« Getting Started with Campus Technology / students

Welcome to GSW. As part of the new student orientation you must read the computer procedures and policies sections below, and complete the form at the end of this page.

 

Contents:

back to top Introduction back to top

As a GSW student, you’ll be able to take advantage of educational technology tools, fast network access; computing laboratories; and innovative technology resources in your classes.

To get the most out of the campus IT environment, you will need to get acquainted with our computing policies, computing facilities, and network access methods.

Remember, as a GSW student, you are using university network resources. Downloading and sharing copyrighted material (mp3 audio, video files, etc.) without permission is a federal offense. If you download or share copyrighted materials, you may lose your network access privileges.

If you don’t have your own computer or you’re on campus and want to check your email, most computer labs on campus are equipped to use to view email, print documents, and do research on the web.

NOTE: OIIT does not provide technical support for personally owned computers.

CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT SECTION OR GO BACK TO TOP

back to top Contact Information back to top

Office of Information and Instructional Technology is located in the 105 Morgan Hall. You can reach us at

http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/contact.shtml  provides a complete list of OIIT contacts.

CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT SECTION OR GO BACK TO TOP

back to top Computer and Network Usage Policy back to top

By creating and using university accounts and other computing services, you have accepted and agreed to the "Computer and Network Usage Policy" document.

CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT SECTION OR GO BACK TO TOP

back to top Buying a Computer: Computer Requirements back to top

 Minimimum system Requirements for Student's computers

Operating Systems:
Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista
(Microsoft will no longer be supporting Windows 98 or ME after July 11, 2006)
Automatic Updates must be turned on and have all Critical Updates installed prior to being allowed on the network.

Apple Computers, all Operating Systems.
Automatic Updates must be configured and have all updates installed prior to being allowed on the network.

Linux Computers will need to be pre-approved before being allowed on the network. To receive approval, please call 229-931-2074

Antivirus:
All computers must have up-to-date virus protection software and a subscription that runs at least through the semester.
 Recommended Virus Protection Software:
Windows: Norton Antivirus or McAfee antivirus
Apple: Norton Antivirus or McAfee Virex

Wired Dorms:
If you will be living in Southwestern Oaks you will need to have a wired network card installed in your computer and have a cat5 ethernet network cable at least 15 feet in length.

Wireless Dorms:
If you will be living in Duncan Hall, you need to have a wireless network card installed on your computer. If one is not built in, we recommend the following wireless network card:
Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter, model number WUSB54G or WUSB54GS -- This card can be picked up at most Walmart Stores. To view Wal-Mart's description of the product, click here.
Other brands of cards and internal PCI cards have proven difficult in the past.

Please note that GSW OIIT will not install hardware or software of any kind on students' computers.

For more information check Wireless Network Support Web Site http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/wireless.shtml

CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT SECTION OR GO BACK TO TOP

back to top Connecting Your Computer to the Campus Network back to top

Before you can connect to the GSW Network your computer you will need to have

  • virus software installed and set for auto update
  • virus check conducted
  • critical updates for OS installed and set to auto update

CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT SECTION OR GO BACK TO TOP

back to top Information Security Concerns back to top

In order to minimize the risks associated with using a computer attached to the campus network, and hence to the Internet, there are several "best practices" a campus computer user must employ.

The first risk to consider is that of availability of your personal password. All activities on your computer are governed by having the logon password, so it is important that this password not be available to anyone but you. Do not place it on a sticky note and put it on the monitor or under the keyboard or any other easily accessible place.

When it is time to change your password, please choose one that does not reflect any personal association nor that is on the common password list that hackers use to gain unauthorized access to a computer. The best password is one that uses a combination of characters and numbers which have a special meaning for you. You may need to write this password down but protect this information as you would your social security number.

A second major threat to the security of a personal computer is the prevalence of viruses. You need to be aware that when the virus protection software finds a problem, you must take appropriate action to respond to that threat.

Third, there is great danger to your computer and to GSW's network and hosts from indiscriminant downloading of items from the Internet. Usually "free" means it has a hidden cost - either you have to give personal information or it runs on your computer and feeds information back to its source. Often many such programs install a "back door" which makes your computer accessible to other machines on the Internet without your even being aware of it. Some even log your keystrokes (and hence your passwords) and send this information to some unknown-to-you person.

Please be aware that no machine on the Internet is anonymous. There are laws which govern the use of copyrighted information and they apply to any available on the Internet also. To download copyrighted information (music, movies, games) is the same as stealing them from a store. The companies holding those licenses are now prosecuting cases resulting in large fines and the possibility of imprisonment.

All computers attached to the GSW network and their users are subject to the federal, state, and USG policies, laws and sanctions. Nothing on your computer is private and any information stored can be obtained through invoking the Georgia Open Records Act. The "best practice" is to use the computer labs and your computer only for study-related materials.

If you have any question or concerns relating to information security, email or call the OIIT Helpdesk and they will be routed to the appropriate responder.

To report abuses of accepted computing and networking practices (such as unsolicited commercial email, ftp sites offering unauthorized copyrighted material, etc.) by GSW related individuals, programs or equipment,

or

to report computer or networking security concerns or incidents that involve GSW related individuals, programs or equipment: abuse@canes.gsw.edu.

If you need to talk to a live person: GSW OIIT Help Desk at 229-931-2074.

CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT SECTION OR GO BACK TO TOP

back to top Email account and Policy back to top

OIIT at GSW has setup an email account for every student enrolled. Beginning in Summer 2004, email will serve as an official means of sending information to students by faculty and staff. Official email communications are intended only to meet the academic and administrative needs of the campus community. Faculty will determine how email will be used in their classes and may make the assumption that students' official @radar.gsw.edu accounts are being accessed, and can use email for their classes accordingly. Students are responsible for maintaining their official GSW email address and are expected to check their official GSW email address on a frequent and consistent basis. Students have the responsibility to recognize that certain communication may be time-critical.

Redirecting your account and changing your password: If a student chooses, he or she can redirect their official GSW email address to another account, e.g. AOL, hotmail, or Yahoo, but at their own risk. The University will not be responsible for the handling of email by outside vendors. Having email redirected does not absolve a student from the responsibilities associated with official communication sent to his or her @radar.gsw.edu account.

E-mail Account Policies are available at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/emailpolicy.shtml.

For more information please check http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/studentemail.shtml.

 CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT SECTION OR GO BACK TO TOP

back to top Computer Labs back to top

A number of computer labs are open on campus for students. For location and hours please check http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/labs.shtml.

CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT SECTION OR GO BACK TO TOP

back to top Technical and Network Support Procedures and Services back to top

If you have problems with computers in the computer lab, please report to a lab assistant or email techsupp@canes.gsw.edu.

CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT SECTION OR GO BACK TO TOP

  back to top RAIN (Registration and Academic Information Network)back to top

Your User ID will be your gswID#, and your PIN will initially be set to your 6 digit birth date (Example: January 2, 1986 = 010286). The first time you log in you will be required to change your PIN to another 6 digit number. You will also be asked to provide a PIN hint question and answer.

If you forget your PIN, click on the "Forgot PIN?" button. You will be prompted to answer the question you provided. If you answer correctly, your PIN will be reset to the six digits of your birthdate.

After 5 (cumulative) unsuccessful log in attempts, accounts are disabled. If your account becomes disabled, you will need to contact the Registrar's Office at 229-928-1331 or gswreg@canes.gsw.edu in order for your PIN to be reset. In order for your PIN to be reset by phone, it will be necessary for you to answer a series of random questions concerning your enrollment. A request to have the PIN reset by email must come from your RADAR account and include your gswID#.

For more information visit http://www.gsw.edu/academics/faq.html#rain.

CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT SECTION OR GO BACK TO TOP

back to top WebCT Accounts back to top

Your username is the first part of your Radar email address (everything before the '@' sign). Your password is the same as your RAIN PIN (password).

If you have any questions, please contact Lovely Lewis at llewis@canes.gsw.edu.

For more information and tutorials visit http://www.gsw.edu/webct.

CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT SECTION OR GO BACK TO TOP

 back to top GSW TV back to top

GSW State University is home to GSW-TV providing community service to Americus via the city's cable channel. GSW also utilizes the video production equipment to support the various production needs of the campus community. The GSW OIIT operates the studio, editing facility and mobile production unit. GSW-TV emphasizes its commitment to the power of education by producing local programming showcasing the individuals that make up Georgia Southwestern, as well as the entire Sumter County Community. For information on schedules and shows visit http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/.

CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT SECTION OR GO BACK TO TOP

back to top How to Documents back to top

You can access step-by-step instructions for common technological tasks at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/howto.shtml.  

 Georgia Southwestern State University, 800 Georgia Southwestern State University Drive, Americus, GA 31709-4379