Get Connected to UB in 5 Easy Steps

Secure your computer

The internet can be fun and extremely useful, but harmful computer viruses can enter a computer’s hard drive through the internet, deleting files or using email to send junk mail to others. Following UB’s basic recommendations for internet safety could help keep files safe and private. While computers running the Windows platform are the most susceptible to viruses, all students should be aware of these recommendations and stay informed of UB’s latest virus protection for any platform their computer is running.

Students need to keep their computer’s operating system and applications up-to-date. Operating systems, along with web browsers contain security holes that can allow viruses onto computers. Students should regularly use tools such as Windows Update (Windows users) or Software Update (Mac users) on their desktop to close these holes by installing “patches” or software updates from the software developer.  New viruses and malicious codes are always being updated with new ways to break into computer systems, so software developers are constantly updating their security patches to keep up.

Students also need to keep their antivirus software up to date. If a virus does make it onto a computer, an up-to-date antivirus program can detect and disable it before it can do any damage.  UB provides students with the latest in firewall and antivirus software. This software is provided at no additional cost to all students, and is available for download at the UBIT Software Site. When a computer is connected to a network, other computers are able to recognize and communicate with that computer’s hard drive, and possibly attempt to infect it.  Using a firewall software program can prevent computers from making these unwanted connections and offer protection from viruses. Some operating systems such as Windows XP, Mac OSX, and Linux contain built-in firewalls that should be enabled. For off-campus students using a high-speed connection, it is recommended they check with their local ISP on how to configure their modem to provide the maximum protection.

Students should also install UB’s Virtual Private Network service (UBVPN) in order to connect to UB from a personal computer via a secure, encrypted tunnel. The purpose of this tunnel is to be able to securely send data to and from UB while using a UB wireless connection or a non-UB Internet Service Provider.

Some operating systems allow users to automatically download and install new security patches and antivirus software when they become available. Students should contact the CIT Help Desk or the staff at UBMicro IT Support Services if they have questions or need help with this feature on their computers.

All students are expected to practice safe and secure computing while attending UB.  It is a major policy violation for students to share their password, even with family and friends, and can result in the termination of access to accounts and services. Passwords are important and must be kept safe and private. Each student is individually responsible for everything that is done using their UBITName. 

 All students are expected to adhere to all of UB’s responsible computing policies. A complete list of these guidelines can be found on the UB Information Technology Policies web site and includes guidelines on copyright infringement. Copyrights apply to all materials such as written works, music, videos, movies, and games that are created by someone else. Without explicit permission from the copyright holder, no one is allowed to copy or distribute these kinds of materials or try to pass them off as their own.  This is a violation of federal law and subject to FBI investigations, prosecution, and thousands of dollars in fines and damages.

With all the information available for download online these days, from music to software, it’s hard to keep track of what is legal and what is illegal. To help students understand these issues, UB has developed a website detailing the Digital Millenium Copyright Act, and specifically deals with copyright and the internet.