Student Computing - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the latest information regarding illegal file sharing?

Over the past year, Fairfield University has seen a drastic increase in the amount of RIAA (Recording Industry of America) infraction letters sent to students. It is important to understand that when you illegally share or download copyrighted software, music or video files, you are breaking the law!

We recommend you use a legal service like iTunes to avoid any potential lawsuits.

Additional information regarding illegal file sharing can be found at the following sites:

Recording Industry of Association of America

Motion Picture Association of America

Additional Information on Piracy (RIAA)

Why do I have to keep my computer updated?

Over the past few years, Fairfield university has been hit by major viruses that have drastically impacted the student network. By keeping your computer up-to-date, you help ensure that your machine will stay healthy, and you also help in making the student network run more efficiently. By keeping both your antivirus program and your operating system updated, you limit the chances of being infected or of infecting others. Microsoft regularly issues patches or updates to solve security problems in their software. These Critical Updates are the ones you should be concerned about. If these are not applied, it leaves your computer vulnerable to hackers and viruses. Service Packs are larger updates that upgrade and fix security problems.

What will happen if I do not keep my computer updated?

Many things could happen, but mostly you should be concerned about being infected with a virus that impacts the performance of your machine, or spreads to other computers. Most people who do not have effective antivirus software installed on their computers are already infected and don't even know it. You could also expose your machine to hackers who could get into your computer remotely.

I already have an antivirus program, do I need to install Fairfield Univeristy's version?

The simple answer to this question is yes, you do need to install the antivirus program supplied by the university. This ensures that students are running an effective (and more importantly up-to-date) antivirus program across campus. We find that most users purchase a machine with antivirus installed, but never update it or purchase additional years of service. Failing to purchase additional years will render the antivirus program useless.

Fairfield University-provided antivirus is available to all current, full-time, registered undergraduate students free of charge and is licensed for the duration of a students' stay here at Fairfield University. This usually saves a student between $120 to $200 over their undergraduate career since you dont have to purchase or renew your antivirus software.

Also, if a student needs assistance with an infected computer, Computing and Network Services will only work on a machine that has the Fairfield University Symantec AntiVirus software installed.

How do I configure my computer to automatically receive Critical Updates and Service Packs?

The easiest way to make sure your system is always up to date with regards to Critical Updates and Service Packs is to set your computer to download them and install them automatically. Learn how install updates.

How does C&NS know if my machine is up to date?

Throughout the year, C&NS will be scanning machines to make sure that all necessary patches are in place on student machines. If your computer is not up to date, then C&NS will shut off your network connection and send you to the Student Registration page. You will not be able to hit any web pages except for the appropriate sites to update your computer.

I see the Student Registration page and cannot connect to my favorite website ... now what?

If you see the Student Registration page, you will need to take the necessary steps listed there to update your machine. You must remember that your computer is your responsibility. We give you the tools to use, but you need to take the time to learn how they work and use them accordingly.

Once I have completed my updates (while at the registration page), what do I do?

Once you have completed your updates, you should be able to re-connect to the network once you have re-started your machine.

I've heard rumors that C&NS is installing special software to track where I browse, is this true? Does C&NS look at files that I download or exchange with others?

Simply put ... NO! We are not in the business of watching what files you share, or what websites you visit. We are, however, very concerned about the virus traffic on campus so we do look for them.

C&NS also recommends using a legal form of software to download music called iTunes. Developed by Apple, this service offers thousands of legal downloads and is the preferred way for Fairfield University students to obtain music online.

Does having antivirus software installed on my computer guarantee that I will not get a virus?

While having a good antivirus package like Symantec/Norton AntiVirus installed on your machine, it DOES NOT mean that you will never get a virus. Most viruses entering your system will be detected and removed or quarantined, however, there is a chance that your machine could still get a virus. One way to keep your machine clean, is to make sure your virus definition file and operating system is up-to-date at all times.

What operating systems are supported by C&NS?

Computing and Network Services supports the following operating systems: Mac OS X and Windows XP Pro and Vista Business, Enterprise or Ultimate Editions.

*Please note that Fairfield University's Computing and Network Services Department reserves the right to limit individual student bandwidth rates if needed