By: Jessica Murphy
Posted In: Opinion
Photo credit: Lindsay Little
Frustration and disappointment that came from repeated futile attempts to attain Internet access were not experiences isolated to a select few. In fact, during the first month of the semester the once expected Internet availability was scarce.
The summer’s infamous computer viral epidemics had taken their toll on many an Internet user. Colleges and universities nationwide were struggling with Internet issues this fall. Students who may have had their personal computers infected were connecting them to a network, and it was becoming uncontrollably congested. Internet was shut off entirely to all residential halls connected to the original network. The original network does not have the capability of isolating those computers, which were congesting the system. Students were required to bring their computers to Information Technologies (IT) located in the Munroe Center, so the technicians could apply current Microsoft patches and anti-virus software. For each Residential Hall, the Internet was turned back on only after each resident’s computer was brought to IT and maintained. Although Internet accessibility has stabilized for most students, future problems may occur indefinitely. IT found a 23.4% infection rate among the 504 computers they received, a rate that is substantially high. However, the Salve community can do its part to avoid having a recurrence of the recent Internet catastrophe. Student Government Association has joined with IT and other campus departments in promotion of the “safe computing campaign.” This campaign calls on personal responsibility in ensuring a more secure network. The IT office will distribute reminders to keep computer software protection updated. It is important that Microsoft patches and current anti-virus software are maintained on all computers connected to the Salve network. Participation in illegal copyright activity (i.e. music and movies) is also prohibited. Computers involved in such activity were known to be one of the leading causes of our Internet difficulties. The recent Internet fiasco was both extensive and unpleasant for the Salve community. Protecting our computers is the only way to prevent future Internet shutdowns. Personal responsibility for computer defense has become an integral player in creating a stable online Salve community.
