Virus protection
There's been a steady increase in the volume of incoming e-mail that carries potential computer viruses. To minimize security risks, IS&T strongly encourages all Windows users in the MIT community to install and use VirusScan Enterprise 8.0i. This anti-virus program can detect and remove viruses and prevent scripts from performing malicious actions. It runs on Windows XP computers and on Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003. The MIT-installed version of VirusScan Enterprise 8.0i is configured to perform daily scans and updates. For details, see the VirusScan at MIT page at itinfo.mit.edu/product.php?vid=644.
For Macintosh OS X users, the recommended anti-virus program is Virex. The current version is 7.2.1; IS&T is ramping up a release effort for Virex 7.7. For more information, visit the Virex at MIT page at itinfo.mit.edu/product.php?vid=579.
Spam screening enhanced
Only about half of the community is making use of MIT Spam Screening (web.mit.edu/ist/services/email/nospam/) on their post office servers. This service gives users of MIT e-mail the option of screening incoming messages for spam. Once mail is identified as spam, it can be filtered to avoid cluttering a user's inbox.
If you use an IMAP e-mail client, such as WebMail, Outlook Express, Outlook or Apple Mail, you can enable automated purging of your Spamscreen folder. In response to customer requests, IS&T has added a new setting that lets IMAP users purge spam messages faster than the default of 21 days: The automatic purge threshold can now be set for anywhere from 1 to 31 days. To update your MIT Spam Screening settings (certificates required), see nic.mit.edu/cgi-bin/spamscreen.
MIT PressLog launched
The MIT Press has unveiled a weblog at mitpress.mit.edu/presslog to keep readers informed of breaking news on its books and authors. The MIT PressLog features the perspectives of MIT Press authors, including MIT Professors Thomas Kochan, Eric von Hippel and Yossi Sheffi; the political philosopher Jurgen Habermas; the artist Louise Bourgeois; economist William Easterly; and many others on matters of current interest. Recent posts have discussed copyrights and patents; the "Scopes II" trial in Dover, Pa.; the perils and pitfalls of choice in our society; and how software development resembles extreme sports. The MIT Press is working on a podcasting feature for author interviews and readings.
Database development
In August, IS&T announced a new offering: database development services, which provides departments with help in database design, development and more. The new Departmental Consulting and Application Development (DCAD) Team will coordinate these efforts: DCAD was formed by expanding on IS&T's web communications services team.
After an initial free consultation, DCAD will either work with the department or refer the client to recommended vendors. DCAD provides the following fee-based services: the creation of requirements documentation, project management, database development and application support and maintenance. For more information, visit web.mit.edu/ist/dcad/, or contact the team at dcad@mit.edu or x3-3500.
Digitalk is compiled by Information Services and Technology.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on October 19, 2005 (download PDF).
