If you are a Schreiner resident or if you own a laptop and so will be requesting network access, we have a process to ensure that only clean, patched, and virus-protected machines are granted access.
 

To ensure the safe functioning of the Student Network (basically, your wireless access to the Internet), your computer must meet certain minimum conditions before it connects to the Student Network.

On this page, you can learn the steps you need to take, the minimum security requirements you must meet,  recommended optional security measures against adware,  spyware, etc.

And Finally, the "where & how" information about how to obtain wireless network cards and gain network access once you are at Schreiner and your computer is prepared.

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above information last modified 4/15/08

 
These are the 3 things you must do before you can be connected to Schreiner's Wireless:

1. Install antivirus software and set it up correctly (files up to date, set to update automatically, set for on-access scan, etc.)
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2. Activate the Windows firewall (and optional other firewalls).
   [details]
3. Set automatic update for Windows critical updates.
   [details]

After you have read and understand the basics of these three things,
choose one of these to begin the process:

• Begin here for all versions of Windows
• Begin here for MAC OS

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above information last modified 4/15/08

• Use Antivirus Software--The term "virus" is used here generically for several varieties of malware: viruses, trojans, worms, etc.
  • Install or activate any reputable antivirus software. (McAfee antivirus for Windows is available free to Schreiner students, but you choose whether to use it or some other one...)
  • Update its scan engine and virus definition files
  • Set it to always be doing "on-access" scanning (this watches for viruses while you are working: anything you open, download, etc), with appropriate settings for what kinds of files to look in (basically, all files, or as many kinds as possible).
  • Perform an "on-demand" scan of your entire computer (this looks in all the existing files for viruses that may already be present), with appropriate settings, and make sure the entire computer is "clean".

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• Use a Firewall--our minimum requirement is satisfied if you have the built-in Windows firewall turned on or use an installed firewall software package.
  • Windows XP and Vista have "built-in" firewalls, which provide some protection. They meet our minimum requirements, but must be turned on to do so.
  • With earlier versions of Windows (no built-in firewall), there is firewall software available that you can install. Some of these are free products, some are products available for purchase, and some give you a choice of a free version or a fancier version you can purchase. The free version, properly used, meets our requirements.
  • You may decide to install and use one of the free firewalls even if you have a built-in Windows firewall, to get the more complete protection which they offer.

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Adware and Spyware have become a major threat--right up there beside viruses, trojans, etc.--and most AntiVirus software does not watch for them, since they are not classified as viruses. So you have to take extra precautions "on your own".

Your best defense is a combination of paranoid habits AND protective software (anti-adware, anti-spyware, etc.).

The effects range from annoying you with constant pop-up ads not related to websites you are visiting at the time, to programs that monitor your every computer move and send your private information secretly to somebody "listening" out there on the Internet, to programs that make your computer a part of a network of "zombies" that take instructions from their commander way out there somewhere on the internet and do bad stuff without your knowledge or consent.

• Select and use software tools to remove and prevent adware, spyware, etc. that often (but not always) get on your computer because you "allowed" it, but may not have realized you were giving permission, or what the consequences might be.
  • Click here for a page of resources to help you avoid or remove adware and spyware.
• Learn and abide by "best practices" for your computing configuration.
  • Adopt cautious and prudent habits regarding each of these:
    • e-mail you receive, especially rules for dealing with attachments.
    • instant messaging services and related software. Learn what modes of use of them put you at greatest risk of infection.
    • file sharing, like for music files, etc. Learn what can happen to your computer through using these, what settings to use to reduce your risks, etc. (Also, note the copyright-related issues involved, and choose the cautious route.)
    • allowing websites to install "neat stuff" on your computer. Things like Gator, WeatherBug, etc create huge problems. Special "toolbars" from people like Google or Yahoo! may be "safe" and yet block your access to mail.schreiner.edu, SchreinerOne, etc--pop-up blockers of all kinds can do this, and you may need to make special settings giving them permission to access certain sites you know you can trust.
  • Learn about--and use--prudent (yup, almost even paranoid) settings in Internet Explorer. Some of these settings may prevent some web pages from working as intended, but the more you learn, the better you can allow what you need and still prevent other malicious activity.
     

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above information last modified 4/15/08

• Come to the Computer Lab in Dickey 112 before 4:00 any weekday. We can loan you a CD with McAfee VirusScan or help you install it while you wait. (Optionally--if you have some independent way to download before getting on our wireless network--you can download McAfee VirusScan from https://mail.schreiner.edu/mcafee.)
• When your computer has been prepared, come in person (with your Schreiner ID number) and the following:
  • If you have built-in wireless (or own your own network card), either bring your laptop (or card) or copy down the "MAC address" or "physical address" of the wireless card. (ask for help if needed).
  • If you will be using a wireless card provided by Schreiner, just bring yourself and your Schreiner ID number.

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above information last modified 4/15/08