Chicago-Kent College of Law -- Record Online

Center for Law and Computers: 
News & announcements for this week.

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  NEW Links for the Week of 11/19/01 - 11/25/01

Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season!

FAQs and Help Links

 

 CLC Main Office

To assure your experience at Chicago-Kent College of Law is a positive one, the Center for Law and Computers is available to assist you with your computer and technical questions and concerns. You can reach a member of our staff by calling (312) 906-5300 (6-5300 house phones) or sending an email to helpdesk@kentlaw.edu.



Global Logins were Eliminated from the Web Server - 11/15/01

The Center for Law and Computers is actively engaged in restructuring the directories that host our primary web pages. We are looking at improving our customer service levels that provide support for various organizations. In order for us to maintain a consistent delivery of service and support, and to ensure the security of our web server, we eliminated the use of global login IDs.

Departments and organizations are now required to designate a point of contact for their group. This contact (and a secondary contact if needed) will receive a unique ID with which to maintain their web pages. The primary point of contact is required to complete a web registration form (available in Room 525) as outlined in the school's Web Hosting Policy. Upon registration, the user will be assigned an ID and initial password. The user will be required to telnet to the web server and change their initial password before making changes to any web pages. Helpdesk personnel and the UNIX administrators are available to assist with this procedure.

Organizations that have previously registered and are still using a global login will not be required to reregister. However, the primary and secondary contacts must contact a UNIX administrator regarding a new login ID and password.

 

Automated "VirusUpdates" folder sent to your desktop

To assure the Virus Scanning procedure is easy for you, we have added an automated update system to network login scripts. This means that when you sign on using your network login and password, a file folder named, "VirusUpdates" will be placed on your desktop and in it you will find the latest Virus Definition (.dat) file. Simply open the folder then click on the globe icon (sdat41XX.dat) and follow the instructions that follow. Honestly, the procedure is painless!

Remember there are TWO steps to scanning for viruses:

1. UPDATE the virus definition files (these files are the "antidote" that eliminates the bugs)

2. RUN a virus scan on your machine weekly if possible!

Full Virus scanning instructions

 

Web Server Naming Conventions

Please remember that Chicago-Kent uses a Unix system as its web server. When saving files to the server you cannot use spaces in file or directory names. If you do, your web page will not display.

Web server password security and responsibility

Whether using someone's computer to relay unauthorized mail, posting nasty messages on a web site, planting worms and viruses, or stealing your credit card number, crackers love to break into unsecured machines. You may not realize it but many users actually aid the cracker. These users are the ones who post their login IDs and passwords on their desktop machines, give their password to someone else to use, or use easily decipherable passwords.

Password security is a serious issue. Please remember that you are responsible for anything that happens with your login ID. Do NOT post your ID and password anywhere on your desk. Do NOT share your ID and password with co-workers or friends. Create a password that is hard to crack.

If you are having trouble logging into the Chicago-Kent network or web server, contact the CLC help desk. If you need access to the network or web server, do NOT "borrow" someone's ID and password, apply for your own. Articles regarding password selection are available at the CLC help desk (Rm. 525). The CLC staff will be very happy to help you with any questions you may have.




A word about MS Windows XP

On October 25th, Microsoft will be releasing the next version of their Windows operating system called Windows XP. This new operating system will come in two distinct editions: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. Please be aware that while Windows XP Home Edition can connect to the Internet, it can not in any way be made to connect to corporate networks such as the Chicago-Kent LAN. A computer running the Home Edition of Windows XP will not be able to access network printers, network drives such as H: home directories, and e-mail via Microsoft Outlook.

It is for these reasons that the Center for Law and Computers recommends that anyone purchasing a new machine positively confirm the operating system with their vendor. Computers that are available only with Windows XP pre-installed should only be purchased if it is Windows XP Professional, NOT Windows XP Home Edition.

Windows 98 and Windows 2000 Professional continue to be fully compatible with the Chicago-Kent network.

As always, please feel free to contact the CLC Help Desk if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Web site registration form now available online

You can now register your student organization by filling out the required form online at:

http://www.kentlaw.edu/clc/ckwebinfo/webregform.shtml


Technology Guides are available at the Help Desk

Members of the Center for Law and Computer team combined knowledge to create a technology guide that includes information you may need relating to computers and technology at the Chicago-Kent downtown campus.

Featured educational items include:

  • How to access and maintain user accounts
  • Virus Protection Software installation
  • Printing Services
  • How to access email from C-K and home
  • Recommended computer specifications
  • Outlook and Webmail email tutorials
  • CLC contact list

You may pick up a free copy of the CLC Technology Guide at the Help Desk in room 525. If you have additional questions or suggestions for the guide, please call the Help Desk at (312) 906-5300 or email helpdesk@kentlaw.edu.

Email and Network Accounts:

A Chicago-Kent email account is set-up for you. Your username will be your first initial and last name, no punctuation or spaces (i.e. Jane Student = jstudent) and your initial password will be the last six digits of your Social Security Number, no punctuation or spaces (i.e. 999999).

ATTENTION:

Free Email Service Available Through IIT Main Campus

By being an alumnus of Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent Law School it is our pleasure to offer you free (iit.edu) email service. Your account is already created and all you need to do is activate it by logging on to the web access link below, typing in your current C-K user name, and then typing in the last 6 digits of your Social Security Number as your password.

Web access: http://alum.iit.edu/mail/main

Username: (same as C-K username)
Password: (Last 6 digits of SSN)

Additional options and instructions for saving and forwarding kentlaw.edu email can be found at: http://www.kentlaw.edu/clc/email/FreeEmail.htm

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact the helpdesk at (312) 906-5300 or stop by the C-K downtown campus and visit us in room 525.

NOTICE: Remove unnecessary files on Network

The Center for Law and Computers provides access to the Network for Chicago-Kent students, faculty, and staff in support of the educational mission of the university. In recent months we have noticed an increase in the amount of personal storage space being consumed on our network. As we continue to maintain and scan the network drives we are noticing numerous occurrences of non-educational types of materials (i.e., MP3, .wav, .mov, .avi). We understand that there are occasions when storing these types of files on the network for educational use is legitimate.


As you may well be aware, the recent court decisions potentially makes us liable if members of our community engage in infringing activity. As a reminder to all students, a portion of the IIT Computer Use Policy states, "Network users must abide by the terms of all software licensing agreements and copyright laws, and may not make copies of or make available on the network copyrighted material, unless permitted by a license. Network users must not perform acts which are deliberately wasteful of computing resources or which unfairly monopolize resources to the exclusion of others..." The complete Computer User Policy can be found at:

http://cns.iit.edu/html/policies/PCompUse.html


When you save and store large music, image, video, or other types of non-educational related material on the network it increases the time it takes for system backups and virus scanning; the large downloads also consume unnecessary bandwidth. Please be considerate of your colleagues and remove or transfer to your laptop ALL files in violation. If files are not removed, the Center for Law and Computers is authorized by the administration to permanently remove them for you.

We ask that you purge all unnecessary messages and files as often as possible from your network and email accounts to help us preserve space on the C-K server. As a reminder, in Outlook mail, you must delete messages from your "Deleted Messages" folder for them to be permanently removed from the mail server. It is also a good maintenance procedure to delete any unneeded messages in the "Sent" folder.



Changing Your Password:

To select a new password:

· Access Webmail (http://webmail.kentlaw.edu) from your Internet browser, (i.e. Internet Explorer)

· Select the option CHANGE PASSWORD

· When prompted, enter your username, password and desired new password when successfully completed, you will receive the message PASSWORD SUCCESSFULLY CHANGED

· Your new password takes effect immediately and will give you access to your email account and network files.

Password Security:

Password protection is one of the most important principles of network and e-mail security. Chicago-Kent College of Law provides access to network and electronic mail resources to its students, faculty, and staff, in support of the University's mission of teaching, research, and public service. Passwords are assigned for access to both of these resources to authenticate a user's identity, to protect network users, and to provide security.

New passwords will be provided, and existing passwords will be reset, only when the identity of the requester can be clearly established.

  • Under no circumstances will new or existing passwords be revealed by telephone.
  • The Center for Law and Computers staff will be pleased to handle requests made in one of the following ways:

    1. Requests may be made in person at the Help Desk, room 525. Photo identification is required.

    2. Requests may be faxed to Center for Law and Computers at (312) 906- 5165. The fax must include photo identification and signature.

If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact the Help Desk at (312) 906-5300.



Technical Training and Support:

Please feel free to contact Technical Support any time we can be of assistance to you with technical issues:

CLC Main Office (Help Desk): Room 525

Technical Support Help Desk Hours of Operation:

Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Email: helpdesk@kentlaw.edu

Phone: (312) 906-5300

Fax: (312) 906-5165

Obtaining Microsoft Office 2000 Professional Edition and FrontPage:

The Center for Law and Computers has MS Office 2000 Professional Edition and FrontPage available for purchase at a discounted educational use rate. The disks can be purchased at the Help Desk in Room 525. Each student is allowed to purchase only one copy for the price of $25.50. Please bring your student or other photo ID with you to purchase a set.




Printing on KENTNET

The Center for Law and Computers has implemented print accounting software which allows you to:

1. Send print jobs to queue -- This feature allows you to send print jobs to the print station at the front of each lab where they are held in queue until you release them. In addition, you are able to send multiple print jobs to the queue and they are held until you release them at the print station.

2. You are able to check the balance of your print account -- This feature allows you to look at the number of copies you have remaining for the term (note: each student is allotted 400 pages per semester; additional pages beyond the 400 are billed at $.05 per page)

Your 400 page limit is reset at the beginning of each semester.

PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Make sure you have sent your print job to the print station by confirming that your username is shown in the Select Print job username dialogue box.
  2. Double click your username with the mouse to bring up network password entry box.
  3. Enter your NETWORK PASSWORD. Highlight job(s) to print and click the PRINT button on the top left of the program window.

The release station will release all print jobs sent under your username. When your print jobs are listed you have the opportunity to delete them before actually sending them to print.

NOTES:

  • The printer may take a few minutes to warm up if not recently used.
  • You can check your page balance at the workstation you are logged on to by double clicking on the dollar sign icon ( $ ) on the bottom right of your screen.
  • After clicking this icon you will see a balance screen.
  • If the printer says toner low and the "READY" button is not lit, push the "GO" button so it is lit to continue to print. E-mail helpdesk ONLY when your print job becomes faded. You will be credited for any pages printed light due to low toner.

If you have questions, please email HELPDESK@kentlaw.edu or call 906-5300.



Equipment:

The principle printers in the KENTNET system are Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 8000N Printers. There is one printer in each lab 700, 760 and 900 that is set up as the default printer when you sign on in that lab.

Individual Student Printing Accounts:

Each student receives 400 pages of printing per semester. Any printing past 400 pages will be charged to your student printing account at 5¢ per page. You must settle your student account with the Bursar's Office before receiving your 400 page allotment for the following semester. Students with outstanding balances will have their Kentnet accounts deactivated until the balance is paid. Graduating students with a delinquent printing balance will not receive their diplomas until the accounts are paid in full.

If you print work for a faculty member, you must print out a detailed balance and have the faculty member sign for their pages. Present the signed balance sheet to the Help Desk in the Center for Law and Computers (Room 525). Your print account will be credited accordingly.

Print jobs that are sent to the Document Center printer (9th floor-library) require payment when picked up.

Please report any problems with printers or printing to the Help Desk by Email: helpdesk@kentlaw.edu or in house phone number 6-5300.

Email Stations:

The Email stations located throughout the building are intended to allow students convenient and quick access to Email and the Record. Please be considerate to your fellow students when using these stations. If you want to compose many or long messages, or browse the Internet at length, please use one of the 3 computer labs in the library. Thank you for your cooperation.



Virus Alert:

W32/Nimda@MM is a High Risk virus

A message from McAfee:

Nimda is a HIGH RISK virus that is spread via email. The infected email can come from addresses that you recognize. W32/Nimda@MM also spreads via open shares, the Microsoft Web Folder Transversal vulnerability (also used by W32/CodeBlue), and a Microsoft content-type spoofing vulnerability. The email attachment name varies and may use the icon for an Internet Explorer HTML document.

Microsoft Outlook users - we recommend that you disable the Preview Pane. Viewing email messages with the Preview Pane can cause the virus to activate.

For more information about the Nimba virus:

http://www.mcafee.com/anti-virus/viruses/nimda/default.asp?cid=2444

To access the McAfee Virus Information Library:

http://vil.mcafee.com/default.asp?

Note: the latest DAT file for the period of 11/19/01 - 11/25/01 is sdat4170

It Is Critical to Update Your Virus Detection Software Regularly:

As always, it is a good idea to update the virus protection software on your personal computer periodically to catch any new viruses lurking out there in cyber world Since we have a volume license to McAfee Virus Scan, each student, faculty and staff should have a copy of this software on his/her computer. (It is free to C-K students so...No excuse not to have it!)

The Center for Law and Computers takes a proactive stance in trying to eradicate viruses by cleaning them as they come through our servers, we cannot protect each individual PC. We are asking that you also be proactive to ensure that your PC does not become infected.

Because there are new virus outbreaks DAILY, we want to stress the importance of having the latest virus protection software and updated virus definition (.DAT) files. We'd also like to remind you that regular virus scans of all drives (weekly, if possible) are necessary in order to detect and clean any viruses so they are not sent to friends and/or colleagues.

Chicago-Kent is licensed for and supports McAfee Virus Scan from Network Associates. According to information on their web site, there are over 50,000+ viruses out there and the potential for damage is continuous. We here at the Center for Law and Computers want to make sure you have the best possible protection for your PC. Please follow the manual instructions below to install the latest virus definition updates (.DAT files) for your McAfee software.

Manual Instructions:

FIRST: Check to see that you have a recent version of the virus scanning software on your computer.

You can do this by clicking on the small blue and red "VShield" icon in the lower right corner of your screen with the right mouse button. When you do, a small menu will pop up. Select the "About" choice in this menu by clicking on it once with the left mouse button.


After clicking "About" you will get a box that displays several numbers. There are two important numbers that you should be concerned with. The first number is in boldface and located next to the phrase "McAfee Virus Scan" toward the top of the box's gray area. This number tells you what version of the Virus Scan product or "engine" you are running. You should be running some version of 4.x. Any version of 3.x is too old and should be updated to a later version, please call the Help Desk to schedule an update. The second number you should be concerned with in the "About" box is the number next to the phrase "Virus definitions." The last four digits of this number tell you the version of the ".DAT" you are running. As an example, the picture below is from a PC that is running version 4.0.3 of the Virus Scan product (engine) and version 4115 of the virus definitions (.DAT files).


SECOND: Install the latest virus definition updates on your computer.

Warning

These procedures may force a reboot of your computer. In order to avoid loss of data, close all programs except Outlook before completing any of the following steps.

While signed on to the C-K network, run the update with the following three steps:

  • Click on the Windows "Start Menu" in the lower left hand side of your screen.
  • Click on "Run" in the Start Menu.
  • In the space next to the word "Open:" enter the following text,
    P:\Virus\Network\SDAT-Latest.lnk (that's a lower case "el" n k not an upper case "eye" n k)

Once the "SuperDat" update program starts, click on "Next."

You may be prompted to restart your computer.

THIRD: Run a virus scan on your PC.

  • Click on the "Start Menu" button.
  • Click on "Programs.
  • Click on "Network Associates" or " McAfee Virus Scan."
  • Drop down to "Virus Scan.
  • A window will open that gives you options to run a virus scan on your drives.
  • Click on "Where & What" tab.
  • Make sure "Include subfolders" box is checked and click the radio button next to "All files."
  • Click on "Action" tab.
  • Click on down arrow and select "Clean infected files automatically.
  • Click "Scan now."

This will begin the scanning process. It will check all the files on the drive you designated. It may take a few minutes to several hours depending on the speed of your computer and the number of files you have. Your patience will pay off, remember you will be preventing problems in the future.

Note: The above procedures can be used in the future to update your .DAT files.

A great source for additional information about viruses is the Network Associates site:

http://www.mcafeeb2b.com/avert/default.asp

As always, if you have questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to contact the help desk at (312) 906-5300.



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Computer Labs

Lab 900 is on the ninth floor of the library at the west end of the building and has 12 computers. Turn left when you enter the library through the ninth floor entrance. The printer for the ninth floor lab is in Room 986, in the corner of the area.

Lab 700, the large, glass-walled room on the seventh floor of the library, is the largest lab, with 30 computers. This lab is sometimes used for larger research classes and it is always used for exams. LEXIS-NEXIS and WESTLAW representatives conduct office hours in Lab 700. The schedule of their office hours will be posted weekly in the Record. They can help you with online research questions.

Lab 760, also on the seventh floor of the library, is equipped with 20 computers. It is often used for research classes.

From time to time, the law school schedules classes or exams in the labs. When this occurs, a sign will be posted outside the door of the lab. Please be considerate and use one of the other labs during these scheduled activities.

If you have any problems getting onto KENTNET from any computer, call the CLC at extension 6-5300 from any black house phone located between the public telephones on every floor.

Security and Proper Shutdown of Lab Computers

In order to secure your login name and password, it is important to log out completely. To shutdown properly, prior to leaving any of the computer labs, logout and close all programs---click START (located on tool bar in the bottom left corner of the screen) SHUTDOWN | RESTART. If the system is shutdown successfully, the next individual who sits at that lab computer will be prompted to enter his or her own login name and password.

Commonly Asked Questions:

Q: What is the URL for Chicago-Kent's internal web page?

A: http://ck.kentlaw.edu

Q: What is the web site address to get my grades?

A: Go directly to http://ck-info.kentlaw.edu or go to http://ck.kentlaw.edu/ and click on the link labeled Chicago-Kent Student Information System (Online Grades).

Q: What do I do if I can't find my pin number for the online grade system or if my pin number is not working?

A: Send an email to oracle@kentlaw.edu.


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