Topics

1) Important Computer Security Policy
2) Changes in Network Configuration
3) Unix: passwords on chemistry
4) Lab News: Available Software
5) Windows News: Proper Startup


1) Important Computer Security Policy:


Computers in the Chemistry Department have been repeatedly hacked over the
last 6 months. Together with Jim Robbins, we have put together a computer
security plan. This plan involves limiting outside access to our network.
We have prepared an explanation of the policy, the policy itself, and what
we ask YOU to do (if you run, maintain or own computers).

To reach the material on the web, please go to the (newly updated)
Computer Support group page by clicking on

Internal
  Computing

and selecting

    Policy Statements

(access to the Security Policy is limited to local computers)


2) Changes in Network Configuration:


Due to a change in the network configuration, the old netmask 255.255.255.0.0
is no longer valid. Please make sure that your computer uses the
new netmask

	255.255.0.0

You will find detailed instructions how to correctly set up networking on
PCs in the Computer Support Bulletins (click on "Support Bulletin" in
the footer of any departmental web page). This article contains useful
information for setting up Macs and Unix workstations as well.


3) Unix News: Passwords on the chemistry server:


Did you know that you can change your password on chemistry by telnetting
to chemistry.ohio-state.edu, and typing the command 'password'?

This command will first ask for your old password with this prompt:

  Enter login(NIS) password:

Then will ask for you to type your new password twice (to help avoid typos)
with the following prompts:

  New password:
  Re-enter new password:

The password you choose must contain at least 6 characters, and although
you can use more than 8, only the first 8 that you type will ever be used.

Presently the password must contain at least two alphabetic characters
(A-Z a-z) and at least one numeric (0-9) or special character (any of
the following !@#$%^&*()_-+=|\~`{[]}:;"'<,>.?/  ).

Passwords should not contain words or names of fictional or non-fictional
people, places or things, nor should it have anything to do with your
username or real name.

Finally, passwords should be changed 2-3 times a year. If you haven't
changed your password lately, please do so now.


4) Computer Lab News: Available Software:


* Mathematical Software in the lab: Mathematica and MatLab

* Graphing software: Excel, Quattro Pro, Sigma Plot
  These packages are available on the PC's and MAC's

* IGOR Pro (available on 1 of the Macs)


5) Windows News: Proper Startup:


Proper Windows startup. When asked to enter a user name and password
when starting Windows 3.11, 95, and NT you should never press "cancel".
By doing so you disable all Microsoft networking function. This includes
file and printer sharing.