To check which operating system you currently have installed on Windows computer:

1. Click Start --> Run
2. In the run box, type "winver" without the quotes. Click OK.
3. A dialog box appears that contains a logo that tells you the current version of the operating system.

To check which operating system you currently have installed on Macintosh computer:

1. Click Apple in the upper left corner
2. Click About this MAC

Current operating systems supported by SOMTech:

• Windows XP
• Windows 2000 Professional
• Mac OS X 10.3 and 10.4

To set your workstation to receive Windows updates automatically:

1. On Windows XP computers, Click Start-->Control Panel. On Windows 2000 computers, click Start-->Settings-->Control Panel.
2. Double click the Automatic Updates icon:
   
   
3. The Automatic Updates dialog box appears. Select the "Automatic (recommended)" option button.
4. Make sure to select "Every day" and select a time during the day when you can allow the installation of the updates.

To download and install updates on your Macintosh, follow these steps:

1. From the Apple menu, choose Software Update.
2. Mac OS X 10.3.x only: Click the Check Now button.
3. Software Update checks for available updates.  In the software update window, select the items you wish to install, then click Install.  It is recommended that all available updates be installed.
4. Enter an administrator account name and password when prompted.
5. After installation finishes, restart the computer if a restart is required.

The Software Update preferences option available from System Preferences allows you to schedule automatic checks for updates.  By default, it is set to automatically check every week.  The frequency for checking updates can be set to daily, weekly, or monthly.  While it is possible to turn off scheduled checks, we strongly recommend against selecting that option.

 

If you do not have antivirus package on your computer, call the helpdesk (828-2227) or visit the VCU Technology Services anti-virus software page to download and install it yourself.  VCU Technology Services provides Sophos Anti-virus to all its faculty, staff and students.

All hospital workstations and non-hospital workstations connected to hospital network must have McAfee Antivirus installed.

LANDesk runs everyday at 10am, scans and automatically removes spyware. Visit the VCU Technology Services downloads page to download Spybot 1.4.

Please visit the VCU Technology Services page for instructions on configuring virus and spyware scans.

All confidential and sensitive business data must be stored on VCU or VCUHS support server.  To request storage space on central server, please submit a request to SOMTech.

Your password is the key to your and others' confidential information. Make passwords strong and do not share IDs and passwords or post them on your computer screen or under your mouse pad. See the VCU Technology Services page on strong passwords.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) programs such as Kazaa, WinMX, Morpheus, Skype are not supported by SOMTech.  P2P file sharing programs are prime targets for malicious hacker attacks and must be avoided to protect our network.  SOMTech will help departments replace P2P printer sharing with network based IP printing.  Research labs that are currently using Microsoft P2P file sharing are encouraged to move their data to more secure storage available on servers managed centrally by university computing center. To request storage space on Novell or Windows server, please contact SOMTech.

Please submit an online service request online or call 828-2227 for help with setting up your new computer.