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Center for Law and Computers

Headlines for the Week of November 19, 2007

A message from the CLC department:

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. We are located in suite 540 if you would like to stop by our offices.



Instructions

 

Help Links


SofTest registration and download site for Fall 2007 final exams open Monday, November 26, 2007

SofTest registration and download site for Fall 2007 final exams opens Monday, November 26.

If you signed up to take one or more exams on computer (either a lab computer or your own laptop);

you MUST read the following information

INTRODUCTION

Chicago-Kent College of Law uses a special program, SofTest, for taking exams on computers. The advantage of using the SofTest program is that it increases the stability, security, and reliability of the exam taking process. Since adopting SofTest and its predecessor programs, we have experienced very few problems with lost exams or corrupted exam files.

If you are taking an exam on computer, you will write your exam using the word processing program built into SofTest. Please read the appropriate section below, depending on whether you plan to use a lab computer or your own laptop to take the exam. If you are taking the exam on your laptop, please note that you must not only download and install the SofTest program, but must also bring certain necessary hardware components to the exam.

LAB COMPUTERS

CONTINUING FOR Fall ‘07: If you are taking an exam on a computer lab desktop PC, you MUST log in with the user name "labexam". SofTest will not work on Lab PC's if you log in as yourself.

Although the program is simple to use, please spend a few minutes reviewing the SofTest help file that is located on the network. The help file is located at: Z:\FallExams\HelpFile\SofTest.hlp. Just double click the file to begin viewing. Computer Lab PC's are generally not prepared for final exams until 2-3 business days prior to the start of the exam testing period. As such, practice use of the SofTest program on Computer Lab PC's is not guaranteed to be available prior to the start of exams.

LAPTOP COMPUTERS

Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Business Edition, and Windows Vista Ultimate Edition are the only supported platforms for exams on computer at Chicago-Kent. Additionally, all laptops running a supported Windows operating system must be fully configured for the Chicago-Kent network (network drives visible at login).

Wireless network connections are not supported for exams. Use of Mac computers is also not supported for exams. Please see the "Computer Notes & Policies" section for additional information.

In order to take exams on your own laptop, you will have to download the SofTest software from the web. THE ENTIRE DOWNLOAD/INSTALLATION PROCESS MUST BE COMPLETED WHILE YOU ARE LOGGED IN TO THE CHICAGO-KENT NETWORK WITH YOUR C-K USER NAME!

·        On this web page (http://www.examsoft.com/chicagokentlaw), click on the “Exam Takers” tab at the bottom of the page, and the click the “New User Signup” button. A new registration is required each semester. ExamSoft web site options for "returning users" are not applicable to Chicago-Kent.

·        On the following page, fill in the required information, select "Personal Computer," and then acknowledge the license agreement.

·        Click the “Download & Install” button and follow the directions. Reboot your computer as required.

·        Click “Yes” if you are prompted to retake the qualification exam.


This version of SofTest is new as of October, 2007. If you have a previous version already installed on your computer, you MUST uninstall the old version, and download and install the new version. Do not choose any upgrade options. See further information below.

Provided below is some important information about downloading and installing the software. The process is somewhat time-consuming, so please do not wait until the last minute. If you have any problems or questions, contact the Help Desk (Room 540; e-mail: HELPDESK; phone: 906-5300).

Please note that you MUST come to the exam with the SofTest program properly installed and configured. This includes fully completing the "registration and qualification" process on ExamSoft's web site. Additionally, you should bring the following hardware components with you:

(1) a power cord

(2) a network card or built-in Ethernet port

(3) a network cable

(4) a floppy disk drive (if owned, see below for details)

If you do not have the software properly installed, or are missing any necessary equipment, you will be required to hand write your exam.

Important Information about Downloading and Installing SofTest:

* In order to guarantee that SofTest will function properly on your computer, ExamSoft has implemented a software registration and qualification procedure as part of the SofTest download. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ENTIRE REGISTRATION/ QUALIFICATION PROCESS OR THE SOFTWARE WILL NOT FUNCTION ON EXAM DAY! You have not completed the process until you see “Registration: Complete” under the “SofTest Status” section of the program’s first screen. Please read on for details.

* You should remove any prior versions of SofTest or other ExamSoft software from your computer before trying to install the new version. To do this, click on the Windows “Start” button ->“Settings” -> “Control Panel” -> “Add/Remove Programs,” find “SofTest” and then follow the directions to uninstall it. Reboot your computer after you perform this task.

* The process for obtaining and installing SofTest requires a number of steps to be performed online at ExamSoft's web site located at http://www.examsoft.com/chicagokentlaw. We recommend that you download and print out the instructions for this procedure as well as ExamSoft's list of frequently asked questions (FAQ's) at http://www.examsoft.com/faq before you begin.

* To download the program, you will be required to provide a "Student ID". In the “Student ID” field, please enter the five-digit exam number e-mailed to you by the Registrar’s Office. This will be your Student ID number throughout the exams on computer testing process.

You will receive a final registration confirmation by email containing your student ID, password, institution, and registration number if you completed the SofTest registration process successfully. If you do not receive the confirmation email, please stop by room 540 or call the Help Desk (312) 906-5300 for further assistance.

COMPUTER NOTES & POLICIES

* YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ENTIRE DOWNLOAD/INSTALLATION PROCESS WHILE YOU ARE LOGGED IN TO THE CHICAGO-KENT NETWORK WITH YOUR C-K USER NAME! There are two reasons for this. First, your Chicago-Kent network account must have full permissions to do anything on your laptop. The easiest way to check that this is the case is to complete the entire download and installation process (including registration and qualification) while you are logged in to the Chicago-Kent network. Second, you must be able to access the file server drives on the Chicago-Kent network. If you can not properly log in to the Chicago-Kent network, you will not be able to open your exam files.

* Due to the above mentioned permissions requirements, you can not borrow a laptop from a fellow student to take your exams.

* Due to the requirement of accessing shared network drives, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows Vista Home Basic, and Windows Vista Home Premium will not function for taking an exam on your laptop at Chicago-Kent.

* All students are encouraged to use provided floppy disks as a means of backup during exams on computer. If you will be taking an exam on your laptop, and it is not currently equipped with a floppy drive, it is up to you to decide if the additional floppy disk backup warrants the purchase of an external floppy disk drive. Any exams taken on computer lab PC’s will be expected to have a floppy disk backup.

* Chicago-Kent does not support any form of wireless networking for exams on computers. All connections should be "hard-wired" with a standard Ethernet network cable. You are responsible for supplying your own Ethernet cable when taking an exam on your laptop.

* Chicago-Kent does not support the use of Mac computers for exams. This is true regardless of whether the Mac is running Mac OS X or a Microsoft Windows operating system.

The Center for Law and Computers has a limited supply of laptop computers reserved for use in emergency situations that arise during exam period. Please contact Dean Sowle if you register to take an exam on a laptop, and your laptop suffers unexpected problems that cannot be remedied before your exam.

The CLC's laptops also may be used (subject to availability) if your computer has problems immediately before or during an exam, as long as the problem is not due to your failing to properly configure or register your laptop to run the SofTest program. Students who have not properly configured or registered SofTest on their computers will be given bluebooks and will write their final exams.

Because of limited supply, the CLC's laptops are not available for general loaning purposes during exam period, including to students who do not own a laptop or are Mac users. However, if you have exceptional circumstances that you believe justify borrowing a laptop for an exam, please contact Dean Sowle.

 

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Chicago-Kent Wireless Network Reference

CHICAGO-KENT WIRELESS NETWORK REFERENCE

How Wireless works at Chicago-Kent:

  • The name of the wireless network is “kent” and is intended to supplement areas where the number of hard-wired network jacks is limited.  The “kent” wireless network is limited to only C-K students, faculty, and staff.
  • It is your computer, not your user account, that logs in to the Chicago-Kent wireless network.  In order for your computer to connect, it must be fully configured for the Chicago-Kent network (network drives and printer access).

While it is possible to “roam” from place to place on the wireless network, the following points should be kept in mind:

  • Your laptop will always attempt to reconnect to the first wireless access point it established a connection with.  It does not matter if you’ve moved and there is another wireless access point with a stronger signal in the vicinity.  If your laptop can “see” the first access point it connected to, it will always try to reconnect to it regardless of signal strength.  For better or worse, this is a fundamental way in which Windows wireless networking functions.
  • To completely sever your computer’s current wireless connection, you should turn off (disable) the wireless radio.  Most laptops have a function key combination or dedicated switch for doing this.
  • Turning on (enabling) the radio will restore wireless connectivity and “re-associate” your computer with the access point that has the strongest signal in your current location.

If you believe there is an issue with wireless connectivity, here is a list of possible causes:

  • Someone has disconnected the AC adapter (power cord) for the wireless access point.
  • Someone has disconnected the network cable for the wireless access point. In some locations of the building, this cable provides both the network connection and power to the access point.  In these locations, the access point’s network cord must remain plugged into a specifically assigned network jack.
  • Your connection to an access point is too weak because of the distance between your laptop and the access point.
  • The access point you are connected to is “overloaded” with connections.  See the first item above under “roaming” for the most common cause of this condition.
  • If you encounter wireless connectivity issues, please report the location and time you experienced the problem to the Center for Law and Computers Help Desk.  You can reach a member of the Help Desk staff by calling (312) 906-5300 (6-5300 house phones), sending an email to helpdesk@kentlaw.edu, or stopping by room 540 if you would like to speak to someone in person.

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Duplex Printing is available in Lab 900 and Lab 700

Duplex printing is available in Lab 900 and Lab 700.

If you experience any problems with duplex printing, please contact the Center for Law & Computers (CLC) at 312-906-5300 or at helpdesk@kentlaw.edu.

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CLC Help Desk Ticket Tracking System

Help Desk Ticket Tracking System (Numara Footprints). The help desk software has greatly improved the way requests for assistance (i.e. “tickets”) are managed and tracked in order for the CLC to provide better service to our community. As a user, this system will benefit you as follows:

  • You can send emails to helpdesk@kentlaw.edu to request assistance. 
  • You can also create a ticket online, if you wish, at www.kentlaw.edu/pchelp.   For your convenience, this link is available on the Chicago-Kent web site under the student drop-down menus.  Simply click on “PChelp”.
  • You will be able to check the status of your ticket on-line through the web.
  • You will also be able to add additional information to your original requests on-line through the web.
  • In order to view and print out the documentation on how to use the Help Desk Ticket Tracking System, please click on the the link below.

    PChelp_TicketTracking.pdf

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    Print Accounting System on Kentnet

    The print system utilizes centrally stored accounts that are linked to your photo ID card. All students will have a "cash account" into which personal funds may be deposited for use with library photocopiers or law school computer lab printers.

    Law school students will have an additional "printing account" which will be reset to the equivalent of 400 pages of printing at the start of each semester. The print release stations in the law school computer labs will allow you to choose which account each of your print jobs is charged against.

    All students enrolled in classes which utilize IIT Downtown Campus facilities (Chicago-Kent College of Law, Stuart Graduate School of Business, Masters of Public Administration) must obtain a new photo ID card in order to utilize library photocopying services and/or law school computer lab printing services. In order to pickup your new photo ID cards, please go the Registrar's office on the 2nd floor during normal business hours.

    USING THE COPY CARD VENDING MACHINE

    ADD VALUE STATION

    PURCHASING A COPY CARD

    1. Press ‘Buy Card / Logout’ button.
    2. Insert a $1, $5, $10 or $20 bill into the bill acceptor. (The card costs 60 cents)
    3. You must Swipe the dispensed card to activate and receive the remaining balance.
    4. Press ‘Buy Card / Logout’ button.

    ADDING VALUE TO A COPY CARD OR STUDENT ID

    1. Swipe the card with the magnetic stripe to the right. The current amount of copy credit is displayed.
    2. Insert bills into the Bill Acceptor ($1, $5, $10, or $20).

    When you are finished adding value, press the ‘Buy Card / Logout’ button.

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    Print Account balances were reset on Mon., July 23, 2007

    The Center for Law & Computers reset print accounts to 400 pages on July 23, 2007. Any print jobs on or after July 23, 2007 will count towards your 400 page limit for the Fall semester.


    Please contact the Center for Law & Computers at 312-906-5300 or at helpdesk@kentlaw.edu if you have any questions.


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    Account Termination

    Graduating Students

    For those of you leaving us for greater ventures, we want to wish you the best. As a courtesy, email and network accounts for May graduates as well as December, 2006 graduates will remain active until July 30, 2007. Network logins, H: drive home directories, and email services will be terminated after this date.

    ***IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MAY GRADUATES***
    Graduating students with a delinquent printing balance will not receive their diplomas or be certified to take the Bar Exam until the accounts are paid in full.

    If you are at the Chicago-Kent campus and you need to print, we offer the option for newly graduated students who have special projects over the summer to extend printing privileges to labs 700, 760, and 900. Please contact the Center for Law & Computers at 312-906-5300 or helpdesk@kentlaw.edu for further information.

    Best wishes.


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    Free E-Mail available to Chicago-Kent alumni at alum.iit.edu

    December 2006 and May 2007 Graduates:

    By being an alumnus of Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law it is our pleasure to inform you that you will soon receive free email service.  Your account will be created automatically.  No sign up is necessary. Your student email accounts are converted from 'loginID@kentlaw.edu' format to 'loginID.kent@iit.edu' format. This is accessible via http://students.iit.edu.

    Please be aware that since these accounts will be hosted by the IIT Main Campus, the corresponding e-mail address may be in a format different than what you were assigned at Chicago-Kent.  Complete details about your kentlawalum.iit.edu account will be distributed soon via email to your Chicago-Kent account and on the Center for Law and Computers Record page.  This information will include the naming format of the account, how to access it, how to setup mail forwarding, and how to transfer messages from your Chicago-Kent email account.

    Your current Chicago-Kent email account will remain active until Monday, July 30th (first Monday after the July Bar Exam).

    Best wishes.


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    CLC Policy - Students are required to show C-K photo ID card for loaner computer equipment

    Help Desk Policy! All C-K students are required to present their Chicago-Kent ID card for service.

    The CLC Help Desk does provide the service of temporarily loaning laptops to students. This service is restricted to those who have purchased their own laptop and the laptop has been serviced by a technician at the CLC Help Desk. Once the technician has determined that the laptop needs to be sent to the manufacturer for repairs or is inoperable a student will be loaned a laptop.  The laptop loans are for a one (1) week period only.  In addition, the CLC Help Desk does not loan power adaptors or any other laptop accessories for laptops. In order for this service to benefit everyone, this policy must be strictly adhered to.

    Once a user returns a laptop, that same user cannot have another laptop loaned to him/her for at least two (2) consecutive weeks.

    The Help Desk will make a photocopy of student's ID when loaner computer equipment is requested. The procedure was implemented to best serve the needs of all Chicago-Kent student's.

    We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this policy.

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    Windows Update

    It is critical to update your Windows operating system and Internet Explorer software regularly. Just as it is important to update the virus definitions of your anti virus software, it is equally important to update the Windows operating system and Internet Explorer software on your computer. Just like virus definitions, Windows and Internet Explorer should be updated weekly. Fortunately, Microsoft makes this process fast and easy with their "Windows Update" web site.

    Please click on the link listed below under instructions to print out the full documentation on how to update windows.

    WinupdateInstructions.pdf

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    Remove Unnecessary Files on the 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, 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://ots.iit.edu/policies/acceptable_use.php

    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.

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    CLC Monthly Network Maintenance Schedule

    The Center for Law and Computers will conduct regular monthly maintenance windows on the first Tuesday of every month (5a.m. - 7a.m. in the morning) for "Patch and\or Update" management on systems that need to be rebooted.

    Remember too that there may be "emergency" times when manufacturers release "critical" update patches that need to be installed immediately. The CLC will make every attempt to send out an announcement in advance when the "critical" updates need to be installed and systems rebooted (however, we cannot always guarantee advance notice since certain patches/updates need to be applied ASAP before a breach is made).

    All network services including Internet access, email, web mail, network drives, and network printing will be down during the above scheduled time.

    Maintenance will be conducted on the following days:

    Tuesday, December 4, 2007

    Chicago-Kent's Internet Service Provider (Illinois Century Network) backbone maintenance window is on Fridays from 2:00am - 7:00am. During this maintenance window it is possible that the Downtown Campus building may experience intermittent Internet connectivity.

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    Latest McAfee DAT file as of 11/19/2007 is sdat5165

    VirusDetectionSoftware.pdf

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    CLC Contact Information and Office Hours

    Technical Support Help Desk Hours of Operation - Office 540
    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) 906-5177

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    CALENDARS

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       calendar

    .: Academic calendar

    .: CLE calendar

    .: Alumnae/i event calendar

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