Computing@NC State - Go Links

OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY | FALL 2010
WELCOME!
Whether you are new to the NC State campus community
or have been a student or a member of the faculty or
staff here for a while, we welcome you to the challenges,
responsibilities, and opportunities of a new academic year.
In particular, you will find innovative and exciting uses of technology in teaching, learning,
and social situations, some of which may be stressful. The Office of Information
Technology (OIT) is ready to help you incorporate information technology into your
learning or campus work situation, and we do this with wide variety of resources —
Help Desk, wireless networking, computer labs, and many more.
Two big concerns for you are IT security and privacy, so here are my three mantras
for protecting yourself:
• NEVER give your password to ANYONE for any reason! Not the Help
Desk, not friends, not parents, not co-workers, not anyone.
• NEVER put anything in an e-mail, in a text message, or on Facebook or
Twitter that you would not put on the front page of a newspaper.
• Do not illegally download or share any copyrighted material such as music
or videos. Music and movie companies are monitoring campus Internet
downloads in particular and have been initiating lawsuits. [See the articles on
downloading (page 8) and copyright infringement (page 9).]
Remember that IT security and your IT privacy are under your control, so don’t
become a victim. Let OIT help you succeed at NC State.
Have a great and successful experience and… Go Wolfpack!
Marc Hoit
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MyPack Portal
MyPack for Parents
Virtual Computing Lab (VCL)
Cable TV & Phone
Guard Your Password
Hook Up with ResNet
Off-Campus Connecting
Mobile Web
Wireless at NC State
CAMPUS
BASICS CONNECT
Vice Chancellor for Information Technology
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YouTube
Social Networking
Student Advisory Group
iTunes U
Computing at the Libraries
Downloading: Legal or Illegal?
Copyright Infringement
College of Engineering
Green IT
3 E-mail & Google Apps
5 Student Software
8 Don’t Get Phished
9 Safe Computing
12 Computer Recommendations
HELP
2 Unity Account
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OIT Technology Help
Student Services Calendar
Campus Map
Accessible IT on Campus
Training - Classmate
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MyPack Portal
Your Unity Account
OIT Technology Help
This portal is your one-stop shop for
your student account needs. NC State Help Desk
Through it, you can:
• Register for classes
• Check grades
• Pay tuition
• Change contact information
(For all NC State students, faculty, and staff)
To log in, go to http://mypack.ncsu.edu and enter
your Unity ID and password. If you haven’t
changed your non-secure default password, follow
the Change Unity Password link under the login
prompt and create a strong, secure password. Then go to http://www.ncsu.edu/uia and fill out
your User Identification and Authentication (UIA)
security questions.
Fax: (919)513-0877
E-mail: help@ncsu.edu
Web: http://help.ncsu.edu (includes
knowledgebase)
Telephone: (919)515-HELP (4357)
TTY: (919)513-0415
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm
Receive help with your Unity ID and password,
e-mail, access to online information (e.g., coursework,
tuition, transcripts), and much more. If computing
consultants need to research your question, they will
give you a tracking number so you can follow the
progress of your help request online.
There are several ways to navigate the portal. The
For Students tab has links to frequently used tools,
services, and information. The Student Self Service
menu provides more details about these items. You
can also find your classification under Stay on Track
and follow the links to the resources you need.
The MyPack Portal also has a Campus Resources
section, where you’ll find links to gmail.ncsu.edu,
the Student Events Calendar, the NCSU Libraries,
WolfPack sporting event ticket information, and
much more.
West Dunn Building
For students only. Must bring
Campus ID card.
All NC State students, faculty,
and staff members have Unit y
accounts that provide access to many
computing services and facilities.
Unity ID & Password
Your Unity ID and password are your keys to many
computing resources at NC State. As a registered student,
you should have received your Unity ID and information
about your default password with your account.
Your default password is not secure, so you can’t
use it to access any of the important information
you’ll need from the MyPack Portal. As soon as you
receive this password, be sure to do these two things:
1.Go to http://www.ncsu.edu/password and change
your default password to a secure one that only
you know.
2.Go to http://www.ncsu.edu/uia and create three
security questions and answers that will identify you
to Help Desk consultants in the event you need to
call and have your password reset to your default.
Visit http://oit.ncsu.edu/unity-accounts/your-unitypassword for more details.
YouTube at NC State
NC State’s YouTube channel has
an impressive, growing collection
of current and historical clips
covering academics, sports, and
other aspects of campus life.
Visit http://www.youtube.com/ncstate to subscribe.
Contact youtube@ncsu.edu about submitting
a video.
What Your Unity Account Provides
Your account gives you access to:
• University-supported Web-based e-mail
System (see “E-mail & Google Apps,” page 3)
• Campus wireless and wired network
• Password-protected Web sites and apps
• Online courses and the Virtual Computing Lab
(see article on page 4)
• File Space
For personal files and Web pag es, see
http://oit.ncsu.edu/afs/personal-file-space
• Computing Labs
Unity labs offer Internet access, word
processors, spreadsheets, compilers, and
discipline-specific software on MS Windows,
Linux, and Apple OS X platforms. Most Unity
labs are open for extended hours or overnight.
Visit http://oit.ncsu.edu/unity-labs/locations
for a complete listing of locations and hours.
Most colleges also provide computing labs for
their students.
• MyPack Portal (see article on this page)
• Printing
WolfPrint provides printing services in Unity
labs and elsewhere on campus. See http://print.
ncsu.edu for details about print quota, printer
locations, and payment options.
Location: Southwest corner of Dan Allen and
Thurman Drive (see map grid F-3, page 6)
Hours: Refer to the Web site
Web: http://oit.ncsu.edu/unit-tss/walk-center
Walk-In Center
• Network connections
• Virus and spyware removal
• Hardware repairs for computers purchased
from the NC State Bookstores
• Windows and Mac file system problems
• Your Unity account and password
• Selected free software
Media & Student Ser vices,
WolfBytes Radio & Television
• Campus cable television
• Campus telephone and voice mail
• Renting Play Station II, DVD players,
VCRs, and converter boxes
• Video production and editing services
E-mail & Google Apps
All NC State students, faculty, and
staff have a campus e-mail account.
Here are the basics.
Students (Google Apps@NC State)
Go to http://google.ncsu.edu to start using your
Google Apps Gmail account and find links to set
up either your smart phone or an e-mail program
that is installed on your computer. This account
has 7 GB of storage space and is separate from
any other Gmail account you may have.
Faculty & Staff (no Google Apps at present)
See http://oit.ncsu.edu/n/welcome-information-facultystaff for information on WolfWise calendaring and
e-mail and Unity e-mail.
Address
MyPack for Parents
Your Unity e-mail address contains your Unity ID
As a student, you can now grant
access to your parents or guardian
for certain functions available
through the MyPack Portal, allowing
them to:
You retain full control over their access and
can change or remove it at any time. Later this
year, you will be able to grant parental access to
Financial Aid.
• View your bills, tax information, schedules,
grades, transcript information, and hidden
Student Directory information such as a
mailing address.
For tutorials on this process, go to:
http://www.ncsu.edu/registrar/guides/students/
tutorials.html and look under Grant Parent
Access.
• Pay your bills (if you grant them access to the
Student Financial function).
Official E-mail
Forwarding
Spam
NC State University will send all your official e-mail
(e.g., messages about classes, grades, billing) to only
one address as follows:
New Students:
• Before August 10, 2010: Address used when
applying for admission
If you prefer, you can forward your Unity e-mail to
an off-campus e-mail account. See http://oit.ncsu.
edu/email/email-forwarding for details.
Attachments
Student e-mail is filtered for suspected spam, which is
placed in a designated spam folder in Gmail. Be sure
to check it daily, retrieve any mail that isn’t spam, and
delete the rest. See Don’t Get Phished on page 8 for
more about the damage some spam messages cause.
• Beginning August 10, 2010: Unity address
Other Students: Unity address
Faculty and Staff: Preferred address as listed
in the campus directory.
An e-mail attachment is often a convenient way
to share information, but not always the best.
Visit http://oit.ncsu.edu/email/attachments for
some things to consider. At NC State, attachments
are limited to 25 MB, including encoding, which
increases the file size by about 30 percent. (Also see
“Safe Computing” on page 9).
Tools in Google Apps
In addition to Gmail, Google Apps provides
students with a suite of collaborative and educational
tools: Google Wave, Sites, Docs, Talk, and Calendar.
These tools are available to all students through their
Google Apps account.
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Social Networking On & Beyond Campus
You are most likely well aware of the
bright side of various types of social
media, but take a moment here to
delve into the dark side.
Reputation Considerations
“Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh
the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily
commute to San Jose and hating the work.” You
may have seen the news item about the person
who said this on Twitter, and which made its
way back to Cisco—not to mention all over the
Internet and news stations across the country
under headlines such as, “How to tweet your way
out of a job.”
If you haven’t already done it, sign up for Google
Alerts and regularly monitor your name. See how
it’s being used—and by whom—with some kind
of search and alert mechanism such as Google
Alerts.
Legal considerations
Imagine yourself tweeting about how infuriated you
are about poor customer service you recently received.
“The Sun News reports that a South Carolina state
court has awarded Scott Brandon $1.8 million in
damages for defamation arising out of statements
published on the Myrtle Beach Insider blog,” according
to a headline on http://www.citmedialaw.org. The
laws are catching up on the exponential growth of
Virtual Computing Lab
You can go to a campus
computing lab to use highend computers and software
– or you can stay home (or go
to the beach) and access the
university’s award-winning
Virtual Computing Lab
(VCL) over the Internet.
The VCL is like a portable computing
lab, with around-the-clock access to
applications you may not be able to
install on your own computer. You can
use Maple, Matlab, SAS (including
Enterprise Guide), Dreamweaver,
Photoshop, Contribute, Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences
(SPSS), SolidWorks, and many others.
Students in certain classes will have
access to additional applications. Be
sure to watch for updates to the VCL
application list.
NOTE: The VCL works best with a
broadband Internet connection.
Go to http://vcl.ncsu.edu to use
the VCL, choose the application
environment you want, and schedule
a virtual computer for immediate or
future use.
social media. Don’t give them anything to catch up
to you on.
Security Considerations
URL shortening sites, such as tinyurl.com, are
great but Twitter phishers and other scammers
think so, too! They exploit URL-shortening
utilities to conceal the identity of links to
potentially harmful sites. Trojans use the same
approach sending shortened URLs in instant
messages to buddy lists. Don’t click on any link
in any e-mail, instant message, blog, or tweet if
you are unsure of its URL authenticity. Some
Web sites and browser add-ons or plug-ins can
expand a shortened URL, allowing you to verify
a link before you click on it.
Student Advisory Group
Want to contribute to technology
planning for campus?
Let’s talk about information technology on
campus with Marc Hoit, Chief Information
Officer. Bring your questions and concerns. See
http://oit.ncsu.edu/it-student-advisory for details.
License Agreements
NC State provides complimentary antivirus
software to all students, faculty, and staff for their
campus and home computers. See http://oit.ncsu.
edu/antivirus for details.
Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
produces a suite of geographic information system
(GIS) applications that are widely used on campus.
Under its site license, you can install and use
ArcGIS Desktop and ArcInfo Workstation on your
personally-owned computer.
NC State’s SAS, Mathematica, and Autodesk site
licenses also permit you to use them at home at no cost.
Other site licenses allow you to use Matlab, Maple, and
many other software titles in NC State computing labs.
Reduced Pricing
Under NC State’s licensing agreements, you can
buy the following full-version software at the NC
State Bookstores at reduced prices:
Visit http://oit.ncsu.edu/antivirus to download
your copy.
iTunes U
iTunes U allows both public and private access
to content. Various university units, including
the Career Center, Millennium Seminar Series,
WolfBytes Radio and WOLF TV, offer material
to anyone with Internet access. Alternatively,
professors can require a Unity ID and password to
ensure that class material they podcast on iTunes U
will be restricted to their students.
As an NC State student, you must
have access to the latest software
in order to develop and maintain
your competitive edge, whether you
are applying for research dollars or
preparing to enter the workforce.
For an in-depth look at
cable television, ResNet,
telephone, and more, pick
up a copy of the OIT
student calendar.
The calendar is available in
all residence halls, the NC
State Bookstores, the West
Dunn Building (see map
grid F-3, page 6), and other
locations on campus.
In addition, you can buy some of it at discounted
prices on campus.
Finally, never use a computer that isn’t protected
by some type of antivirus product. As a user of
NC State computing resources, you’re provided
one free for your personally-owned machine.
As a member of the university community, you
can use iTunes U to furnish music, video, and
documents for other users to download. In addition,
you can provide subscriptions to your own periodic
podcasts. Subscribers can download your current
podcast episode (e.g., document, video, audio file)
free of charge to a personal computer or portable
media device. Later, when you create new episodes,
the subscriber receives them automatically.
2011 Student Services Calendar
NC State negotiates license agreements to give you
this software access in campus computing labs and,
in some cases, at home.
Many social networking scams begin by teasing
you into watching a video. If you can see videos
on sites like youtube.com, then you shouldn’t
have to download additional plug-ins or
“codecs.” Codecs, which come in the form of an
executable setup file in these instances, are often
Trojans.
The NC State community participates
in iTunes U, a podcasting partnership
in which a university provides
the content and Apple Computer
provides a secure environment
to manage and deliver it. You can
make full use of iTunes U without
having an iPod, but you will need to
download and install either the Mac
or Windows version of the iTunes
software on your computer.
Student Software
A challenge of iTunes U is the ongoing acquisition
of new content. Many content creators are initially
enthusiastic but do not realize the time and effort
needed to maintain a flow of new material.
As for accessibility, iTunes U will work with screen
readers, and some Apple media players have voice
prompts. Creating captioned video content allows
hearing-impaired users to watch videos on devices
that support playback. Audio content can be
provided for the sight-impaired.
Visit http://itunes.ncsu.edu for more information.
Microsoft
• Office 2010 Pro - $89.99
• Office for Mac 2008 - $74.95
• Windows 7 Pro Upgrade (32 & 64-bit) - $79.99
Apple
• Apple OS X – Snow Leopard - $29.00
• iWork ‘09 - $39.00
• iLife ‘09 - $39.00
Adobe
• Acrobat Professional 9.0 - $79.99
• Creative Suite 5 Design Premium - $399.99
• Creative Suite 5 Design Standard - $239.99
• Creative Suite 5 Web Premium - $399.99
• Creative Suite 5 Production Premium - $399.99
• Creative Suite 5 Master Collection - $699.99
• Dreamweaver CS5 - $139.99
• Photoshop CS5 - $199.99
These prices are subject to change without notice.
Visit http://www.ncsu.edu/software for more
information about NC State’s software licensing
programs and pricing. Go to http://www.ncsu.
edu/software/get-software to learn how to get
certain programs for free or at reduced prices. To
purchase software, visit the Computer Connections
department at the NC State Bookstores.
Cable TV & Phone Services
The Office of Information Technology
offers comprehensive optional
cable television and local telephone
packages for students.
Cable TV
Cable television includes more than 100 channels of
entertainment, news, and information, including four
local origination channels.
Students who sign up for cable are automatically able
to participate in our Internet-based TV pilot. Students
can watch a separate set of cable TV channels streamed
directly to their network-connected computer.
The cable lineup features five HBO channels, four
Showtime channels, The Movie Channel, mtvU, ESPNU
and more, including WolfBytes Sports Television, a
station devoted to all-NC State sports 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. For a complete cable lineup, visit our
Web site: http://comtech.ncsu.edu/students/cable.php
Watch for information about IPTV, which will
allow you to watch high-quality TV via your ResNet
computer connection.
Cable cost: $192.50 per room, per semester.
Signup: Only one student per room can sign up for
cable; that student’s account is billed for the entire cost.
Activation: One business day
Local Telephone
Local phone service consists of a dial tone, call
waiting, call return, three-way calling, caller ID,
voice mail, and an expanded local calling area that
includes Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill.
Phone cost: $67.00 per room, per semester.
Signup: Only one student per room can sign up for
phone; that student’s account is billed for the entire cost.
Activation: Three to Five business days
Details & Signup: For more information or to sign
up for TV or phone, visit http://oit.ncsu.edu/mss or the
West Dunn Building (see “OIT Technology Help”, page 3).
Computing at the Libraries
NCSU Libraries offer a wealth of
computing resources. Here are only a
few examples:
• Computers and software
• Wireless Internet
• Digital Media Lab – video editing, audio capture,
scanning, large poster printing
• Lending – laptops, cameras, camcorders, iPods, book
readers, GPS units
• Gaming – consoles, video and board games
See http://www.lib.ncsu.edu for additional resources.
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= Buildings with Wireless Coverage
See “Wireless,” page 11
Facility
Grid
J-3
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Administrative Services, I-III
CVM
Arboretum, Raulston
Avent Ferry Technology Center E-7
L-3
Belltower
E-5
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Harris Hall
Hillsborough Building
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Isenhour Tennis Complex
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Language & Computer Labs
Leazar Hall
Mann Hall
Math & Stats (SAS) Building
McKimmon Center
McSwain Education Center
Miller Field
Monteith Research Center
Nelson Hall
Page Hall
Park Shops
H
NIA
L PK
WY
K-4
H-2
J-4
K-3
I-4
K-4
A-5
CVM
G-5
CC
G-2
K-3
J-3
I
Partners Bldgs, I-III
Patterson Hall
Peele Hall
Phytotron
Poe Hall
Polk Hall
Price Music Center
Primrose Hall
Pullen Hall
Red Hat Building
Research, I-IV
Reynolds Coliseum
Ricks Hall
J
CC
J-3
L-3
H-2
K-3
I-3
H-4
L-3
G-3
CC
CC
I-4
J-3
8
BOU
R
RD
YEU
BIL
ST
BAR
RD
C RE
ST
EW
EV I
LEG
COL
A
TD
NO
Parking Facilities
N
FlexBldg
T
YC
BUR
Western Manor
LE
L IL
8
L
IJ
To
Downtown
Raleigh
PI O
A VE
RD S
T
K
W
M
CHA
KELFO
Residence Halls
7
University Facilities with
Unity Computing Labs
K
Riddick Labs and Annex
Robertson Building
Schaub Food Science Building
Scott Hall
Solar House
Student Center, Talley
Student Center, Witherspoon
Student Health Services Center
Textiles, College of
Thompson Theater
Tompkins Hall
Toxicology Building
Turner House and Garage
KE
ND
A
J-4
E-5
E-4
H-2
A-5
H-4
G-4
F-4
CC
K-5
K-3
CC
H-1
LL L
CI
Online Map: http://www.ncsu.edu/campus_map
University Club
Venture, I-III
Veterinary Medicine, College of
Visitor Center, Joyner
Weaver Administration Building
Weaver Labs
Weisiger-Brown Athletic Facility
West Dunn Building
Williams Hall
Winslow Hall
Winston Hall
Withers Hall
Yarbrough Drive Steam Plant
CVM
CC
CVM
B-4
D-5
D-4
I-6
F-3
H-3
L-4
K-3
J-3
J-4
Housing
Wireless coverage usually in lounge areas only.
Alexander Residence Hall
Bagwell Residence Hall
Becton Residence Hall
Berry Residence Hall
Bowen Residence Hall
Bragaw Residence Hall
Carroll Residence Hall
E.S. King Village
Gold Residence Hall
Lee Residence Hall
H-4
K-5
K-5
K-5
G-3
F-3
H-3
A-2
L-4
E-3
Metcalf Residence Hall
North Residence Hall
Owen Residence Hall
Sullivan Residence Hall
Syme Residence Hall
Tucker Residence Hall
Turlington Residence Hall
Watauga Residence Hall
Welch Residence Hall
Wood Residence Hall
Wolf Village Apartments
G-3
L-2
G-4
E-3
K-4
G-4
H-4
L-4
K-4
G-6
A-3
8
9
Downloading: Legal or Illegal?
To avoid lawsuits from copyright
holders and disciplinary action by
the university (including loss of your
e-mail and Internet privileges), learn
about responsible downloading and
streaming.
Illegal Delivery from a Web Server
Delivery from a Web Server
Peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing technology
A Web server actually copies (“downloads”) a file
onto your computer. If you are obtaining a video,
for example, from a Web server and your media
player has a “progressive download” feature, then
you can begin to watch the video as soon as enough
of it has been copied. However, you won’t be able
to skip to another part of the file until that part has
been copied.
This technology itself is not illegal, but even if
you purchase P2P software you must still obtain
permission to share copyrighted files with it.
Otherwise, you may be fined or prosecuted for
copyright infringement. Be aware that file-sharing
software can leave your computer vulnerable to
attack and may even share your private files without
your knowledge.
Getting a file from a Web server is usually very easy,
so it is equally easy to run afoul of copyright laws
without even realizing it. When you get a file from
a Web site, it is your responsibility to comply with
both the copyright laws and the Terms of Use of
the site. Ignorance of either of these is no defense
against infringement, even if the site creators had no
authority to deliver content to you.
Combating illegal downloading at NC State
Legal Delivery from a Web Server
• Works that “authorized” users of the NCSU
Libraries can access via the library Web catalog.
• Material from sites containing public domain
(expired copyright) material (e.g., federal
government sites, GoogleBooks)
• Entire movies (There is no section in
the copyright laws that permits showing
or downloading an entire movie without
permission.)
• Unlicensed text, image, audio, or video (e.g.,
movie) from any site, including a peer-to-peer
file-sharing site, even for educational purposes
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008
requires that NC State develop a plan to “effectively
Safe Computing
combat the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted
materials” by users of its network, including “the
use of one or more technology-based deterrents.”
Such deterrents may involve automatic monitoring
of NC State Internet traffic for the P2P sharing of
copyrighted material. A current project is evaluating
these deterrents.
Delivery from a Streaming Server
A streaming server delivers a file to be played
but not copied to your hard drive. Your media
player allows you some control of the server. For
example, you can skip forward or start the playback
at a point other than the beginning. In this case,
you are much less likely to violate copyright law or
site terms; you do not have a copy of the file on
your computer.
Legal Delivery from a Streaming Server
• A movie Netflix subscribers can “Watch
Instantly”
• Video/movie clip that your instructor
includes in your access-controlled course site
Illegal Use of a Streaming Server
• Copying a streamed file
• Streaming, without the copyright holder’s
permission, all or a substantial portion of
an audio or video file embedded in a class
project or presentation
For more information and references, see
“Copyright Infringement Affects You” on page 9.
To do this, they use an e-mail message, text,
tweet, or Web site to trick you into:
• Providing personal infor mation such as
your Unity password
• Clicking on a link that would then install
hidden software on your computer to steal
that information
Falling for a phishing scam can result in
temporary shutdown of your NC State e-mail
account and -- much worse -- personal identity
theft. Even though our anti-spam system will tag
most phishing e-mails as spam, about 10 percent
of them still get through, so you can expect to
receive about one of these messages per semester.
A phishing e-mail can look very official, but it
isn’t, even though it might:
• Mention NC State by name
• Contain “NCSU” in the return address
• Claim to be from the Office of
Information Technology (OIT), e-mail or
database administrators, or Help Desk
• Contain NC State logos
• Include a link to a university Web site
• Address you by first and last name.
Keep your computer and personal data secure by
following these six requirements and guidelines.
products to all students, faculty, and staff members.
Go to http://oit.ncsu.edu/antivirus to download
your copy. Install the latest version as soon as you
get a new computer and, most importantly, keep its
definitions updated. Trend Micro also guards against
spyware and adware, which you can unknowingly
acquire when you:
The message usually creates a sense of urgency by
specifying a deadline for you to provide your Unity
ID and password and sometimes other personal
information. Protect yourself by always being
suspicious of ANY communication (e.g., e-mail,
instant message, phone call) that asks for your NC
State Unity password.
See “Your Unity Account” on page 2.
Update your operating system
Always install system updates as soon as your
operating system automatically notifies you that they
are available. You can also manually check for the
latest updates.
OIT staff never need your password for any
reason, and they will never ask you for it. They
have their own access to the system, just as
hotel management and cleaning staff have
their own room keys and don’t need yours.
Update your applications
Keep your application software (e.g., Microsoft
Office, Mozilla Firefox) up-to-date. You will be
alerted automatically, or you can find updating
information in an application’s Help menu or on its
publisher’s Web site.
Avoid “phishing” attacks
See “Don’t Get Phished” on page 8.
For more information on secure computing, visit
these sites:
Update virus and spyware protection
You are required to run NC State-approved antivirus
software on every computer you regularly use to
connect to the campus network. NC State even
provides a free copy of Trend Micro antivirus
OIT can do only so much to protect
you from scams. Unless e-mail
fundamentally changes, you will always
need to take some responsibility for
protecting yourself.
If you receive a phishing e-mail purporting to
be from NC State, forward it to abuse@ncsu.
edu. Please try to include the reply-to address
or e-mail headers. Blocking such addresses has
been an effective countermeasure.
If you think you have become the victim of
a phishing scam, wish to verify an e-mail you
have received, or have any other questions or
comments, contact security@ncsu.edu or the
NC State Help Desk at 515-HELP (4357).
• Legal action by the copyright holder resulting in
statutory damages ranging from $30,000 to $150,000
per infringement
• Disciplinary action by the university and the loss
of computer access to your NC State e-mail, online
classes, and licensed library resources
Knowing the Facts
Copyright is automatic. As soon as an original work (e.g.,
text, music, video, graphic, photo) is fixed in a tangible
medium of expression, it is fully protected, even without
a copyright notice, registration, or publication. If you
have ever written a letter, taken a picture, made a video,
or created a Web site, then you are a copyright holder.
Copyright holders possess the exclusive rights to
reproduce, modify, distribute, perform, or display their
works. For the progress of society, some exceptions
are placed on these rights, especially ones favoring
educational and news reporting uses.
If there is a favorable exception, you may be able to use
a work without obtaining prior permission. For example,
copyrighted works published in the United States before
• Install an application that acknowledges the
presence of spyware in its End-User License
Agreement, which most people do not read
When you receive an unexpected e-mail attachment,
even from someone you know, always verify its
legitimacy with the sender before you open it. If
you don’t know the sender, delete the attachment
without opening it. Such attachments can be a source
of viruses or spyware.
• Mac OS X: Use Software Update
Potential consequences of infringement,
especially repeated infringement, include:
• Inadvertently visit malicious Web sites.
Beware of e-mail attachments
• Windows: Select Windows Update from
Internet Explorer’s Tools menu
Copying, cutting, and pasting together
the works of others represents inferior
work and may constitute copyright
infringement, even if you properly
credit your sources.
• Download certain freeware or ad-supported
software programs
Spyware and adware programs can quietly monitor
anything you type, browse, or purchase. At worst,
they will steal your passwords, credit card numbers,
money from your bank accounts, and even your
identity. If your computer runs slower, applications
start automatically, or you get a lot of pop-up
windows, then spyware or adware may be the reason.
Use a strong, secure password
• Antivirus and Security
http://oit.ncsu.edu/antivirus
• ResNet Security
http://oit.ncsu.edu/resnet/security
Copyright Infringement Affects You
Don’t Get Phished
Every day, phishing scammers target
the NC State community, attempting
to hack into your personal account
and use it for their own schemes.
Careless computing can let thieves
steal both your money and your
identity.
1923 are in the public domain and may be used freely.
However, if you use a copyrighted work without
permission and there is no applicable exception, then
you have infringed the copyright. NC State regards
such infringement, including unauthorized sharing of
copyrighted materials, as a very serious matter and a
violation of civil law, criminal law, and university policy.
It is your responsibility to understand enough about
university policies and copyright law basics to make
responsible, good faith, defensible decisions about your
behavior. Being uninformed about the policies or laws
will not get you off the hook.
Getting The Facts
Visit http://provost.ncsu.edu/copyright/ for a wealth
of resources including tutorials, worksheets, public
domain charts, FAQs, and sample permission letters.
Peggy Hoon (peggy_hoon@ncsu.edu), special assistant
to the Provost for copyright administration, can also
answer your questions. The NC State Office of General
Counsel maintains basic copyright information at http://
www.ncsu.edu/general_counsel/legal_topics/intell_prop.
php#11. Judy Curry, in the Office of General Counsel, is
also available for assistance as are Student Legal Services:
http://www.ncsu.edu/stud_affairs/legal_services/. There
is additional information on the Internet.
More about Copyright
• Downloading: Legal or Illegal?
(See article on page 8.)
• Computing Rules and Regulations
http://oit.ncsu.edu/n/rules-regulations-student-it-use
10
11
Accessible IT on Campus
College of Engineering: Eos
Eos is the common computing
environment the College of
Engineering (COE) shares across
its departments and curricula .
http://www.eos.ncsu.edu
Student-Owned Computing
All incoming undergraduate engineering students
are expected to have a laptop or tablet computer that
meets COE specifications (http://www.eos.ncsu.edu/
soc). COE has adopted an open platform model so
that students can choose the hardware vendor they
prefer. At the NC State Bookstores, students, faculty,
Eos fully integrates with the campus Unity
environment but mainly provides the college with
unique resources for engineering computing.
Labs and Software
Eos has always been heavily lab-based in order to expose
students to industry-standard engineering applications
that may not be available on individually-owned
computers. COE has 17 Eos labs and collaboratories
running software for Microsoft Windows, Sun Solaris,
and Red Hat Linux (http://www.eos.ncsu.edu/labs).
Eos also boasts an unparalleled library of engineering
software (http://www.eos.ncsu.edu/software), available
both in labs and through the Virtual Computing Lab
(see the VCL article on page 4). When the license permits,
some engineering applications can be installed on
student-owned computers.
and staff can purchase laptops at special prices
arranged with Apple, IBM/Lenovo and Dell.
Introductory Computing Course
All engineering freshmen take E115: Introduction
to Computing Environments (http://www.eos.
ncsu.edu/e115/), which is taught on their own
laptops running their choice of a current Linux,
Mac, or Windows operating system. E115 prepares
students for engineering computing and gives
them hands-on experience in the maintenance and
effective use of their own computers to interface
with Eos and Unity resources.
Help with Eos
The Guide to Eos and Unity Computing is available
online at http://www.eos.ncsu.edu/guide and
at the NC State Bookstores. Information
Technology and Engineering Computer Services
(ITECS) develops Eos and provides IT support
to the college. For assistance, e-mail eoshelp@
ncsu.edu, or contact the help desks in 203 and
226 Daniels (24/7) or 204 Daniels (8-5 M-F).
Guard Your Password
Lock up your personal file space,
e-mail, registration info, and much
more just by keeping your Unity
password private.
North Carolina State University is
committed to providing an inclusive
environment for all students.
This commitment extends to information technology
resources, including the Web. In 2006, the university
approved a Web Page Accessibility Regulation to
ensure the accessibility of official Web content and
services to people with disabilities.
To accommodate students with disabilities, Unity
computing labs have designated wheelchair-accessible
workstations.
Assistive technologies such as screen readers and
screen magnification are available on all Unity
Windows workstations in labs across campus.
Windows and Linux screen readers and screen
magnification assistive technologies are available
through the Virtual Computing Lab (see the VCL article
on page 4). Students can request access to these tools
when they make reservations for the VCL.
Here are some possibilities.
Hook Up with ResNet
If you live in University Housing
residence halls or at Greek Village,
ResNet allows you to connect your
computer to the high-speed campus
data network and the Internet.
Automatic Service
If you live in a residence hall, you receive ResNet service
automatically. It is billed to your student account just as
your room and tuition are. The fee is $100 per semester.
If you live in a Greek Village chapter house, you can
subscribe to ResNet.
Hardware Needed For ResNet
• Computer with a current operating system that
meets NC State’s minimum recommendations (see
page 12). Other computers may work with ResNet,
but our staff cannot assist you with them
• Ethernet adapter (card). Most new computers come
with one of these built in. If yours doesn’t, be sure
to have one installed at purchase time
• Ethernet cable rated at Category 5 or higher.
We recommend you buy this from the NC
State Bookstores. Other cables are less reliable
on ResNet.
• Do NOT use a phone cable
Big ideas for small devices.
NC State University has launched the NC
State Mobile Web — a mobile-friendly
collection of online news, events, tools,
and ser vices available from almost any
mobile device.
Check often for the new features that are
being added to this collection.
http://m.ncsu.edu
The Disability Services Office (http://www.ncsu.
edu/dso/at) has a range of assistive technologies and
devices that students may borrow. This office also
provides course materials in alternative formats.
Visit http://oit.ncsu.edu/accessibility for more
about the IT Accessibility Initiative.
University Towers
University Towers (UT) is a privately owned
residence hall that provides high-speed Ethernet
service similar to that of ResNet. Please call 1-800521-3077 if you have questions about connecting
your computer to the University Towers network.
E.S. King Village
If you live in E.S. King Village, you can connect
to the Internet using the Time Warner Road
Runner cable modem service provided as part of
your rental agreement.
Off-campus
If you live off-campus, you can use an Internet
service provider (ISP). You will need a high speed
connection for some campus resources, such as
the Virtual Computing Lab (see article on page 4).
Wireless at NC State
Security Software
Configuring For ResNet
Wireless Connection
NC State requires that you install an approved
antivirus program and keep its virus definitions
up-to-date. This requirement is for all Windows
and Apple operating systems. The university
provides free antivirus software for all current
students online at http://oit.ncsu.edu/antivirus.
The standard installation of this software will
update automatically.
If your Ethernet adapter is installed correctly
and you have a functioning Ethernet cable, you
should be able to connect to the network without
configuring your computer. Visit http://oit.ncsu.
edu/resnet/setup for detailed configuration
instructions.
ResNet requires you to keep your computer’s
operating system patched with the latest updates
and security fixes.
When you first connect your computer to ResNet,
you will need to register it by launching a Web
browser and following the prompts to enter your
Unity ID and password. You must also register
any other device you connect to ResNet. If it
cannot browse the Web, use any computer to visit
http://oit.ncsu.edu/resnet/register and complete
the process.
Wireless networking via NC State’s Nomad is
provided in at least one common area in each
residence hall. Also, you may set up your own
wireless access point in your residence hall room.
However, if it interferes with any NC State access
point, it will be removed from the network.
Configure your access point so only you can use
it. See http://oit.ncsu.edu/resnet/wireless-config
for more information.
See http://oit.ncsu.edu/resnet/securit y for
details.
In addition, assistive resources are available in the
Assistive Technology Center on the first floor of
D. H. Hill Library and the Computer Lab in the
Disability Services Office at the Student Health
Center. Both of these labs are equipped with
computers integrated with assistive tools:
• Screen readers
• Screen magnification
• Voice input
• Visual tracking
• Scanner/OCR and devices such as CCTV
• Refreshable Braille & (tactile) Braille printers
Off-Campus Connecting
If you don’t live in University
Housing residence halls or in Greek
Village, ResNet isn’t available, but
you can connect to the campus
network through the Internet.
Don’t write it.
Don’t share it. You won’t regret it.
For more security tips, see “Don’t Get
Phished” on page 8 and “Safe Computing”
on page 9.
MobileWeb
Registering
Connecting Other Devices To ResNet
You may connect any networked device (e.g.,
computer, game console, DVR) to ResNet,
provided it does not interfere with any universityowned equipment or services and does not violate
university rules, regulations, or policies. If you
wish to connect more than one device, you will
need to provide your own hub or switch. A router
is not necessary.
Wireless access is available at an
increasing number of locations
on campus, and there are two
features that make it easier to use.
Device Registration
When registered, your wireless device will
automatically authenticate you whenever you
connect to the network.
You are responsible for all network activity
related to the devices you register on ResNet,
including the actions of anyone you allow to use
your computer or wireless access point.
Here’s how to register it:
1.Go to https://nomad.ncsu.edu
2.Select Device Registration
3.From the menu on the left, select Add Device
4.Follow the subsequent instructions
5.Watch for an e-mail prompt to re-register each
semester
Getting Help
Wireless Access for Guests
ResNet Usage Responsibilities
• Visit the ResNet Web site
http://oit.ncsu.edu/resnet
• E-mail ResNet staff: resnet@ncsu.edu
• Call a consultant at 515-HELP (4357)
• Visit the Walk-In Center (see “OIT Technology
Help” on page 3)
By changing their service set identifier
(SSID) to ncsu-guest, campus visitors can
use the network, but can browse only
Web addresses beginning with http or
https. A visitor’s e-mail software or chat
program will not work.
See http://www.comtech.ncsu.edu/wireless/faq_3.
php to learn more.
Visit http://wireless.ncsu.edu for more details about
wireless access.
Wireless Coverage Issues
If you experience a wireless outage on campus,
report it to the NC State Help Desk (see page 3).
For other wireless issues, such as intermittent
coverage, go to http://nomad.ncsu.edu/report
and let Communications Technologies know
about the problem.
12
2010 Computer Recommendations
Computing@NC State
Published by the Office of
Information Technolog y to
introduce NC State students,
facult y, and staff to campus
computing resources.
Paper edition issued annually in
summer. Available on the Web at:
Below are the minimum specifications
we recommend for a personally owned
computer at NC State.
http://www.ncsu.edu/it/computing
PUBLICATIONS MANAGER:
Christopher Donald
EDITOR: Charles Walker
CONTRIBUTORS: Everette Allen,
BJ Attarian, John Baines, Twanda Baker,
Brandon Barbour, Bill Coker, Jude Davis,
Rhonda Greene, Tim Gurganus, Marc
Hoit, Peggy Hoon, Chris King, Susan
Klein, Andy Kurth, David Ladrie, Carrie
Levow, John Martin, Stan North Martin,
Ellen McDaniel, Hal Meeks, Sarah Noell,
Dave Pond, and Don Schmidt
SPECIAL THANKS: Adeola Dokun
Contact: oit_pubs@help.ncsu.edu
PRINTER: Triangle Web Printing
No state allocated funds were used in printing
this document.
• We recommend professional-level equipment and
software. Consumer-level equipment is not robust
enough to meet the evolving needs of a student.
• Certain departments and disciplines may require a
more robust system. Check with your department
to make sure you are meeting their requirements.
• College of Management students need a computer
that runs Windows 7 Professional 32 or 64 bit.
If purchasing an Apple computer be sure to
also purchase a copy of Windows. The academic
prices on Windows at the NCSU Bookstores are
upgrade only. Full version academic pricing may
be available elsewhere.
• To save energy and reduce climate impact, we
recommend purchasing computers with silver or
gold EPEAT/Energy Star ratings (visit http://
www.epeat.net)
Extended Warranty
New computers usually come with only a one year
manufacturer’s war ranty. We highly recommend
that you purchase a three year warranty from the
manufacturer.
System Backup
We recommend an external hard drive at least as
large as the one in the computer. This will let you
back up your entire system so that you can restore
it if your hard drive fails. An extended warranty will
cover the hard drive but not the data stored on it, and
retrieving your data can cost hundreds of dollars. A
Web-based data storage system or removable drive is
a good first step, but it is not a substitute for being
able to restore your entire system.
Accidental Damage Protection
Some manufacturers offer insurance to cover
physical damage but not theft. A standard extended
warranty will not cover either of these.
Additional Insurance
To cover computer theft, you will need to purchase a
policy such as renter’s insurance. Such a policy usually
also covers theft from the computer owner’s vehicle.
Component
New PC
New Apple
Used Computer
CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo or
AMD X2 Dual Core
Intel Core 2 Duo
Intel Core 2 Duo 1 GHZ or
AMD X2 Dual Core
The Office of Information
Technolog y provides computing
help and consulting ser vices for
the students, and staff of NC
State University.
System RAM
4 GB
4 GB
2 GB
Optical Drive
DVD+RW
DVD+RW
DVD+RW
Hard Drive
250 GB
250 GB
160 GB
Operating System
Windows 7 Professional OS X v.10.6
64 bit
PC: Windows 7 Pro, 32 bit
Apple: OS X v.10.6
Web: http://oit.ncsu.edu
Ethernet Adapter
Yes
Yes
Yes
See “OIT Technology Help” on page 3 for
Wireless Card*
Yes*
Built-in**
Yes
specific help services and contact information.
Warranty
3-Year
3-Year
1 Year Remaining
Antivirus Software
http://oit.ncsu.edu/antivirus
Free from NC State
Free from NC State
Free from NC State
External Hard Drive
250 GB
250 GB
160 GB
Cable Lock
Combination Cable Lock Combination Cable Lock Combination Cable Lock
OIT Services
* If you plan to connect a desktop computer to a local wireless network, you will need a wireless card.
**Except for the MacPro desktop, most new and existing Apple computers have built-in wireless.
ClassMate
Green IT
Does your computer have a
smokestack?
Maybe not, but electricity use is responsible for 52
percent of NC State’s carbon emissions - about 10
percent from personal computing.
You can help NC State reduce the campus “carbon
pawprint” and support global sustainability efforts.
Here are some easy first steps:
Save energy
• Activate your power management settings
• Deactivate screensavers
• Don’t leave your computer running all night
Save paper
• Print on both sides of paper
Save the planet
• Purchase EPEAT and ENERGY STAR electronics
• e-Cycle. Delete personal information and then
donate your old computer and mobile devices.
• Use campus e-waste services.
• Telework using Google Apps, NCSU Libraries’
Electronic Resources, or VCL
• Learn more about Green IT:
http://oit.ncsu.edu/green-it
• Join NC State’s sustainability efforts:
http://www.ncsu.edu/sustainability/index.php
Want to learn skills without
paying for more classes ?
T he Office of Infor mation Technolog y
offers free classes for graduate students,
faculty, and staff on many of the most
popular software applications.
Adobe Creative Suite 4
• Photoshop
• InDesign
• Acrobat Pro
Microsoft Office 2007
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
http://webapps.ncsu.edu/classmate