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Computing at Home
Tips and Best Practices
Raphael Terranus
Today, more and more Georgetown University faculty and staff today are telecommuting as part of their work schedules. Students, on the other hand, have always lived and worked in the same space. In recognition of the fact that computer labs and offices are not the only place we work, University Information Services (UIS) would like to take this opportunity to present information and resources for all of Georgetown University's home computer users.
Respect workplace confidentiality and intellectual property
Before you begin to work from home, create a password-protected user account on your computer that only you can access. If you were to use a generic Administrator or Guest account, anyone who used your computer could inadvertently open your work files. Instructions for setting up Windows 2000 user accounts and Windows XP user accounts can be found on the UIS Web site.
Locking your computer every time you step away from it will also prevent others from accidentally seeing your work. Instructions for locking Windows 2000 computers and locking Windows XP computers can be found on the UIS Web site. Remember also to log out of your computer when you are finished working.
Obtain the software you need
Once your personal user account is set up, visit Hoya Computing's Software Distribution Database to get the software you need to complete your work. Because the site is restricted to members of the Georgetown University community, you will be prompted to log in with your NetID and NetID password.
The database offers information about a host of software, some of which can be downloaded from the database. Other software can be borrowed from Hoya Computing's Software Lending Library. Software packages available to students, faculty, and staff without charge for use on home computers are Corporate Time (software for using GUCalendar), Mozilla (Georgetown University's recommended e-mail client), TN3270 Terminal Emulator Mac, various versions of Symantec and Norton AntiVirus, and various virus removal tools. Faculty and staff are eligible to install Microsoft Office software and upgrades without charge provided the software is used for Georgetown University work for as long as they are employed by Georgetown University.
Hoya Computing offers several other software packages at bargain license-only prices (meaning that you can borrow a CD from Hoya Computing to install the software on your computer) or at academic discounts (meaning that your Georgetown University affiliation entitles you to buy your own copy of the software at a reduced price). Ordering information for both departments and individuals is linked from the database.
Observe computer security practices
When working in your home, observe the same computer security practices that you would in the computer lab or the office. For instance, using strong passwords for all of your computer accounts and Web-based accounts will help protect your data. Instructions for formulating strong passwords can be found on the University Information Security Office's Web site at http://security.georgetown.edu/passwords.html.
Protecting your home computer with the appropriate version of Symantec or Norton AntiVirus is also crucial. AntiVirus can be downloaded from the Software Database or borrowed from Hoya Computing. UIS's Anti-virus Software Web site contains information on getting the appropriate version of AntiVirus for your computer, installing it, and configuring it. A properly configured installation of AntiVirus software will automatically update its virus protection capabilities daily and scan your computer for viruses weekly. Use AntiVirus software to scan files for viruses before you bring them back to campus as well.
Windows users must also safeguard their computers by setting Windows to automatically download and install security patches. Instructions for Windows 2000 and for Windows XP can be found on the UIS Web site.
Remember: Just because a computer is new, out of the box does not mean that it is not free from being vulnerable the first time you use it. A computer can become infected as soon as you install the first file, or connect to the Internet.
A note on contacting the UIS Help Desk
When you are working from home, your UIS Help Desk can help you with general problems. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. After hours, you can always send an e-mail message to help@georgetown.edu.
Please understand that the UIS Help Desk may not be able to fully assist with home computer systems that are significantly different than on-campus systems and may prefer to assist you with contacting the retailer or manufacturer to take any action or advise any action that will void the warranty on your home computer.
Raphael Terranus is Manager of the UIS Help Desk. |
