Frequently Asked Questions

• What do you recommend for new computer systems?
• What should I do when I receive a new computer?
• What virus protection software does VCU provide?
• How do I protect my computer from security threats?
• What function does Active Directory serve?
• How do I request a VCU SOM Windows log-on account?
• How do I access e-mail on a mobile device?
• I need an extra network connection in my office. What's the next step?
• What software is available for faculty and staff use?
• When I open an internet shortcut on my desktop, the page loads in my current open Internet Explorer window. Can I fix this?

 

• What do you recommend for new computer systems?
  In general, we recommend Dell and HP computers. For more information on recommended products, visit our Computer purchasing recommendations page.

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• What should I do when I receive a new computer?
  Submit an online service request or call 828-2227 so that SOM Technology Services can configure your new computer. This ensures compliance with the School of Medicine’s computer security standards.

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• What virus protection software does VCU provide?
  Sophos. You can download Sophos from the VCU Technology Services download page. You will need your eID and password to conduct the download.

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• How do I protect my computer from security threats?
  You can protect your computer from security threats if you:
  • install Sophos Anti-Virus with all the current virus definitions.
  • use a strong password. Strong passwords have at least one capital letter, one number and should be at least eight characters in length.
  • make sure that no user account has a blank password.
  • disable the Guest account.
  • enable your Windows Firewall.
  • enable Windows Updates and specify a time when your computer will be on to receive the updates.

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• What function does Active Directory serve?
  Active Directory help users by providing a secure connection to data storage.
  • Users that are setup on Active Directory can share data over the network without issues associated with peer to peer networking
  • Generally, users have two or more drives mapped. They have a home directory, which only they can access for personal data storage. They also have at least one other drive that is shared among members of their department.
  • If users store data on their shared drives, data is accessible from any domain computer.

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• How do I request a VCU SOM Windows log-on account?
  Only Department Administrators, Supervisors and Primary Investigators can request an Active Directory account for a user within their department. An account request must be submitted via the online service request or call 828-2227.

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• How do I access email on a mobile device?
  http://ts.vcu.edu/kb/3588.html

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• How do I get an extra network connection added to my office.
  First, you need to contact your Fiscal Technician/Administrator for approval. Then you will have to fill out VCUNet’s online service request form.

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• What software is available for faculty and staff use?
  http://www.vcu.edu/procurement/purchasing/technology/vita/microsoft.html

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• When I open an Internet shortcut on my desktop, the page loads in my current open Internet Explorer window. Can I fix this?
  Yes, you can! Complete the following steps:
  1. Open Internet Explorer, click “Tools” > “Internet Options”
  2. Click the “Advanced tab”
  3. Look under “Browsing” and remove the check mark next to “Reuse Windows for Launching Shortcuts.”
  4. Click “Apply”
  5. Click “OK”

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