A quiz: CIT offers you a chance to test your computing-at-Cornell IQ

By Daisy Z. Dailey

How well do you know computing at Cornell? Do you know how to Kerberize your electronic mail program? Can you quote Cornell's Responsible Use of Electronic Communications Policy verbatim?

If your answer to either of these questions is no, you are not alone. But there are some basics that are good to know -- basics that were communicated to over 3,800 new students in the Traveler's of the Electronic Highway courses, first offered in 1994, conducted by Cornell Information Technologies (CIT) during fall orientation.

Check your own Cornell computing IQ:

Do you know who you are in "Who I Am"?

"Who I Am" is a program on the Bear Access Launch Pad that accesses the information listed about you in Cornell's central electronic directory. Everyone with a Network Identity (NetID) automatically has at least a default entry, which lists your name and e-mail address. People at Cornell and all over the Internet access the electronic directory to find friends and associates at Cornell.

Among other things, the program allows you to set your e-mail forwarding address; list your telephone numbers, addresses, fax number, job title and World Wide Web URL; add your nickname; and enter the name of your department.

For more information, visit http://www.cit.cornell.edu/cit-pubs/misc/whoiam.html on the Web.

Can you share your network password with anyone?

No! YOU are the only person who should know your password -- don't give it out to your friends, your boss, your colleagues, your children or your cat. If you suspect that someone else knows it, change it as soon as possible. Your password protects access to personal information about you, such as grades and financial aid information (for students), addresses, telephone numbers, salary, benefits (for employees) and more.

For more information, see "Protect Your Privacy: Network Security at Cornell," available on the Web at http://www.cit.cornell.edu/cit-pubs/misc/network-security.html.

As a member of the Cornell community, are you bound by copyright and harassment policies?

Yes. You are responsible for obeying copyright and harassment policies. When you use your NetID, you automatically agree to the terms of Cornell and CIT's policies governing the use of computers and networks.

In addition, it is a violation of the Campus Code of Conduct to "harass, abuse or threaten another" -- electronically or face-to-face. In some cases, harassing, abusive or threatening behavior may violate state law.

For information on computing rights, responsibilities and policies, see http://www.cornell.edu/Computer/responsible-use/Index.html.

What on-line service do students use to check their grades and class schedules?

Just the Facts. This service for students can be reached through the Bear Access Launch Pad. It provides students with up-to-date information on not only their grades and class schedules, but also their bursar bills, CornellCards and financial aid. Additionally, Just the Facts connects students to the Courses, Classes and Exams page on the Web, allows them to pre-enroll and register for classes using CoursEnroll, and allows them to update their billing, emergency and home addresses.

What does the "broken key" symbol on the Bear Access Launch Pad mean?

The broken key symbol indicates that you have successfully authenticated or identified yourself (by entering your NetID and password) and you can now use secure Bear Access services like Just the Facts, Employee Essentials and electronic mail.

Once authenticated, you remain authenticated for eight hours and can continue using secure services during that time. If you are using Bear Access from a public lab or kiosk, your authentication lasts only 30 to 60 seconds.

When your authentication expires, the broken key icon disappears from the Launch Pad. You should cancel or break your authentication if you will be leaving your computer unattended. You do this by clicking with your mouse on the broken key icon.

For more information, see http://www.cit.cornell.edu/cit-pubs/misc/kerberos.html.

Do you know where to go for help or for further information?

·The Computing at Cornell Web page, for general information: http://www.cornell.edu/Computer.html.

·The Publications Web page, for written documentation: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/cit-pubs/.

·The HelpDesk, for computing support: HelpDesk@cornell.edu or 255-8990.

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