Saturday, August 23, 2008

Internet Connection

The UVI Internet connection through CHOICE Communication is currently not functioning. As a result, users who are NOT on the St. Thomas campus cannot currently access Blackboard, Email, Banweb, or the University's web page.

We are working with Internet Service Provider to restore services as quickly as possible.
A status update will be provided as soon as additional information becomes available.

Judith Rogers

St. Croix: Library Databases

We are currently unable to access some of the library databases from STX due to the change in our IP addresses. I’m contacting vendors as quickly as possible to provide the new ip range and resolve the issue. Databases affected include: LexisNexis; American Chemical Society Journals; Business & Company Resource Center; Literature Resource Center; Opposing Viewpoints; Cabell’s Directory; and CQ Researcher. JSTOR already responded, so that resource is now back online.

Judith V. Rogers

Videoconference System Training - Update

Good morning everyone!

The videoconference system training scheduled for 8/22/2008 from 9am to 10am in rooms T-115 St. Thomas and EC-807 St. Croix has been cancelled. We will be scheduling more training sessions for next week sometime. We will keep you posted.

Have a wonderful day!
Erik Pattison

Friday, August 22, 2008

Saving Bandwidth thru Web Filtering

Good Day UVI,

As indicated in the ITS Systems update sent on August 15, 2008, the web filtering system for the UVI network has been installed and is fully functional. The main purpose of this devices called BLUECOAT is to replace the PROXY servers on both islands and to optimize the traffic over the wide area network. The other capability the system has is to better manage the use of our Internet Bandwidth. As you have all observed, Internet systems are very slow much of the time and to allow bandwidth to be used to support teaching and learning applications and research, we can disallow bandwidth for non-academic purposes.

The system we use for filtering and optimizing breaks the websites into several categories. The list and definition of these categories are attached for your review. There are nine categories of web sites that have been selected to filter at this time. These categories are defined below.

Attached to this email you will also find a copy of the screen that will be received if a bandwidth is not allowed to a particular site. If you deem that the site you are trying to access is necessary to support your teaching, learning or research, please make a request for access to the Office of the Provost. In addition, there are computer stations in the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (formerly the faculty resource rooms in the west corner of the library on STT, and upstairs in the library on STX) where all Internet content is available.

Video streaming and music downloads take a great deal of bandwidth, however mp3 and video can be great teaching tools. These sites will continue to be available from the UVI network, except for the residence halls. Residence Hall traffic competes heavily with classes and Blackboard traffic. Students in the residence halls will have access to a 7x24 lab on both campuses to use to access mp3 or streaming video for academic purposes. We request that both faculty and students use this privilege to access material for teaching and learning and not for personal use or entertainment.

Web filtering according to the guidelines above, will be activated on or about August 24, 2008. I will keep you updated on any progress we make to increase the bandwidth coming into campus. We continue to rely heavily on the contribution from VI-EPSCoR in terms of providing dollars for bandwidth and providing money for many aspects of the infrastructure upgrade. Please let me know what question I can answer.

Gambling
Sites where a user can place a bet or participate in a betting pool, participate in a lottery, or receive information, assistance, recommendations, or training in such activities. Does not include sites that sell gambling-related products/machines or sites for offline casinos and hotels, unless they meet one of the above requirements.
Illegal Drugs
Sites that promote, offer, sell, supply, encourage or otherwise advocate the illegal use, cultivation, manufacture, or distribution of drugs, pharmaceuticals, intoxicating plants or chemicals and their related paraphernalia.
Illegal/Questionable
Sites that advocate or give advice on performing illegal acts such as service theft, evading law enforcement, fraud, burglary techniques and plagiarism. Also includes sites that provide or sell questionable educational materials, such as term papers.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
Sites that distribute software to facilitate the direct exchange of files between users, including software that enables file search and sharing across a network without dependence on a central server.
Phishing
Sites that are designed to appear as a legitimate bank or retailer with the intent to fraudulently capture sensitive data (i.e. credit card numbers, pin numbers).
Pornography
Sites that contain sexually explicit material for the purpose of arousing a sexual or prurient interest.
Proxy Avoidance
Sites that provide information on how to bypass proxy server/appliance features or gain access to URLs in any way that bypasses the proxy server/appliance. This category includes any service which attempts to allow a person to bypass the Blue Coat filtering system, such as anonymous surfing services.
Spyware Effects/Privacy Concerns
Sites to which spyware (as defined in the Spyware/Malware Sources category) reports its findings or from which it alone downloads advertisements. Also includes sites that contain serious privacy issues, such as “phone home” sites to which software can connect and send user info; sites that make extensive use of tracking cookies without a posted privacy statement; and sites to which browser hijackers redirect users. Usually does not include sites that can be marked as Spyware/Malware. Note: Sites rated as spyware effects typically have a second category assigned with them.
Spyware/Malware Sources
Sites which distribute spyware and other malware. Spyware is defined as software which takes control of your computer, modifies computer settings, collects or reports personal information, or misrepresents itself by tricking users to install, download, or enter personal information. This includes drive-by downloads; browser hijackers; dialers; intrusive advertising; any program which modifies your homepage, bookmarks, or security settings; and keyloggers. It also includes any software which bundles spyware (as defined above) as part of its offering. Information collected or reported is "personal" if it contains uniquely identifying data, such as email addresses, name, social security number, IP address, etc. A site is not classified as spyware if the user is reasonably notified that the software will perform these actions (ie, it alerts that it will send personal information, be installed, or that it will log keystrokes). Note: Sites rated as spyware should have a second category assigned with them.


Tina M. Koopmans

RE: Choice Internet link is now operational

The link to the Internet on STT is now operational.

Thanks for your patience.


Kelly Harrigan

Internet Service Unavailable

Good Day All,

Internet service is currently unavailable. ITS is aware of the situation and is working diligently with CHOICE to have the service restored. Please contact the helpdesk at ext. 1466 or helpdesk@uvi.edu if you have any further questions or concerns. Thank you for patience while this situation is being resolved.


IT Helpdesk

Weekly classroom update

STX CLASSROOMS, VIDEO CONFERENCE ROOMS, AND LABS

ROOM TYPE ISSUE PROGRESS

102

SMART

Fully functional

207

SMART

Fully functional

303

SMART

Fully functional

305

SMART

Fully functional

405

SMART

Fully functional

408

SMART

Fully functional

501

SMART

Fully functional

505

SMART

Fully functional

716

SMART

Fully functional

Q

SMART

Fully functional

R

SMART

Fully functional

103

VC

Acoustic and lighting difficulties

We need to identify, with the facilities manager, appropriate acoustic remedies. We will also install blinds.

302 A

VC

Professor requested C++ on computer

Unsuccessful installing C++ on instructor PC; technicians are currently working on the problem.

807

VC

Fully functional

401

VC

Fully functional

NW 134

VC

Fully functional

713

VC

Fully functional

304

VC / LAB

In the process of installing synchronize.

120

NWW LAB

Fully functional

131

NWW LAB

Fully functional

Freshman Center

CATS LAB

Fully functional

902

Library Lab

Fully functional

STT CLASSROOMS, VIDEO CONFERENCE ROOMS, AND LABS

ROOM TYPE ISSUE PROGRESS

T-101

VC

LCD projector bulbs need to be changed. Picture fuzzy.

Awaiting replacement parts.

T-115

VC

Fully functional

T-213

VC

Fully functional

B-206

SMART

Fully functional

B-110

VC

LCD projector bulbs need to be changed. Picture fuzzy.

Bulbs to be changed when a tall ladder arrives.

B-101

VC

Fully functional

CA304

VC/LAB

Fully functional

CATS Lab

SMART

Fully functional

T-216

SMART

Fully functional

N-214

SMART

Fully functional

N-201

SMART

Fully functional

SFC-222

SMART

Fully functional

CELL

SMART

Fully functional

MSC-200

VC/SMART

Fully functional

B-204W

LAB

Fully functional

VGA cable to be installed

B-204E

LAB

Fully functional

VGA cable to be installed; science and chemistry

software not yet installed

CA 101A

LAB

Fully functional

CA 101B

LAB

Fully functional

CA 103

LAB

Fully functional

H-100

LAB

Computers are older and should be replaced.

We have provided a quote

for replacement of old

computers.

LIBRARY LAB

Fully functional

Computers have Office 2007.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Videoconference System Training

Office of the CIO

August 18, 2008


ITS will be offering videoconference system training for faculty and staff on the following dates and times. Please plan on attending if you provide instruction using this technology or if you use these systems regularly. Also included will be advice on conducting successful videoconference sessions.

Tuesday 8/19/2008 11:00 AM 12:00 PM TED 101 Tuesday 8/19/2008 11:00 AM 12:00 PM EVC 713
Wednesday 8/20/2008 10:00 AM 11:00 AM BUS 101Wednesday 8/20/2008 10:00 AM 11:00 AM NWW 103
Thursday 8/21/2008 9:00 AM 10:00 AM TED 115Thursday 8/21/2008 9:00 AM 10:00 AM EVC 807
Friday 8/22/2008 9:00 AM 10:00 AM TED 115 Friday 8/22/2008 9:00 AM 10:00 AM EVC 807
If you have any questions regarding this training please contact us at ext. 1466 or email your concerns to helpdesk@uvi.edu.



Cherie Wheatley

BA lab and Library lab (STT)

Computers in the Business Building computer lab and in the library computer lab are detecting a proxy setting when they should not be. Users can change the proxy settings in their web browsers. Please call 1466 for assistance. We are working to resolve the problem.

CA Computer Lab (STT)

Please be advised that the electricity in part of the CA computer lab (CA 101A) is not working, so the computers do not have power. Physical Plant has been notified and is working to address the problem.

B101 projector

The projector in B101 has been replaced. The technology is now fully functional.

Monday, August 18, 2008

VC room update (STT)--B101

Please be advised that there may be a green discoloration on the projection screen when using B101. We are currently working to either replace the projector bulb or the projector itself to resolve the problem.



Also, the installation of carpeting in B101 was completed over the weekend! This should help improve the acoustics in the room.