Student Laptop Clinic

Got a problem with your computer? Running slow, can't connect, or got a virus? The laptop clinic is here to help. Bring your laptop along and we'll try and solve the problem while you wait. Clinics take place in The Hawthorns Student Refectory, and are currently running 2pm-5pm every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday until Friday 27th November.

See www.bristol.ac.uk/laptopclinic for more info

IT Training Courses for students

A basic level of IT skills is a must these days in most lines of work and study, and increasingly in life in general. Having more than a basic knowledge can transform your work.

To see the courses available to you free of charge visit www.bristol.ac.uk/studentskills

Be aware of Scareware - Fake anti-virus software

While browsing the web a window pops up on your computer. It looks professional and legitimate, and uses scary language claiming that your computer is infected. The message says that you should click here to download an antivirus package to fix the problem. The problem is - this is actually an advert from malicious scareware, not a legitimate warning warning. If you download it the programme can steal your information or do anything it likes on your computer. It will pester you with warnings and tell you to enter your credit card number to 'buy' something to fix the problem it created!

To avoid Scareware:

• Make sure your computer is up to date with essential security patches for Windows and other software. Try 'scan your PC' at www.secunia.com to check for updates.
• Install legitimate free anti-virus software from a trusted source, such as Microsoft Security Essentials.
• Try using the free Firefox web browser from www.getfirefox.com instead of Internet Explorer.

If you get a fake scareware warning:
Don't click on it, even on something that looks like a close button. Press Alt+F4 together to close the window.

If your computer is infected:
Wipe and reinstall your computer from your original manufacturers CDs, or come to the Laptop Clinic for help. Don't use online banking or pay for anything online.

For more advice about safety and security online, see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/is/computing/advice/security/

Please read on for an important message to all ResNet users - even if you’ve left Bristol for the Christmas vacation.

Shortly before the end of term we had an outbreak of a nasty virus on ResNet, called DNSChanger. DNSChanger hijacks your Internet settings and redirects your traffic to malicious websites under the control of the attacker. For example, you might think you are going to Google, but actually you are going to a malicious website which will take control of your computer, try to steal your credit card numbers and bombard you with adverts. The virus spreads by passing on malicious configuration information to other computers on the same local network, like ResNet.

Even if you’ve left Bristol, please check now to see if your computer has a problem with this virus:

1. Click Start (then Run in Windows XP), then type cmd in the box. A black command window should open.
2. In the black command window type nslookup google.com
3. Something like the following should be displayed:

Server: newsapphire.resnet.bris.ac.uk

Address: 137.222.223.236

Non-authoritative answer:

Name: google.com

Addresses: 209.85.171.100
72.14.205.100
74.125.45.100

We’re interested in the numbers on the second line (137.222.223.236 in our example). If you are on ResNet then these should start with 137.222 (the range for University of Bristol). If you are at home then they could start with anything.

If the address starts 85.255 then you may have a problem. This is a block of addresses in the Ukraine which the attackers are using. Do this further check:

• Click Start (then Run in Windows XP), then type ncpa.cpl in the box.
• Under the LAN or High-Speed Internet section, right-click the Local Area Connection and select Properties.
• Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (for Vista) or Internet Protocol (for XP) and select Properties.
• Click Advanced…
• Click the DNS tab

If you saw 85.255 in nslookup but the DNS server addresses box is blank or has other numbers then the good news is that you are not infected (by this particular virus version). You did see 85.255 in nslookup though. This means that another computer on the same local network has passed on the wrong settings and websites you visit may not be what they appear. Shut down your computer and restart it later. Go back to the command prompt and type nslookup google.com - if the 85.255 address has gone you are now OK.

If you have any entries in the DNS server addresses box and they begin with 85.255 then unfortunately the DNSChanger virus is on your computer. Your computer is under remote control and you can't trust any websites you visit - definitely don't type in any credit card numbers as these will be monitored and stolen.

The only way to recover from this DNSChanger virus is to wipe and re-install your operating system from the original manufacturer's CDs. We've not found any antivirus tools that can clean the system once infected (some tools do claim to clean DNSChanger, but only work against older versions, not this one). First backup any documents and other important work you need to keep, then follow the manufacturer's instructions to wipe and reinstall. If you don't have the original CDs phone the manufacturer - they should send you copies for a small postage charge.

General advice for all ResNet users

Before you come back to Bristol next term, please make sure your anti-virus software and Windows Updates are up-to-date. Go to Control Panel, Security Centre, and make sure everything is marked green.

Find your manufacturers recovery CDs while you are home for Christmas and bring them back to Bristol, just in case you need them.

Generally be suspicious and careful when using the Internet - is this website, email or instant message what it appears to be? If in doubt please ask. You can contact the IT Help Desk 24 hours a day, even over the vacation, on 0117 928 7870.

Update by Mark 18/12/2008

FAQs

Q1)    I have MAC OSX, does this affect my computer?

A1)    In general, OSX is unlikely to be compromised by the DNSChanger as it's a Windows Virus but it's possible to be using the rogue DNS servers if they were assigned to you by a compromised computer on your local network.  On ResNet requests to external DNS servers are now blocked so you'll just have a computer that won't connect to any web sites, including this one!

It's a good idea to check your current DNS server settings though:

• In Finder, click Applications
• Under Utilities, click Terminal
• In the Terminal window, type one or both of the commands below until you get some information returned:

ipconfig getpacket en0
or
ipconfig getpacket en1

• Look for the domain_name_server ip address. Anything starting 85.255 is bad.

Each year a large number of students join the team to run ResNet. We are now recruiting for both technical and administrative positions for the 08-09 academic year.

A job with ResNet offers competitive pay (around £10/hour) and excellent experience while working with and helping other Bristol students. It can be hard work but is very enjoyable, a chance to develop your skills, and great experience for future employers.

Jobs available start in September and some continue during term time for the rest of the 08-09 year.

The closing date for applications is 10am, Thursday 22nd May. For more details or to apply please see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/is/computing/advice/homeusers/resnet/about/behindscene/vacancies08.html

Student Laptop Clinics on Fridays

The Student Laptop Clinics before Easter were very popular and we are running them again this term. Due to a lack of space clinics this term are on Friday afternoons only; however we will have lots of staff available to help. We can't fix all problems but will help as much as we can. Clinics are free of charge.

Clinics will be held in room TRF on the first floor of the Computer Centre from 2pm to 5pm starting Friday 25th April.

Pay for print credits online

You can now add credit to your printer account by making an online payment. See the “File & Print” tab in MyBristol http://portal.bris.ac.uk or go to http://www.bristol.ac.uk/online-payments/

Student IT Skills training

Information Services are offering the following training courses for students over the next feww weeks:

• Preparing images using Photoshop - Thursday 1 May 14.00 - 17.00
• Basic Web Authoring - Thursday 8 and 15 May (2-part) 14.00 - 17.00
• Further Web Design: Cascading Style Sheets - Thursday 1 May 14.00 - 17.00

Courses are free. To book a place go to http://www.bristol.ac.uk/studentskills/cobs/

Please note that sessions may be filmed for inclusion in a Student Skills online video.

This newsletter is being emailed to all current ResNet users and is also available on the ResNet blog at http://www.bristolresnet.net/2008/02/26/

Read on for information about longer help desk hours, free software from Microsoft, and your chance to comment on the ResNet service.

Help Desk now open until late seven days a week

Information Services is now providing help with ResNet and other IT problems by phone from 8am until 2am, seven days a week. We’ve combined the ResNet Help Desk with the IT Help Desk and extended the hours. Help is also available during vacations, on days when the University main buildings are closed, and on most bank holidays.

The number to call is 0117 928 7870 or internal 87870 free from your room. The previous number dedicated to ResNet (89001) still works and redirects to the same phone line.

We know that students are working and using computers at all times - we hope having someone to call until late will be very useful.

Free Microsoft developer software

Microsoft have just announced a scheme which provides some completely free software to all taught students. Included are Visual Studio Professional programming tools and several graphics, server and web editing packages.

To get hold of a copy go to the Microsoft DreamSpark site https://downloads.channel8.msdn.com/. When you download the software the Bristol Single Sign On page will pop up, enter your username and password to prove you are a student.

We hope this will be helpful, but please note:

• Many of these packages are not in use within the University, and so the IT Help Desk won't be able to offer any assistance with them,
• Server versions of Windows (eg Windows Server 2003) are not suitable for use on ResNet,
• Microsoft Office, Windows XP and Windows Vista are not included in this deal, but there are other ways to buy student licences for Office and Windows, see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/is/computing/advice/homeusers/software/

ResNet celebrates 10 years

We think Bristol was the first University in the UK to provide Internet access to study-bedrooms in all halls. ResNet started as a small pilot in one block of Hiatt Baker Hall in the spring term 1998. Over the summer vacation a team of university staff and students installed hardware, wrote the docs, set up the servers, designed a logo, stuffed envelopes and did everything else so that ResNet went live across all nine halls of residence for Freshers' Week, 1998. The student houses followed soon afterwards. We haven’t looked back since!

We'd love to know what you think about 10 years of ResNet. If you’d like to wish us a happy anniversary, say what you think about the service, or suggest what you would like to see from ResNet in future, please leave a comment at <http://www.bristolresnet.net/2008/02/26/resnet>. Here’s to the next ten years!

This newsletter is being sent to all ResNet users and is also available on our blog at www.bristolresnet.net

More channels and Apple Mac version of Freewire TV

We've just made some improvements to Freewire TV on ResNet. We've added several international channels to the lineup today, including Al Jazeera, TV5, DW-TV, PCNE & Zee Music. Freewire is also now available to Mac users for the first time.

If you want to use Freewire first go to My ResNet www.resnet.bristol.ac.uk/myresnet and turn on the signal for your room. Then go to www.freewiretv.com and download the software for either Windows or Mac.

New free Laptop Clinics every weekday afternoon

• Slow, unwell computer?
• Can’t connect to the Internet?
• Computer viruses or spyware?

At the Student Laptop Clinic we’ll look at your laptop while you wait, and fix it if we can, free of charge. The clinics are running from 2pm - 5pm every weekday until Easter. Please bring your laptop (and power supply) during those times to the IT Help Desk at the Computer Centre, Tyndall Avenue.

We can only fix software and configuration problems (we can't repair physically broken hardware). Even with software problems we can't fix everything, but if not we can provide advice on what to do next, information to help you fix the problem yourself or suggestions about who else you can contact.

The laptop clinics are a new trial service for all students. They are available from Monday 11th February until Thursday 28th March. We are running these clinics as a trial this term to see how useful and popular they are. If successful we'll consider how to provide further help next year.

Changes to ResNet fair usage policy - new offpeak allowance & second chance system

We've made two changes to the ResNet fair usage policy http://www.bristol.ac.uk/is/computing/advice/homeusers/resnet/about/usage.html

• From Monday 11th February we now have weekly allowances of 35GB off-peak (midnight to 6pm) and 5GB on-peak (6pm to midnight). Previously there was no explicit limit off-peak. It is very unlikely this will affect you, as in the last two weeks only 19 people on ResNet used more than 35GB off-peak.
• We now have a 'second chance' system so that if you accidentally go over the allowance you have an opportunity to carry on as normal. You can use this second chance once per year.

To view your own usage see My ResNet www.resnet.bristol.ac.uk/myresnet

Dear ResNet subscriber,

This is one in the occasional series of ResNet newsletters sent to all subscribers.

Get your computer up to date

Welcome back to Bristol if you've been away for the Christmas vacation. Now you are back this is a great time to check your computer has all the essential security updates for Windows. To check and install updates go to Microsoft Update http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/ or open Control Panel, Security Center.

It is essential you stay up to date: if not you put your computer and others on ResNet at risk. To protect other people we may suspend your ResNet connection if your computer is not up to date (but we'd give you a warning about that first).

For more advice on computer security see Protect your computer, your data, and yourself: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/is/computing/advice/security/

Changes to fair usage allowance

During the vacation we temporarily increased the weekly peak time fair usage allowance from 5GB to 10GB, as the network was very quiet. Now term has started again we've returned to our normal limit of 5GB a week, peak time (6pm-12 midnight).

Extended ResNet Help Desk opening hours

As it's busy at the start of term we've extended the ResNet Help Desk opening hours. For the next two weeks if you need help with ResNet you can now ring us on 89001 internal, 2pm-8pm weekdays.

Free software for students

As a student at Bristol there is lots of free or very cheap software available for you. For example you can:

• Download McAfee Anti-Virus from the University free of charge,
• Buy, rent or get free (some departments only) student copies of Microsoft Office,
• Get free Desktop Publishing software from Serif,
• Get free Autodesk CAD software.

To download free software or find out more about student discounts see software for home users: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/is/computing/advice/homeusers/software/

My ResNet upgraded

We've just upgraded My ResNet to a newer, faster, prettier version. With My ResNet you can check your network usage (now with graphs), move your connection to another room, connect a different computer to your socket, and lots more.
Go to My ResNet http://www.resnet.bristol.ac.uk/myresnet to try it.

We'd love to hear from you if you have any ideas for improvements to My ResNet. What information would you like, or what tools would be useful? Please comment on our blog http://www.bristolresnet.net/2007/11/19/

Student Skills

Have you seen the new Student Skills website? There you will find ways to enhance your study skills, including IT Skills. Visit Student Skills http://www.bris.ac.uk/studentskills/ to see the many learning opportunities provided free of charge by the Students' Union, Careers Service, Information Services and others.

Back up your data

Imagine spilling a pint of beer over your laptop, perhaps destroying the hard disk in the process. What would you do if your 10,000 word dissertation was due in the following day, or you lost your entire collection of digital photos? There is no need for this to happen: make backup copies of your data to keep it safe. Backing up is easy to do. You can store backup copies on a USB pen drive, an external hard disk, on recordable CDs/DVDs, or elsewhere on the network/Internet.
For more advice on backups, see Backing up your data http://www.bristol.ac.uk/is/computing/advice/security/protectcomp/owncomp/backup.html

Regards,

Nick Skelton, ResNet Manager, & the ResNet team.

This is the first in an occasional series of newsletters sent to ResNet subscribers. Please read on for useful tips about ResNet and other IT services at Bristol, including free TV channels on your computer.

My ResNet - look after your ResNet connection

With My ResNet you can move your subscription to another room, connect a different computer, track your usage, turn on the Freewire TV service, and check how long your subscription lasts.

Go to My ResNet http://www.resnet.bristol.ac.uk/myresnet/ to try it.

Freewire - Free digital TV to your room

Freewire provides digital TV over ResNet to your computer. Included are all the BBC channels, Channel 4, E4, Film4 and many more. It is free of charge, but you do need a TV licence to use it. For more information see

TV on ResNet http://www.resnet.bristol.ac.uk/tv/

NB: If you receive a message 'channel off air' on all channels, make sure you have turned on the TV signal to your room using My ResNet http://www.resnet.bristol.ac.uk/myresnet/

My Bristol - the University portal

New this year is the University student portal. You can access webmail, tutor announcements, your Blackboard courses, StudentInfo, your library account, registration details, Students' Union info and more.

See My Bristol http://www.bristol.ac.uk/portal

Change your initial password

All new students are given an initial password as part of registration. If you haven’t already done so, you need to change your password to something only you know. If you don’t change your password your account will be locked. You can change your password before or after your account is locked - but it’s a good idea to do so beforehand.

Go to Change UOB domain password https://wwws.cse.bris.ac.uk/cgi-bin/uob-passwd.pl

Best wishes,

The ResNet team.

This is the final newsletter of the academic year sent to all ResNet subscribers. You can also read this on the web at www.bristolresnet.net

Win a PlayStation Portable

The ResNet survey is your opportunity to say what you think about ResNet over the last year and give us ideas for improvements. Everyone completing the survey also enters the prize draw - top prize is a PlayStation Portable, and there are also 8 lots of £10 print credits to win.

Please go to http://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/is/resnet07 - thanks!

ResNet over the summer vacation

Many people will be moving out of their rooms at the end of June. If you are staying in residence and haven't already paid for the summer vacation period you will need to do so. You can check your current subscription by going to http://manage.resnet.bris.ac.uk For more about ResNet over the summer please see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/slink/93rq

Internet access in private accommodation

If you are moving out into private student accommodation you may want to arrange your own broadband Internet access (ResNet is only available in university residences). We have a guide to help you choose which might help: see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/slink/gjtg

Best wishes,

the ResNet team.