Compiled by Information Systems
Renew your MIT certificate
Certificates are your key to secure web services at MIT. Personal certificates expire periodically, and renewal is not automatic. Starting June 9, you can get a new certificate that will expire July 31, 2004. Go to http://web.mit.edu/is/ help/cert and click on the link "Get MIT Personal Certificate." (Certificates obtained before June 9 will expire on July 31.)
Information Systems encourages all members of the MIT community to get certificates, since so many secure online services now depend on them. Examples include Benefits enrollment and Employee Self-Service, SAPweb, WebSIS and, starting this summer, applications for parking permits.
Library tool speeds up retrieval
The MIT Libraries have just implemented the Ex Libris SFX tool to facilitate linking from article citations in online databases to the full text. SFX allows users searching databases licensed for the MIT community, such as INSPEC, PsycINFO, or Web of Science, to link to journal articles. Clicking the red SFX button in a citation brings up a menu of options: get online full text when available, check the Barton catalog for the print version, request from Interlibrary Borrowing or Document Services, or get help from librarians.
Depts. can save on Microsoft
MIT's Microsoft Select 6.0 Agreement entitles MIT faculty and staff to buy Microsoft application, server and operating system software at steeply discounted prices. These products are available for departmental purchases only, not for personal purchases, and must be made using an Institute cost object (account).
Keep current on virus protection
MIT has a volume license for virus protection software from Network Associates/McAfee. Software includes VirusScan Enterprise 7.0 (Windows desktops and XP/2000 servers), NetShield 4.5 for other servers, and Virex 7 (Macintosh). You can download the software at no charge from the MIT Virus Protection web site at http://web.mit.edu/is/help/virus.
These products use a scan engine, which relies on a collection of rules and known virus definitions. Network Associates releases almost daily updates to detect the newest viruses on the Windows platform. Updated virus definitions for Virex on the Macintosh are released monthly. It's important to download the updates as soon as they're released. To find out how to set up your computer for automatic updates, go to the Virus Defense Checklist.
SpamAssassin targets junk e-mail
SpamAssassin, recently installed on the MIT mail servers, performs a series of tests on e-mail messages and issues a score based on how likely they are to be spam. Depending on the type of e-mail client you use (POP or IMAP), you can manage the spam messages in various ways--for example, by having flagged messages automatically filtered into a separate mailbox as they arrive. For more information and instructions, go to the MIT Spam Screening web site.
Need help?
For general computing questions, contact the Computing Help Desk at computing-help@mit.edu or 253-1101. For business computing questions, contact the Business Liaison Team at business-help@mit.edu or 252-1177.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on June 4, 2003.
