UITS reaches out to incoming freshmen

University Information Technology Services is offering additional support this week for freshmen. They have tips on their Web site for users to help solve problems with personal computers and Internet connection set-up through the University. \n"UITS is just a word that doesn't mean anything (to incoming students)," said Mark Lynch, manager of support software engineering and distribution at UITS. He said students can learn more by visiting the UITS Web site at http://uits.iu.edu/. \nLynch said if students are having problems registering their computer to the IU network and getting connected, there is a UITS Support Center in the Information Commons at the Herman B Wells Library that offers face-to-face support. \n"I don't think I'll have to go to the library for help. I read all the stuff (UITS) gave us at orientation. It doesn't seem too hard," said freshman Sadie Miller, who moved into Teter Quad Tuesday.\nStill, Lynch said this is one of the busiest times of the year for the UITS support staff, and it sees a surge of people needing assistance with computer and Internet set-up. \n"If there is something wrong, sometimes students end up waiting in line or even leaving their computers overnight," Lynch said. \nThis service is offered during move-in week only. If students hang a UITS door tag on their doorknobs during specific hours, UITS consultant administers "sweep" through the dorm, offering consulting to any student who needs it. \nLynch said students should not open any e-mail or AOL Instant Messenger links unless they know the source is secure, and they should beware of installing software if they are unsure of its credibility. \n"I didn't have any issues using my computer as a freshman last year," sophomore Andrew Hughes said. "But I definitely think (all students) should get some kind of anti-virus software for their computers." \nAdditionally, Lynch said students should not illegally download files. Students face removal from the IU network and even prosecution for illegally downloading copyrighted work, he said.\n"UITS watches the network traffic, and if a consultant sees a machine sharing massive amounts of information or behaving badly, they can shut off the data jack so that machine doesn't compromise other machines," he said.