The Office of Information Technology - UTSA

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Copyright (c) 2007. The University of Texas at San Antonio. All rights reserved.

UTSA Office of Information Technology

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Office of Information Technology

Our mission is to provide innovation, leadership and effective management of the university's information technology resources. We strive to ensure availability and reliability of the technology-based information management infrastructure and of the tools that support the university's mission of teaching, research and public service. UTSA

Helpful User Hints...

User ID and Password

  1. How do I get a User ID and password?
    Check with your administrative team to see if you need computer access.
  2. I forgot my password. Who do I call?
    Call the Information Technology Help Desk at ext. 5538.
  3. How do I choose a password?
    Here are some tips.
  4. I'm still logged on. Is it OK for my coworker to use my PC?
    No. You are responsible for what occurs on your PC while you are logged on.
  5. I need to change my password. Can I do it over the telephone?
    No. Due to the sensitive nature of our systems, password change requests must be handled in person.
  6. Can two or more employees share the same User ID and password?
    No, the sharing of User ID's and passwords is strictly forbidden. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring that each employee has his/her own User ID and password.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

  1. What is a VPN?
    A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows a home PC user to connect to the UTSA network via a secure connection. For UTSA users, it will appear as if they are logging on to their work PC.
  2. How do I set up a VPN?
    The VPN web site has instructions for setting up a VPN.
  3. Will I have access to the entire UTSA network with VPN?
    No. Some areas of the network will not be accessible due to security concerns.
  4. Can students install VPN software?
    No. Users must have a valid UTSA network User ID and password.
  5. What kind of home PC setup do I need?
    The VPN web site lists the recommended hardware configuration.
  6. Who can I call for help with technical issues?
    Call the Help Desk, 458-5538, for more information.

PC Questions

  1. Can I make a copy of software from my UTSA PC to install on my home PC?
    No, unless it is expressly authorized in the software license agreement.
  2. Can I install my own software on a UTSA PC?
    No. Unlicensed or unauthorized copies of software are not allowed on university-owned computers.
  3. How can I get software purchased for my work PC installed?
    Call the Help Desk at ext. 5538. They will assign a technician to assist you.
  4. How can I get software ordered for my work PC?
    Contact your department's admin support personnel. They will be able to order software at state-negotiated prices.
  5. Is it OK to leave my PC on while I take a break?
    No. If you are going to be away from your desk, lock your PC with a password.
  6. Should I shut down my PC at the end of my shift?
    Yes.
  7. I think my PC might have a virus. What do I do?
    Call the Help Desk, 458-5538, immediately.
  8. How can I protect PC from viruses and worms?
    Your UTSA PC is protected by anti-virus software. However, you should avoid opening any suspicious e-mail attachment.

The Internet

  1. At work, is it OK to surf the Internet during business hours?
    As a convenience incidental use of the Internet is permitted. It must not, however, result in direct costs to UTSA and must not interfere with the normal performance of work duties.
  2. Can I download music or other files from file sharing services like KaZaa?
    No. Users are not allowed to download or share copyrighted files without consent.

E-mail

  1. How do I get an e-mail account?
    Contact the administrative team in your department.
  2. Is it OK to forward "chain mail" messages?
    No. Sending any type of junk mail is prohibited.
  3. What is considered acceptable language in an e-mail?
    Just as in any other type of correspondence, be tasteful, professional and accurate.
  4. I am getting harassing and/or inappropriate e-mail messages. What do I do?
    Contact the Student Affairs office, the Office of Information Technology, or your academic dept. administrator.
  5. When is it OK to open an e-mail attachment?
    You should only open e-mail attachments after you have verified the source. If you are unsure, contact the Help Desk.
  6. Are my UTSA e-mail messages scanned for viruses?
    Yes. However, virus scan software may not catch every virus, especially new versions.

Wireless Access at UTSA

  1. What is a hot spot?
    A hot spot is an area that has been set up to provide wireless access to a computer network.
  2. What areas of the campus are set up to provide wireless access?
    The wireless coverage web page shows all UTSA hotspots.
  3. What kind of laptop and hardware should I have?
    The VPN web site lists the recommended hardware configuration.
  4. Who can I call for help with technical issues?
    Call the Help Desk, 458-5538, for more information.

Other Security Issues

  1. What is an information security incident?
    An information security incident is any event that results in unauthorized access, loss, disclosure, modification, or destruction of information resources, whether accidental or deliberate. Some examples of security incidents include discovery of viruses/worms on your PC, unintentional disclosure of personal information like Social Security Number, as well as receiving phone calls from individuals (hackers) who misrepresent their identity in order to gain information about UTSA.
  2. What do I do if I discover an information security incident?
    Contact the administrator in charge of your division or department and then contact the Strategic Planning and Information Security office, 458-5899.
  3. I need access to confidential information in order to do my job. Who do I contact?
    Access to confidential or sensitive information is granted on a "need to know" basis. Contact your administrative team if you need access.
  4. What do I do if I see a policy or law violation?
    Contact the administrator in charge of your division or department and then contact the Strategic Planning and Information Security office, 458-5899.
John P. McGowan, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Chief Information Officer

©The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249
Revised: 07/18/2008
Refer Comments to: oit@utsa.edu
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