If you find you are having problems accessing sites on the Internet or downloading files or information from the Internet, the culprit may be spyware. Spyware is defined at Wikipedia as a type of program that watches what users do with their computer and then sends that information to a site over the internet. Spyware generally gets on your machine by simply browsing the Internet. The effects of spyware can be disastrous, ranging from slow processing to the inability to get to any Internet sites. Spyware uses up the resources on the machine and can eventually cause the machine's processing to slow to a crawl where you cannot use the applications on the system or worse the computer locks up or crashes frequently. Spyware also prevents you from being able to access certain sites, download information from the Internet, or even worse sometimes redirects your preferred homepage to another homepage. Spyware can be difficult to remove but there are some tools available to the public that can help to remove spyware from your machine. Check our Adaware or Spybot for some good resources for homes users that can help to keep your machine clean of spyware.

Students are not authorized to reserve/checkout equipment. Students needing equipment for official University events must have their faculty/staff sponsor request the equipment on their behalf. The sponsoring party assumes all responsibility for the safe return of the equipment.  In the event damage or loss occurs the sponsoring party will be held financial liable for the replacement of the equipment. Students must leave a copy of their valid DSU Okra ID Card with the OIT Help Desk at the time of checkout. Equipment will not be loaned to students without appropriate sponsor authorization and signatures and verification from the sponsor that the use is authorized for an official DSU event. OIT reserves the right to refuse service to those groups/individuals that consistently abuse or take inadequate care of University resources.  For more information, see OIT Media Reservations

5 tips for top-notch password security

Whether it's a few PCs or hundreds on your network, there's one thing that can separate your system from being compromised: a great password.

Why? Hackers want access to anything and everything. If they can guess your user name and password, you might as well have given them your wallet and the keys to your building.

• Don't be complacent: Attacks can and do happen.
• Know what makes for a bad password.
• Get proficient at creating good passwords.
• By all means, safeguard your password.
• Change your password often — as in several times a year.

For more information: Click Here

• Preparation of the campus instructional labs for the Fall semester is underway and should be completed next week
  
  
• The Language and Literature Lab relocation to Roberts-LaForge Library is in process and should be finalized next week
  
  
• The Delta Music Institute Lab creation is underway and furnishings and equipment should be arriving soon
  
  
• Kethley Renovation continues with digging going on throughout the week
  
  

OIT is offering FREE Hands-on WebCT Orientation workshops for Students. Don't miss this opportunity to get comprehensive information, demonstrations and hands-on experience in WebCT - the University's e-Learning Platform. Scheduling information will be on the OIT web site soon. If you would like a workshop to be brought to your class, contact Dr. Felix Rizvanov.