Distance Learning and Division Laptops

Distance Learning and Division Laptop Certification for attachment to Westchester Community College Data Network

WHO:	All faculty members who have a laptop computer provided by Distance Learning or their Division.
WHAT:	Certification of Westchester Community College computing equipment for connection to Westchester Community College data network
WHERE:	Westchester Community College
WHEN:	Once a Year
WHY:	Reduce college’s risk to attack from computer viruses and worms.

The following procedure applies to laptops supplied by Distance Learning and Divisions. Under NO circumstances are other types of computing equipment to be attached to the Westchester Community College data network (also called StarNet) including, but not limited to, routers, hubs, wireless access points, and switches.

You must repeat the following procedure at least once a year for continued access to the Internet through the Westchester Community College data network. You will need to provide a preferred e-mail address for contact if laptops must be recalled for interim certification – for example, if a serious virus or worm becomes public and assurances are required that laptops receive security patches to prevent infection.

Do NOT attach a laptop to the network unless it is certified as secure by Information Technology, as follows:

Bring laptops to:

Tec 21E (Technical Services Office)

The technician will:

Scan laptop for viruses and clean any found.
Update and configure McAfee VirusScan as necessary to ensure that VirusScan’s definition files are up-to-date and updated automatically.
Install minimum required Microsoft Windows security patches to make the laptop safe for connection to the Westchester Community College data network (StarNet).
Connect laptop to the network.
Go to Windows Update Web site and install any remaining security patches, and set Windows to check automatically for future updates.

The steps outlined above may require substantial time, in which case you will be asked to leave the laptop for a period of time, possibly a day or more. Laptops will be processed first-come, first-served. Plan accordingly.

Note that any updates you perform prior to certification will greatly decrease the time it takes to complete the process – update virus .dat files and install all of the critical updates from Windows Update.

Include your AC adapter when you present your machine for certification so that the laptop operates at optimal efficiency during the certification process.

If you wish to use your own personal laptop in the classroom and wish to connect to the Westchester Community College data network for instructional purposes, see the procedure Certify Non-Westchester Community College Laptops.

If you have recently presented your DL or Division laptop for service by the appropriate technician, check with the technician before bringing in your laptop. For example, if you received a Division laptop prepared by Technical Services during Fall semester 2003, your laptop already conforms to the requirements of Westchester Community College’s computer policy. Similarly, Distance Learning faculty may wish to contact Dan McInerney to check the need for laptop service. Those serviced during the Fall Semester of 2003 conform to Westchester Community College’s security policy.

Please note that any time your DL or Division laptop requires service, the appropriate lab technician will not only solve current problems but ensure that your Westchester Community College laptop conforms to Westchester Community College’s requirements.

Information Technology Home Page