|
Internet
at BYU-Idaho has now gone wireless.
The free Internet service is currently
being provided in 12 locations across campus known as "Hotspots"
and will allow students with wireless cards for their laptops access to the
Internet.
Bruce Bills, Information
Technology research manager at BYU-Idaho, says the school is trying to
serve the greater number of students bringing laptops to school.
"It’s really
flexible,” Bills says. “It gives students the opportunity to
come into a Hotspot, log in, get access to the Web and then they have
access to all those resources out there."
After logging on, students are
able to access the Internet through the campus Internet filter Websense. This cuts off access to inappropriate sites,
but still allows the use of search engines and email sites. Direct access
to the H drive or home directory, however, is not provided except through webshare on mybyui.edu.
Students can also send files
via the Internet to the school’s Pharos printing system. A detailed
list of instructions on how to send files to print through Pharos can be
found at www.byui.edu/wireless/printing.htm.
The wireless project is
currently in the first of two phases, with access being restricted to only
students during this phase. The first phase will also focus on the service
itself and determining the load the system can handle.
The second phase will look at
stronger security, more locations, encryption of the data stream and
faculty access.
To set up the service, Bills
suggests students visit the computer help desk located on the third floor
of the David O. McKay Library. Many newer laptops also offer a self-guided
wizard that can help students set it up on their own.
While wireless Internet poses
little risk to personal laptops, Bills says students must understand that
information sent using wireless Internet is not secure within the Hotspot
they are connecting through.
Computers that are not virus
protected are vulnerable if another unprotected computer in the area leaks
a virus into the network. Students are encouraged to have anti-virus
software with the latest signature files installed.
The system works with most laptop models and most
wireless cards. However, computers that have Mac OS9 or better, or Windows
2000 or better are recommended. The speed of the connection will also vary,
depending on the number of users at the individual Hotspot.
Signs designating Hotspot areas are currently up in all of locations
on campus. A map of each area and other information regarding the wireless
Internet is available at www.byui.edu/wireless.
|