Campus Manager "Safe Computing" Environment

Release date: July 25, 2005 |

What is Campus Manager?
Residential student computers are increasingly more susceptible to computer viruses and spyware. Infections by viruses or spyware can slow down your computer, damage your computer, and infect other students on campus. Therefore, beginning in Fall 2005, Goucher College will implement a Campus Manager “Safe Computing” environment for all student computers in the residence halls. This environment is being implemented so that all student computers will have the proper software installed to combat viruses and spyware. In order to protect your computer from harmful viruses and spyware, Campus Manager will help ensure that you have the latest Windows operating system updates and that you have McAfee Anti-Virus and Microsoft AntiSpyware software installed and running on your computer. Goucher College provides McAfee Anti-Virus software and updates free to all registered students and Microsoft AntiSpyware sofware is also free.

Are there Windows Operating Systems that will no longer work on the Goucher network?
Please note that students should not bring computers to campus with the following operating systems since they will not be able to connect to the Campus Manager “Safe Computing” environment and the campus network: Windows 98, Windows 95, Windows ME, Windows NT, and Windows for Workgroups 3.11.

What can I do before I arrive on campus?
If you have Windows XP or Windows 2000 installed on your computer, please be sure that you have installed the latest software updates for your operating system before you arrive on campus. If you are using Windows XP, you will need the Service Pack 2 if you are using Windows 2000, you will need the Service Pack 4 update. Updates can be found at the Microsoft Windows Update website and the Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware software download site.

What will be required to connect to the campus network and the Internet?

1. Computers (and game systems) will need to be registered to connect to the campus network and the Internet (All computers and game systems)
2. Computers will need to have the latest operating system updates software before connecting (Windows computers only)
3. Computers will need to have McAfee anti-virus and Windows AntiSpyware software installed before connecting (Windows computers only)
4. Computers not up to date will be quarantined so they can download needed software and anti-virus updates (Windows computers only)

Why do I need to register my computer before connecting to the campus network and the Internet?
Your computer is registered so that if there is a problem or issue with your computer, assistance can be provided to you quickly.

How do I register my computer?
Each semester you will be asked to register your computer. You will need to open a web broswer (NOTE: Internet Explorer is preferred) to complete a registration form. You will need your Goucher GCADMIN username and password to complete the registration form.

What happens if my computer is quarantined?
Your computer will be quarantined if your Windows computer does not have the latest operating system, McAfee anti-virus, and Microsoft Windows AntiSpyeare software installed. If your computer is placed in quarantine, you will be provided with a web page that will allow you to download the needed software updates so that you can connect to the campus network and the Internet.

What happens when my Windows computer is connected to the campus network and the Internet?
Campus Manager runs periodic tests on computers in residential halls to determine compliance with security standards for Goucher’s “Safe Computing” environment. Campus Manager may isolate your computer in a quarantine area if it is not satisfied with the software configuration of your computer. The tests used may change over time, so passing security screening once does not guarantee your computer will always pass the tests even if you make no changes to your operating system. When your computer fails testing, it will be quarantined and provide you with an explanation for the quarantine and how to take corrective action. For example, your computer will be quarantined if it has a virus or patches to your Windows operating system are out of date.

What happens if I have installed an anti-virus software program other than McAfee?
If you have installed an anti-virus software program other than McAfee, Campus Manager will ask you to uninstall the software and install McAfee. Having common anti-virus software will allow the campus to send immediate anti-virus updates to all resident student computers in the event of a new virus.

What happens if I have installed an anti-spyware software program other than Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware software?
You will need to have Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware software installed and running on your computer to connect to the campus network and the Internet. You will not be required to uninstall other anti-spyware software.

What if I want to connect a game system to the campus network and the Internet?
You will need to e-mail the Help Desk with your full name, the MAC address (physical address) of your game system, and your Goucher GCADMIN username. Your request will be processed as soon as possible and the Help Desk will e-mail you when your game system has been registered. Directions are available for obtaining the MAC address of your game system.

What do I need to do if I do not have the Windows operating system (e.g., Mac OS Operating System)?
You will simply need to register your computer.

Where can I get help setting up my connection to the campus network?
Assistance is provided to students in connecting their computer to the Goucher College Network during the Connection Fair. Prior to the Connection Fair, students may report problems to the Help Desk. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until the Connection Fair begins.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the Campus Manager "Safe Computing" Environment?
You should contact the Help Desk by e-mail(helpdesk@goucher.edu) or by phone (410-337-6322).