching Web-based databases.

Thank you for the suggestion. We have had several requests for this link to be added so we have done so.

What Is A Wireless Hotspot?

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:06:56 -0500

Is a wireless hotspot one where your laptop will automatically be able to access the internet without the use of a cord?
-VCU Student

Yes, a wireless, or Wi-Fi, hotspot uses your computer's wireless network adaptor card to connect to the wireless network. There are many standards (a/b/g/n) in use these days. For more information on wireless standards visit this page in the VCUTS Knowledge Base. VCUTS has just deployed a new network called VCU SafeNet Wireless. This is much better than our old wireless network in that all the data to and from your computer is fully encrypted so nefarious folks can't sniff out your passwords and personal data as you use the service. We have instructions for attaching to the SafeNet Wireless network located on the SafeNet Wireless page. It is very easy to do so on a Apple Mac but a bit more difficult on a Windows PC. You will need to be on campus (I only say that because some folks don't understand that.) and then you can use one of the set of instructions for your computer's operating system located on the SafeNet Wireless page to walk through the process. This is a one time set up and you will be required to use your eID and password as part of the process. Once you follow these steps you will not have to do so again unless you get a new computer or your eID password expires. If you need a hand the VCUTS Help Desk help@vcu.edu, 828-2227) can assist.

Welcome To Our Mailbag

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:14:51 -0500

Greetings to the VCU Community! As many might know by now, we have a new website for VCU Technology Services (VCUTS). If you have not checked it out you should do so after visiting the Mailbag. There is lots of good information at your fingertips in the VCUTS Knowledge Base. One element of the new site is the "Feedback" tab at the top of every page. This is the easiest way to let us know how we are doing, suggest a new service, or to just say, "Hi". Seriously, you can just say "Hi" and we'll even say "Hi" back! You can also email VCUTS to give us feedback as well. Many of the changes that VCUTS have implemented this summer are a direct result of feedback from students, faculty, and staff whether via surveys, phone calls, meetings, emails, or online feedback forms. We are also employing social media to keep the conversation going so visit us on Twitter too. We are listening.

"So what does this have to do with the Mailbag", you ask? While we attempt to respond to all comments and inquiries individually, from time-to-time we will select feedback that we think has a broad appeal for the campus and post them with an answer or a reply of some kind right here in our Mailbag. We want everyone to benefit from the wisdom of your questions and comments! So keep an eye on the Mailbag and we will all keep the conversation moving forward.

Finally, credit has to be given where credit is due. The Mailbag is a direct result of many of us in VCUTS keeping an eye on the VCU Libraries' Library Suggestion Blog. This is a great service provided by the staff of the libraries and we probably would not have the Mailbag without it. Thanks for sharing VCU Libraries!