Digital Divas: February 19, 2003


The information contained in this article is only valid at the time of publication and will not be updated. Please search the Resnet site if you have questions.

Lab Upgrades:

In addition to installing new computers in all of our labs, there have been specific improvements to selected labs. In the Lehman Computer Center (LCC) new Dell Optiplex 260 desktops, with flat panel monitors, have been installed allowing for more space on the desks for students to work and maneuver. These computers are equipped with CD-RW drives to allow burning data onto a CD. This technology offers better portable storage medium for students since it stores more data than floppy disks and zip disks, is cheaper than zip disks, and is becoming the technology of choice within the larger computing world. Don’t worry however, during this technology transition, Lcc staff can assist you with retrieving information from your zip drives. We have also upgraded our Macintosh computers in the LCC to OS X, a more stable operating system that very rarely crashes and works well for most Macintosh computing programs with additional language support.

In our 616 Computer Lab we now have TWO printers so that if paper, toner or other problems occur with one printer, the second printer will serve as a backup. This is the exact same set up as the new Brooks lab (which can back up the Sulzberger Printer as well).

On lab computers you may have noticed a new home page within IE and Netscape full of important information. New additions are the:

  1. Announcements page -- which will hold pertinent student computing information which should be checked by users for updates.
  2. Lab Problem reports link – which will help us better serve you and the Barnard community! (These can also be used for lab suggestions.)
  3. Safe Computing Page – which will be updated with technology changes to help you keep your computer safe from hackers, viruses and spy ware.
  4. Helpful links to pages like: Ebear and Webmail

On Wednesday February 26th (mark your calendars) we are having a one time INTERNET SECURITY EVENT in the Brooks Lab where all of your computing questions and worries can be answered. During this event you can bring in your laptop and desktop questions, make an appointment with an RCA, or just get more information and training about fixing and maintaining your own computer.

We will cover these tips on computing security:

  • Keep your operating system updated (Windows Updates)
  • Keep your virus software updated and scan your computer regularly (Virus Updates)
  • Keep the amount of spy ware on your computer to ZERO (using Ad-aware and Spybot)
  • Make Administrative passwords for your Win NT, Win 2000, or Win XP computers

Hope to see you there!