MaSSSoftech

Syracuse University students are very lucky to have an exceptionally comprehensive and helpful Information Technology Services department. But I want to give you a few tips to keep your electronics and personal information safe while getting the most out of the technology Syracuse University offers.

Setting up your Internet connection is the first step. By now, most of you have figured out how to connect a computer to AirOrangeX. If not, give ITS a call at 315-344-2677 or visit their new wiki Web site, answers.syr.edu.

If you ever need to visit ITS there are two locations: the Goldstein Student Center and the Center for Science & Technology in the Life Sciences Complex. When you go, be sure to bring a copy of your computer's operating system on a CD or DVD. If you left it at home, I would suggest having someone living at home mail it to you.

You can visit an ITS center if your hard drive crashes or you lose information at some point for any reason, but, while ITS is always kind and efficient, they can't always retrieve your data. Get a backup hard drive and use it on a daily or weekly basis (120 gigabytes should be enough). To be on the safe side, also be sure you are using some form of antivirus software on your computer - yes, even if you have a Mac.

When it comes to your pictures, be careful which ones you chose to share and with whom. Let me put this easily and frankly: If you wonder whether or not it's a good idea to put it on Facebook, it's probably not. The same applies for any sort of public posts. They are there forever, even if you delete them. Just think twice, and consider utilizing the site's privacy settings.

In orientation they also introduced you to the servers that hold your online information for SU: SUmail, MySlice and Blackboard, all of which use your NetID and password. This is great because students don't have to memorize numerous names and number combinations for all SU Internet applications.

That being said, it is also quite risky to have all your personal information locked with the same code. What that means is never, ever give anyone your password. You wouldn't give anyone your bankcard and pin number, so why give your NetID password? With a single password, people can have access not simply to your classes but also your Bursar account, financial aid and housing. If you ever, for whatever reason, feel that your information may be compromised, contact ITS immediately.

It's not simply your personal information that needs to be protected; your computer does, too. Though I wouldn't say robbery is a major problem on campus, you can never be too safe. With that in mind, don't leave your computer unattended anywhere. Or if you are going to leave it, be sure to lock it up with a security cable that can be purchased at the SU Bookstore. Furthermore, if you want to be extremely safe, get another one for your TV and, if you have one, your video game system. Also, always lock your dorm door.

Have a great year and be safe both on and offline.



Ben Tepfer is a sophomore television, radio and film major and the technology columinst . His column appears every Tuesday. He can be reached bstepfer@syr.edu.