October 16th, 2008
On Tuesday (10/14) Microsoft released updates for Office for Mac 2004 and Office for Mac 2008. The updates improve stability and fix vulnerabilities.
To update your version of Office, use AutoUpdate (Help > Check for Updates) or download the updates directly from Microsoft: Office 2008 for Mac 12.1.3 or Office 2004 for Mac 11.5.2.
October 7th, 2008
Please be aware that while wireless on campus is convenient and a great resource, it is not your only way to access the internet, and should be considered a supplement to the Ethernet connection in your room. So, when both connections are available to you, choose wired over wireless.
Wireless is a shared resource with relatively low bandwidth. Imagine that the wireless router is a sprinkler, and each computer connecting to the router is a bucket — so when one computer requests a lot of bandwidth from the router (imagine they’re using a larger bucket), everyone else’s available bandwidth can decline. So, for better performance, please use an Ethernet connection to download large files, run Windows Updates, watch streaming video, use VoIP, and so forth.
Wireless is insecure. All wireless networks are less secure than wired connections. Moreover, the wireless in the residence houses is not encrypted, so please do not use wireless for any services that require you to enter sensitive personal information (for example, your Banner PIN, credit card number, or online banking information).
Wireless in the houses is monitored by CCA. When you use the wireless in a residence house, instead of signing in through Blue Socket (like all other access points on campus, in the library, campus center, etc), you will sign into Cisco Clean Access. So, if you need a Windows Update or new Virus Definition, run your updates on a wired connection (it will be faster) before you try connecting to the wireless in your house. For more information on accessing wireless from a residence house, read this page on TARA: Accessing the Smith Wireless Network from a Smith Residence House
More Questions? Email 4its@smith.edu or call the User Support Center at x4487.
October 1st, 2008
If your Windows computer is running slowly, part of the problem could be malware (spyware and parasiteware) clogging up your system. You could install Spybot and Ad-Aware and run them once a week, OR you could simplify your life by installing McAfee’s new AntiSpyware program.
Unlike Spybot and Ad-Aware, McAfee’s AntiSpyware runs continuously in the background, deletes malware automatically, and updates itself automatically, so your computer is faster and more secure without any extra work from you.
To get AntiSpyware for yourself, just install the McAfee VirusScan 8.5 upgrade now available on the Smith software download page: http://www.smith.edu/smithsoftware
