Computer and Network Services - General Information

GENERAL POLICY ON THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

http://www.uc.edu/ucit/itgenpolicy.html

As an institution of higher learning, the University both uses information technology and supplies it to the members of the university community. This policy sets forth the general rights and responsibilities common to all uses of information technology, from the simple stand-alone PC to the complex systems that create virtual classrooms, workplaces and recreational facilities in the University.

PEER-TO-PEER FILE SHARING (P2P)

Unauthorized peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing on college and university campuses is receiving increasing attention from the entertainment industry, the media and the United States Congress. Although P2P file sharing on university networks is not unlawful, such activity is not necessarily harmless [or without harm] especially as it can lead to a violation of the federal copyright law. Indeed, many students using popular software, such as KaZaA, Direct Connect, Morpheus and Gnutella, intentionally or advertently infringe on copyrighted works relating to music, movies, computer software, video games, and photographs. Lawsuit filings indicate copyright owners are taking the offensive against infringements on their protected works. Students need to know their rights and responsibilities, and their potential liability for unlawful P2P activities.

The basis for copyright law is found in Article 1 of the United States Constitution and codified in Title 17 (the “Copyright Act”) of the United States Code. The Copyright Act lists exclusive rights of copyright holders, including reproduction and distribution of the copyrighted work, both of which are implicated in P2P file sharing. There are three types of infringement. Under direct infringement, a person is liable for his or her own infringing conduct; under contributory infringement, a person may be liable if he or she knows of the infringing activity, and induces, causes, or materially contributes to the infringing conduct of another; under vicarious infringement, a person may be liable if he or she has the right and ability to supervise the infringing activity and also has a direct financial interest in the activity. Most users of P2P networks fall under the direct infringement category. However, even without directly infringing conduct, students who operate or encourage the use of such networks may be open to contributory or vicarious claims.

Downloading, possessing or distributing copyrighted material without the owners’ permission is also a violation of the University’s General Policy on the Use of Information Technology (http://www.uc.edu/ucit/itgenpolicy.html). The University of Cincinnati does not actively monitor illicit or inappropriate activities, nor is it under any obligation to defend or accept responsibility for its students’ illegal actions in the P2P context.

The University of Cincinnati expects our user community to act in a proper and responsible computing manner and to the extent possible attempts to thwart illegal file sharing. However, if illegal or inappropriate activities are brought to our attention, the University will take all reasonable and appropriate actions. Copyright violations will generate a report to the office of Student Life-University Judicial Affairs as part of the University’s disciplinary action process. This can result in a variety of actions, including removal of computer privileges and probation. Additionally, the copyright holder of the material found on your system may take legal action against violators.

What can you do to be part of the solution? Avoid downloading, distributing or possessing copyrighted material over the Internet and the UC internal network unless you have received explicit permission from the owner or their official representative, or have paid an access or license fee to obtain the material. If you are using a peer-to-peer application you should consider removing it from your system prior to connecting to the University’s network. If you do not remove the application, you should ensure your system is set to prevent the application from acting as a provider of unlicensed materials to other users. Failure to restrict the application, whether you are aware of the violation or not, will result in the University’s information technology unit (UCit) removing your machine from the network until the copyright violation is rectified.

SPAM PREVENTION

http://www.ucit.uc.edu/email/e-mail_spam.asp

It is the responsibility of each computer user to take steps to safeguard against increasing the amount of spam that comes into the University. A thorough review of “Keeping Spam out of Your E-mail” will help to understand the world of spam and how you can help control it.

DISCOUNTED AND FREE SOFTWARE

http://www.uc.edu/ucit/helpdesk/software/default.html

The University of Cincinnati has negotiated favorable software licensing agreements for many applications. If you do not find the software application that you need, contact the Help Desk at 513-556-HELP(4357) or send an e-mail to helpdesk@uc.edu. Include the product(s) that you need.
 

E-MAIL – YOUR UNIVERSITY ACCOUNT

http://www.uc.edu/ucit/email/bol.html

All university information is passed to students through Bearcat Online (BOL). You are automatically assigned a BOL account. Make sure you know how to use it. The web site provides useful information such as how to initiate your account and access it, passwords, message quotas, how to use features, and your responsibilities.

If you have forgotten your username/password, go to this web address:
https://www.uc.edu/ucit/email/account_create_done.asp

UCFILESPACE

http://ucfilespace.uc.edu/

UCFileSpace is UC’s online file storage service, providing you with 1 GB of personal storage space. Using this service, you can access your UCFileSpace from anywhere on the UC campus network. If you connect to the campus network from off campus using UC’s VPN service, you can access your UCFileSpace from anywhere in the world. You can also use your UCFileSpace to publish a personal web site. Just drop your web pages into your Sites folder, then go to http://homepages.uc.edu/~username to view your pages online.

PRINTING ON CAMPUS

UC provides each student with 100 free black-and-white prints per quarter. After that, standard black-and-white prints are 7 cents per page. Larger page sizes and color printing are available in some locations. Charges for those services are higher, and vary based on paper size, color, and print quality. Call 513-556-1215 for more information.

ORDERING A PC

UCit has negotiated special pricing on Dell computers for personal purchases. Although Dell’s prices are attractive, the individual buyer may be able to negotiate a better price elsewhere. However, Dell offers additional value such as a three-year warranty included with the purchase, and the high quality standards that make Dell a market leader in the computer industry.

Dell Order Link: https://premier.dell.com/premier/
Software: See Discounted and Free Software.

Virtual HelpDesk
When needing assistance with troubleshooting problems and tracking service calls for your Dell computer, Dell offers an online Virtual HelpDesk.

Before entering the Virtual Help Desk you need to login to the Dell Premier Web pages with your premier username and password. From the Premier Pages left margin menu, select Support and then click on Premier Support. Now enter your System Service Tag or your Express Service Code. Once your computer information is retrieved, you’ll have the following information at your finger tips: 

• System Configuration
• Service Parts Information
• Open Call(s) Status
• Current Warranty Information

To place a service call, you have access to Dell’s higher education support number, 800-274-7799. It may be helpful to have your computer accessible at the time of the call. Dell support will require your System Service Tag and Express Service Code, found on the attached tag of your computer.

GETTING ONLINE

http://www.uc.edu/ucit/access/resnet.html

Connecting From Off-Campus: UC Remote Access (UCRA)
UCRA is a service provided by UCit and is available, free of charge, to any UC registered student, faculty, and staff. UCRA provides the UC community with home access (from the local Cincinnati calling area) to the UC Network (UCNet) and the Internet using a computer and a standard telephone line. The student modems/lines can be accessed from off campus via 513-861-9501.

How do I get a UCRA Account? https://www.uc.edu/ucit/online/ucra_sign_up.asp

Connecting From On-Campus: ResNet
ResNet is the computer network provided to students living in the residence halls, except the Stratford Heights complex (see section “Stratford Heights Telephone and Network Services” for connection directions). Each room has wiring for a 100MB Ethernet connection. This type of connection provides much faster transfer rates than with a modem or high speed broadband connection.

To access the UCNet:

• Your computer must be equipped with a Network Interface Card (NIC) and configured for a LAN connection.
• You must plug into an active data jack with a category 5E (or above) patch cord (see “Resnet Services”).
  Hubs, routers or wireless access points are not allowed on the UCNet.
• The first time you access the UCNet your computer must be authenticated and verified as having the appropriate security patches in place so there are no vulnerabilities to pass viruses throughout the network. UC uses Cisco Clean Access to provide this service. Please refer to “UCNet Registration and Cisco Clean Access Login” of this manual for instructions and additional information on Clean Access.
• Stratford Heights residents see section “Stratford Heights Telephone and Network Services” for how to connect to the network. After connecting, return to this page for complete requirements.

Clean Access Agent System Requirements
Recommended minimum configuration for client systems running Clean Access Agent.

* No localization is provided for non-English languages. For example, Clean Access Agent works on German Windows but displays all information and instructions in English.

Recommend:
 

-VirusScan Enterprise V8.0i for Windows 2000, XP, 2003, and Vista
-VShield v4.5.1 for Windows ME
-McAfee Virus Scan Enterprise V8.01 & Anti-Spyware module.
Download from (if no anti-virus is installed during installation, the notification presented will provide a link to this site): http://www.uc.edu/ucit/computers/software/mcafee.asp

Supported NIC’s are available at the UC Bookstore Computer Shop: PC Desktops: Linksys-EtherFast 10/100 LAN Card. Laptops: Linksys-EtherFast 10/100 Integrated PC Card.

Each room contains a number of data jacks equal to the maximum capacity for that room (e.g., double rooms have two jacks). Each Student Resident is allowed one active computer connection as a condition of his/her residence hall/apartment lease agreement. If additional connectivity is desired, the student may submit a request by completing the Online Data Jack Connectivity form. Information concerning this service is available through the reception area of each residence hall. Housing and Food Services Office must approve all service requests before service will be provided. If the request is approved, there will be an activation fee per school term for each additional data connection that is activated. This fee must be paid before activation.

Requests for Changes or Moves

https://www.uc.edu/ucit/studentgetit/login.aspx

No requests are accepted the first 2 weeks of school. Changes of connectivity location or moves from one room to another may be requested by submitting the Data Jack Connectivity Form.

Schedule an appointment for a ResNet technician to come to your room. Call the Help Desk at 556-4357 or see http://www.uc.edu/ucit/access/resnet.html

RESNET SERVICES

For troubles and technical assistance, call the Help Desk at 556-4357 or stop by the Student Service Center, 453 Dabney Hall, open M-F 8 AM to 5 PM.

Ethernet Card Installations/ Network Configuration/ Software Issues

Ethernet card installations, network configuration, and software support is available Monday through Friday through ResNet Services. ResNet technicians will assist you with basic software and hardware support issues. It will be noted that while basic support issues will be addressed by ResNet technicians, there are some problems requiring expertise and materials that may require an outside source for solution. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with these resources.

Solutions for Common Problems

You must use the proper connectivity cord to access the University’s Ethernet Network: Ethernet Connectivity is supported by a Category 5e (or above) patch cord. Phone cords will not provide connectivity to the University Network. The University Bookstore sells Category 5e patch cords, or they are available at most retail outlets that provide computer hardware and peripherals.

Phone cords will not provide connectivity to the University Network.

You must plug into an active data jack with a category 5E (or above) patch cord.

While there may be multiple data jacks in a residence, only designated jacks are active. Active data jacks will be distinctively marked with a colored paper dot. Residents may use only the data jack that has been assigned to them. Requests to change data jacks should be made by submitting a Data Jack Connectivity request to Housing and Food Services for approval. Upon approval, ResNet will normally provide service within one business day.
 

IT Handbook
Telephone Services | Computer and Network Services
Blackboard Learning System | Security Basics and Virus Information

UCit, Directory Services PO Box 210107 Cincinnati, OH 45221-0107 E-Mail: Directory.Services@UC.Edu