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ResNet Technology Management System
(RTMS)

The ResNet Acceptable Use Policy found on Pages 31 is the governing document for the use of all computers in University of Iowa residence halls. The following ResNet Guide includes further information on how to use computers in the residence halls.

Resnet Technology Management System

Registration and Initialization

The first time you connect your personal computing device to the Residence Halls Network (ResNet) each semester, you will be required to login using your HawkID and password. You will be presented with the ResNet Acceptable Use Policy, which you must read and agree to. You may be asked to install software such as an anti-virus program or run a security checking program at this time. After your registration is complete, network initialization will automatically commence. Initializing your network connection takes up to 30 minutes after you finish the registration process.

Excessive Network Bandwidth Usage

To protect everyone's rights as ResNet users, a system has been implemented in the residence halls that measures network activity ("bandwidth") from each computer jack. This system is designed to make ResNet operate in the equitable manner expected by students, ensuring a fair and even distribution of network resources. The system only measures bandwidth; it does not examine the content, destination, or type of network traffic.

If a computer approaches its limit of outbound traffic within a week, all residents of the room will receive a cautionary warning e-mail message. If the warning is ignored and Internet traffic exceeds the limit, the computer will automatically be restricted from Internet access. If this occurs you will be redirected to a special ResNet web page where you can see information about your bandwidth usage and where you may request reconnection to the Internet. While your computer is restricted from the Internet, you will not be able to use network-enabled programs such as e-mail, web browsing, and instant messaging. (Only those web pages and resources inside the ResNet network will be available.)

Once you request reconnection to the Internet, and your network activity drops below the connection threshold, you will automatically be reconnected. This may take from one to seven days, depending on your prior daily bandwidth usage pattern. ITS Telecommunication and Network Services reserves the right to adjust the bandwidth limits as needed to ensure equitable distribution of network resources to students in the residence halls.

University Housing Administration recognizes that there may be isolated cases where a student's academic pursuits include a requirement for network capacity in excess of the allocation implemented. Students may apply for an allocation increase by contacting University Housing Administration. Documentation signed by University faculty which supports the request will be required.

University Housing Administration recognizes that there may be isolated cases where a student's academic pursuits include a requirement for network capacity in excess of the allocation implemented. Students may apply for an allocation increase by contacting University Housing Administration. Documentation signed by University faculty that supports the request will be required. Students are encouraged to monitor their bandwidth usage to prevent their computer from being restricted from the Internet. A graphical tool is available to check your computer's current bandwidth use at http://www.residence-rooms.uiowa.edu/. Information on how to avoid consuming excessive network resources is available at http://cio.uiowa.edu/itsecurity/bandwidth.shtml.

Instant Feedback Regarding Computer Problems

In the event that a problem with your computer activity is detected by the University IT Security Office, your computer will be restricted from the Internet until it is resolved. This system offers you the opportunity to receive instant feedback about the problem, along with instructions and resources to help you resolve it. A number of tailored web pages have been installed inside the ResNet network to provide detailed information about various problems and how you should proceed to resolve them. It also provides security personnel an opportunity to verify that problems are fixed before reconnecting those computers to the Internet.

While your computer is restricted from the Internet, you will not be able to use network-enabled programs such as e-mail, web browsing, and file sharing. (Only those web pages and resources inside the ResNet network will be available.)

IT Security Office staff will reconnect your computer to the Internet after they receive notice (and verify) that the problem is resolved. Unless otherwise directed by University Housing Administration, you must contact the ITS Help Desk at 384-HELP (4357) and ask a consultant to fill out a ResNet "Port Enable Request" form after your machine has been repaired. It will take up to one working day after the port enable request has been received by the IT Security Office to process.

Copyright—What Are the Laws?

Copyright is the exclusive legal right to copy, publish, and sell an artistic work. Some examples of artistic works are books, papers, articles, songs, movies, games, programs, and other original creations in a fixed form. Artistic works may be released into the "public domain" by the copyright owner (basically waiving their rights of exclusivity); otherwise copyright protection extends for a period of 70 years after the death of the copyright owner.

What is the LAW and how does it affect you here on campus? Take our brief online primer at: http://www.uiowa.edu/~online/oai/copyright/cright.htmlfor details on the subject.

For further information, see http://cio.uiowa.edu/itsecurity/resources/copyright-info.shtml.

Protecting Your Your ResNet Computer and Privacy

The following guidelines are designed to help you protect your computer on ResNet, your personal information, and your privacy. High-speed and "always connected" workstations are quite vulnerable to Internet attacks. In addition to the value of personal information stored on them, residence hall computers can provide links into other systems you use if they are not properly secured and managed. Implement the following protections:

  1. Keep your software programs and operating system updated. The older your software is, the more likely that security vulnerabilities have been found and exploited by hackers. Turn on installation of "automatic updates" if they are available for your system and programs.
  2. Install and run an anti-virus software program, and configure the anti-virus program to update virus detection definitions weekly. The University of Iowa has purchased anti-virus software licenses for all students. Get yours for free from the ITS Help Desk software download website: http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/software.
  3. Install a personal firewall program on your computer, or use the one that came with your system (Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, and Mac OS X users). Information about free or low cost firewall programs is available from the ITS Help Desk or the University IT Security Office.
  4. If your computer is "always on" it's recommended that you disable file and print sharing. Review your sharing options in the network settings area on your computer. Also check the options you have selected in any add-on file sharing programs to ensure you don't allow sharing from your computer. Instructions for many "peer to peer" (P2P) sharing programs can be found a http://rescomp.stanford.edu/info/dmca/p2config.html.
  5. NEVER give out your password to anyone for any reason. Also be careful not to give out account numbers or other sensitive personal information (name, address, and phone) in an e-mail message, newsgroup posting, chat session, or instant message. Your information can be easily intercepted, forwarded, or redirected without your knowledge. If you are unsure of the requestor's authenticity, contact the ITS Help Desk before responding.
  6. NEVER enter sensitive information on a web page until you trust the company hosting it. Build trust by insisting on a secure connection (a closed lock or key in the information area of the browser window, or "https:" url service), and by reviewing the company's privacy policy to determine if they will share the information you provide. If you receive a link to a web form in an e-mail, DO NOT ENTER ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION ON THE FORM. Legitimate companies will not send you a form to fill out through e-mail! These are "phishing" e-mail scams, designed to steal accounts and your identity!
  7. Keep your important files and documents backed up on removable media, such as a CD, DVD, tape, USB flash, zip, or firewire drive, and store it in a secure location. Pay particular attention to making a backup of personal data files and custom configuration files on your computer. Keep the original CDs handy for any add-on software you've purchased. If your machine is infected with a virus or compromised by an intruder ("hacked") it may require erasing or deleting all programs and files and then reloading the entire system to repair it. Be prepared.
  8. NEVER execute a program or try to open an attachment sent to you if you do not know what it does, or if you are not expecting it from the sender. Be VERY careful about clicking links sent to you in e-mail (or instant) messages, as they can point to web programs with imbedded spyware or viruses.
  9. Turn off all network services and programs on your computer that you do not use. If left running, they can provide a way for attackers to access your system remotely and steal information or install malicious software on your computer. For computers running Windows XP, review the Security Guide, which explains the purpose of each system service at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/windowsxp/secwinxp/xpsqch03.mspx.
  10. More information about securing your desktop computer is available at the University IT Security Office website http://cio.uiowa.edu/itsecurity and from the ITS Help Desk at http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who do I contact for a computer-related question (e-mail, Microsoft Office, Internet)?
  2. What should I do if I believe my computer has been hacked by an intruder, or infected with a virus?
    • Call the ITS Help Desk at 384-HELP (4357) and ask if they have a trouble ticket open for you with the University IT Security Office. If not, ask to open up a new trouble ticket.
  3. Who should I contact if my network jack has been turned off?
    • On your computer, open up a web browser, and see what kind of notification page is displayed there for you. It will provide information about what the problem is, and who to contact for help. You can also call the ITS Help Desk at 384-HELP (4357).
ITS Help Desk

Location: 2800 University Capitol Centre
Phone: (319) 384-HELP/ 384-4357
E-mail: its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu

Telephone Support Hours:
Hours: Mon-Th 8am-8pm, Friday: 8am-5pm,
Saturday: 12 PM - 5 PM and Sunday: 6 PM - 10 PM
Walk-In Support Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM

The ITS Help Desk is a computer support center operated by a department of ITS (Information Technology Services). The ITS Help Desk provides help to all students, faculty, and staff free of charge, helping with computer problems and questions about supported software, hardware, networking, and operating systems.

Customer Information Desk (CID)

Location: 2800 University Capitol Centre
Phone: (319) 384-0800
E-mail: its-information@uiowa.edu
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

The Customer Information Desk helps students with password resets, general information, e-mail accounts, and long distance telephone authorization codes for University Housing.

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