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UConn Network Essentials
Network Access
- NETWORK ACCESS BLOCKS
Computers that are not secure (OS updates) and protected (virus updates) will be blocked from network access. For more information on prevention see Setting up and Protecting Your Computer.
- NETWORK VIOLATIONS
There are copyright and bandwidth policies on campus regarding downloading and sharing; familiarize yourself with the policies (https://netreg.uconn.edu/register/#policy and http://itpolicy.uconn.edu).
- USE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE and ANTI-SPYWARE SOFTWARE
Anti-virus software must be installed and regularly updated on all computers on the network. If you do not have anti-virus software installed, you dramatically increase the risk of being infected. Viruses may destroy your personal data and harm other users connected to the Internet and/or UConn network. The University provides excellent anti-virus software free of charge to all its students. For more information please check out our knowledge base. Anti-spy ware software is not required but is highly recommended to help maintain the overall security of your computer from pop-ups, browser hijackers and other pests that may make your internet experience difficult. For suggested software see our knowledge base.
- INSTALL SECURITY PATCHES
Keep your operating system and programs as current as possible by checking frequently for any patches or updates, and make sure that any services and network applications you run (like a web or ftp server, or web browser or email client) are also kept current. Out-of-date operating systems, services, and network applications are the most frequently exploited security problem on the Internet.
- USE STRONG PASSWORDS
Strong passwords are passwords that are not easily guessed and inlcude a variation of symbols (#, $, @), numbers or letters (upper/lower case): for example Joe571$ is a strong password. Put strong passwords on all accounts on your computer and put strong passwords on all writeable network shares, including folders shared from your computer and web or ftp servers you choose to run. If you allow write-access to your computer without a password, or with an easy to guess password, someone else will discover your share and fill up your computer with unwanted files, or install applications that allow them to take control of your computer.
- USE A FIREWALL
For students that bring their own personal computers to UConn, use a firewall. For suggestions see our knowledge base. Firewalls help protect your computer by regulating the kind of traffic that is able to reach and leave your computer. Properly configured, it can provide good protection from network viruses and worms without inhibiting your regular network activities.
- MANUAL REGISTRATIONS
IF you own a game console (X Box, PS2, Game Cubes) or network devices (router (wireless or wired), airports, TIVO), they need to be registered through ResNet for use. We discourage the use of routers on campus and recommend using a switch or hub in place of a router if you would like to connect more than one device. Routers have been known to cause extensive network disruption if not used correctly. The UConn Coop will be able to suggest appropriate equipment; the ResNet Knowledge Base will be able to provide suggestions on how to use it.
Best Practices
- SOFTWARE PURCHASES
When buying software anywhere, mention that you are a student; most places give student discounts. Also, before you buy check the UConn software web site to see what is offered to you as a student, http://software.uconn.edu for example all students can get free anti-virus from the university.
- HARDWARE CONSTRAINTS
Don’t install software on your computer if the hardware cannot support it. (i.e. Windows XP on a computer built for Windows 98 will have performance issues).
- DATA BACK-UPS
Think about what would happen if you lost all the files that are on your computer right now. Are they backed up? Losing a large amount of your personal files can be a very painful experience. You should take the time out to organize your files and back them up on CD's, DVDs or a removable hard drive. Don't wait for a security incident to take away your files forever. Make sure to back up all important data on your computer regularly.
- SOFTWARE INSTALLATIONS
When installing any program make sure to read through the installation materials, avoid just clicking "Next" mindlessly. This will help prevent accidental installation of spy-ware and other products that may harm your computer.
- DISABLE UNNECESSARY SERVICES
Disable all unnecessary network services and uninstall all unnecessary network applications, such as a built-in mail server or web server that you do not need, or a media player or file sharing application that you no longer use. These services and applications are easily exploited if a vulnerability is discovered in them, and by disabling unused ones you eliminate this risk. If you need assistance determining which services and applications are necessary, and which you may be able to disable or uninstall contact us.
- ORIGINAL SYSTEM CDS
In case you need to reformat your computer, bring your original system, software, and driver CDs with you to campus.
- DO NOT OPEN EMAIL FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES
Do not trust any email and especially attachments you were not expecting, even from people you know, and precede all attachments that you send with a message to the recipient. Only open email attachments that you were expecting from people that you trust. Opening email or attachments from people you don't know puts you at increased risk of being infected by a virus.
- DOWNLOAD FILES FROM REPUTABLE SOURCES
Do not trust any downloads that you may have received from filesharing (p2p) networks or non-reputable web sites. These files may not be safe and you put yourself at additional risk by opening them.
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