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ResNet FAQ

ResNet has a firewall and we block all incoming TCP connections outside of ResNet. We also block Netbios and RPC service at the "user port" level for obvious security reasons.

No, users should not bring or install their own wireless routers.

By placing a wireless access point on ResNet, you are exposing the network to possible security threats from non ResNet users. Also, the more users connected to your access point, the slower your connection will become.

If you install a wireless router and any incidents (email threats, security incidents, network outages caused by misconfigured devices) happen and it is concluded that it was coming from your device, you will be held responsible for these potential problems.

Support Provided By ResNet:

  • Configure and connect wired and wireless devices (including game stations and smartphones)
  • Assist with problems with web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, etc.)
  • Help with anti-malware/anti-virus software and removal of viruses and malware
  • Repair wired network wall jacks
  • Provide general help with operating systems and office productivity software
  • Education and technical assistance on safe computing and avoiding copyright infringement

Not Supported by ResNet: Hardware repair (contact your manufacturer or we can refer you to local companies) 

There are a number of ways that computers may become infected with malware/spyware but we will only discuss the most common infection methods and how you can prevent installation or remove. One common way malware is added to a computer is by shareware authors or distributers. Shareware is programs that are designed and provided to the public at no charge. Most of the authors of these software packages make a profit by bundling a second program with the original. Most people do not realize this second program is being installed and this second program cannot usually be removed without the removal of the original program. This second program is designed to gather information about the user, display popups, change homepages and report information gathered about the user back to the programmer. The authors are then paid by the number advertisements that are displayed and the authors also sell the information gathered about users to marketing companies. A good example of this type of program is peer to peer file sharing software. The best way to avoid infection is to reduce your use of shareware and purchase or download only from reputable sites such as CNET. 

Malware is often installed with browser toolbars (Yahoo, etc.) or other browser extensions or add-ons. Be careful when you download software as many products are "bundled" with toolbars and extensions. Most legitimate downloads will provide an option to uncheck a box to prevent the additions of unwanted software. This malware may actually control the behavior of your browser to the point where you can't browse to certain sites or where web pages do not appear or function normally. Avoid the use of browser toolbars and extensions to reduce your chance of infection.

One can also become infected simply by visiting a website. While this does not happen as frequently as people believe, it does happen. The only way this is possible on a windows machine is if certain user options are selected. This way of being infected is nearly impossible to protect against without the help of an anti-malware program such as Malwarebytes, Ad Aware or SpyBot S&D.

If your computer is behaving funny, running slowly or if you think you may have a virus, you can download and install Microsoft Security Essentials (Windows) or Sophos Home Antivirus (OSX). 

In addition, we highly recommend the malware detection and prevention software Malwarebytes. You can download a free version (you must manually update with new definitions daily) or purchase a licensed version at http://malwarebytes.org. Make sure you download directly from this site as there are a number of sites (some that will install malware themselves) that imitate the official Malwarebytes site and web address. As always you can contact ResNet for support.

Your computer may be filled with spyware/malware if you have any or all of the following symptoms: computer running really slow; tons of popups; Internet Explorer (IE) will not open; IM works but web pages will not load; porn on my computer but I didn't put it there; every time you open IE it goes to a website. 

To remove the spyware, use a spyware removal tool available free. Ad-aware is one tool, available at http://www.lavasoftusa.com.

In addition, we highly recommend the malware detection and prevention software Malwarebytes. You can download a free version (you must manually update with new definitions daily) or purchase a licensed version at http://malwarebytes.org. Make sure you download directly from this site as there are a number of sites (some that will install malware themselves) that imitate the official Malwarebytes site and web address. As always, you can contact ResNet for assistance.

Students caught violating the AUP may be removed from the network, and are subject to university disciplinary procedures. In addition, if students are violating federal, state, or local laws they will be subject to criminal sanctions. 

Remember, sharing, downloading, or uploading copyrighted material is illegal. However, you are allowed to legally download music from sites such as Napster and iTunes. You are not allowed to P2P file share illegally downloaded movies or music from such sites as LimeWire and KaZaA.

In today's world your computer will be exposed to viruses which CAN harm not only your computer, but it can also send viruses to and potentially infect your friends’ and associates’ computers as well. Whenever you are using a high-speed connection such as ResNet, your computer is connected to the Internet as long as it is turned on, not just when you're actively using it, making it a possible target for break-in.

Whenever connected, it is possible for an intruder to access personal documents on your computer, steal your account and password information for other systems or steal any private information you have stored. Intruders can also use your computer to break into other computers, send out unsolicited mass email, and spread viruses. Viruses, spyware and worms can cause your computer's performance to become slower, use up your disk space, and may allow personal information on your computer to be sent to people whom you do not know. The computer may become unstable, and may require frequent reboots.