Computer Policy

Department of Physics and Astronomy

University of New Mexico

Authors:

Tom Hess, Analyst Programmer II

Deborah Russell, Department Administrator

Cathy Webster, Department Webmaster

Introduction

The University and the Department offer many important benefits for computing.  Since almost all computers now need to be connected to the internet, both the University and the Department need to have control over certain aspects of computing in order to maintain security against viruses, hacking, and malware.  These controls can be inconvenient as they have to be configured when first installed.  However, the damage done by viruses, hacking, and malware force us to implement these controls.

The Department and the University maintain the right to disconnect any computer that causes security problems.  It is your responsibility to keep your computer safe.  If in doubt, contact the Help Desk.

Help Desk

The department runs a web based Help Desk.  If you are having a computer related problem, have a computer related question, or need any type of computer support, please fill out a Help Desk ticket.

General Computer Availability

For both graduate and undergraduate students, there are dedicated computers in the Department and computer pods located at several places across campus (run by ITS). The computers for PandA graduate student use are located in rooms P&A16-20.  The computers for PandA undergraduate use are in room P&A40A.  In both rooms you will find rules posted.  You must abide by these rules while using the computers in these areas.  Failure to abide by the rules may result in termination of computer use privileges.

There is a color duplex scanner located in room 102, behind the Main Office.  In addition, you may scan documents and email them in pdf format from the copy machine located in room 2, next to the Main Office.

The University Computer Use Policy

We note that all of the Department computer policies are subject to the limitations imposed by the overall UNM policies.  These include the important aspects of misuse of computing facilities and copyright violations.  Please see ACCEPTABLE COMPUTER USE and COMPUTER USE GUIDELINES  if you have any questions.  Improper use of Department computers (as outlined by UNM policy) is forbidden. 

Computer Security

We reserve the right to disconnect any machine that might potentially compromise our security. You are expected to protect your computer with virus protection, personal firewalls, and operating system updates.  You may obtain a copy of Norton Antivirus Software from Cathy Webster in room 115.  There is a nominal yearly charge for this item.   Personal firewalls are included in Windows XP, Linux, and Mac operating systems.  If you have any questions about your computer firewall, check with the Help Desk for assistance.  Your  Operating System must be  set to perform daily updates.  Be sure to set the time of the updates for when your computer is turned on.

Computer Backups

Files in the home, web and shared areas on departmental servers are backed up nightly.  The most recent backups are kept on disk, and the most recent five weeks are stored on tape.  Fill out a Help Desk ticket to request restoration of files.  Indicate the file name, location and date for the requested restore.

Wireless Networking 

ITS supports the wireless network within our building as a separate virtual network.  For information on connecting to the wireless network, please view ITS’s Wireless Network Connection Instructions. 

How to Obtain an IP Addresses

Fill out the Request for an IP Address form before connecting a newly acquired computer into an internet port.    For security reasons, we must make sure that your computer is properly registered.   Fill out a Help Desk ticket if you move a computer from one port to another.

How to Obtain a phys.unm Email Account

If you would like a phys.unm.edu email account in addition to your UNM email account, fill out a Help Desk ticket.  Be sure to include the requested username for the account. 

Operating Systems

We do not guarantee support of all operating systems.  Check with the Help Desk if you have any questions or concerns regarding the level of support you can expect to receive for an operating system.