Do you need to update your data mentality?
Cassette tapes to Ipods. Gas guzzlers to hybrids. Paper trails to electronic files.
As time moves on, we update how we operate.
The days where Social Security numbers could be carelessly stored in files or distributed
without thought are gone. As part of the ASU community, we need to be aware of how
we manage our sensitive data. That file with Social Security numbers is a data hijacker's
dream. As a rule of thumb, we should use ASU ID numbers and not Social Security numbers
to identify students, staff and faculty in our reports. Emailing a file with Social
Security numbers? Not the way to go. This is a huge security risk for the people identified
in the file. If you have access to ASU data, you are obligated to protect that data.
To improve data security at ASU, ITS has turned on a filter that scans emails for
any data that looks like a Social Security number. If a number appears to be a Social
Security number, the email will not leave the ASU domain. Further measurements to
tighten data security are underway and will be implemented shortly.
Some of you may still hang on to those cassette tapes, your beloved gas guzzler, and
prefer paper to electronic any day. Just be sure to update your data mentality so
ASU data can be protected and safe.
|
Downloading movies on the ASU network isn't free...
The cost could be trouble!
Your friend told you about this free movie site and you log into the ASU network and
type out the URL. Hey, everybody is doing this free downloading thing so what is the
big deal, you think as you begin to download your favorite horror movie. STOP! Everyone
isn't doing it and if you download copyrighted materials on the ASU network, you may
be downloading some trouble.
ITS is notified by the copyright owner every time copyrighted digital materials are
illegally downloaded by anyone on the ASU network. By law, we have to research who
did it, find out where they did it from, and send an email asking that the materials
are removed from the computer within ten days. The offender has to respond to this
email and let ASU know that the material has been removed, or he or she must explain
to the copyright owner why the material does not violate copyright laws. If someone
gets caught doing this twice, network/Internet access is immediately suspended. It
just isn't worth it.
So free movies? Not hardly. Stay away from the horrors of not having access to the
ASU network: don't download any copyrighted materials.
|
Wired or wireless...that is the question.
You have two choices when connecting your computer to the network on the ASU campus:
wired or wireless.
Wired connection through an Ethernet cable to the port in the wall is considered your
primary connection. Wireless connections exist for convenience on campus when you
are mobile.
Wired connections are much more dependable than wireless. Think about your cell phone
and your home phone. When was the last time you had a dropped call while talking on
your home phone? Your wireless connection for your computer is similar to wireless
connections for cell phones. You could get "dropped"! So, if you aren't mobile, wire
up for the best service. Dropped connections create many issues for users who are
taking tests, using secure sites (your online bank account, for instance) or attempting
to stream content such as video or music.
Wired connections are faster than wireless connections. A wired connection has access
to 100mb per user who connects through it. A wireless connection has 25mb but you
have to SHARE it with all the people who are using the same wireless access point.
You may be in an active area with a lot of wireless users and the resources get used
up....this means your wireless connection may be slow. Wired connections will usually
be faster.
If you have any questions about connectivity on campus, please send an email to the
ITS Helpdesk at helpdesk@astate.edu.
|
Cool and Free Technology - What's out there?
Free Application: Tango
Why you will want it: You can video call your friends and it is really simple to use!
Where you can get it: http://tango.me/
What it works on: App works on iPhone, iPod touch and Android devices on 3G, 4G and
Wi-Fi
Recommended by Scott Wheat, ITS, Portal Administrator
Free Software: Jing
Why you will want it: You can take a picture or make a short video of what you see
on your computer monitor and send in an email.
Where you can get it: http://www.techsmith.com/jing/
Recommended by Todd Reed, ITS, Director of Web Services
Know of some cool and free technology? Email us and we'll share with the campus.
|
ITS Staff SpotlightMeet Roy Perry
Many of you know Roy. He is that kind, patient voice on the other end of the phone
that talks you through your computer trouble anxiety and convinces you that throwing
your computer (or yourself) out the window is not the answer to your computer problems.
Roy has worked in ITS at the ITS Helpdesk since 2000 and has helped students, staff,
and faculty with every question imaginable at this point. From how to login, to how
to download software, to figuring out why a system has that scary blue screen, Roy
is standing by to assist the ASU community with problems big and small. This is the
reason why Roy is in the spotlight as one of the unsung heroes who diligently serves
our campus and helps us all do our jobs every day.
We thank you, Roy!
|
|
