Why You'll Want to Read Whit.bits

This newsletter is our primary means for telling you and others in the Whitman community important information you need to know in order to use technology resources on campus. You already know how fast technology changes, and we in WCTS are constantly trying to keep up with those changes, make new resources available, and make the existing resources work better. Even if you use only the simplest technology in your daily work as a faculty member, staff member, or student, you need to know what is happening now and down the road. Don’t be caught by surprise! Make sure the resources you use work as well as possible for you by staying aware of changes and updates that may affect you.

This edition of WhitBits covers changes and updates to various facilities around campus, from the new Science Building and the student labs to planned software upgrades. One very important update, occurring on November 1, will change the way that you can access the Marcus server.

That change, discussed in "Telnet Replaced With SSH", and the new method for registering wireless computers, are part of a larger initiative to improve the security of the computing environment here at Whitman.

That improvement in security is taking place at every level. The newsletter discusses a new feature in the campus-wide e-mail system that can reduce spam and viruses. You can contribute to enhancing computer security within our community as well. There are articles that cover making sure that your computer has current virus protection and detailed information on how to share your files safely with colleagues and other students if you are using a Mac or Windows PC.

Who and What is WCTS

The main offices of Whitman College Technology Services (WCTS) are in 168 Olin Hall; other WCTS staff can be found in the Instructional Media Services (IMS) office or the Multimedia Development Lab (MDL), both in Hunter Conservatory. WCTS has 20 full time staff members, plus approximately 50 part time student assistants. We manage and maintain a full complement of technology services and facilities for Whitman faculty, students and staff. These include:

• Computing accounts
• Network wiring and infrastructure, both on campus in in residence halls
• Central servers, administration and backup
• Computing labs (5 major facilities, plus many departmental facilities - approximatey 250 total computers)
• Desktop computers and software in faculty and staff offices (approximately 670 computers)
• Campus telephones and the telephone system
• Campus cardswipe system
• Video conferencing facilities
• Classroom computing, projection, and other instructional technologies
• Training and technical support for all the above

Want More Information or Need Assistance?

WCTS maintains an extensive web site with many details about our services and facilities. We also encourage you to check out out our collection of online instructions and documentation. Still need help? The WCTS Help Desk staff is available to provide assistance during business hours, and student consultants are also on duty in major labs during posted hours.

Find the Answers You Need at:

http://wcts.whitman.edu
or call the Help Desk at ext. 4976
M-F 8 AM - 12 Noon & 1 PM - 5:00 PM