Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I obtain an anti-virus solution?

A. The University of Arizona provides Sophos Anti-Virus to students free of charge. It can be obtained at http://sitelicense.arizona.edu/sophos/. NEVER have more than one antivirus solution (Norton Internet Security, McAfee, AVG, etc.) installed at a time. Multiple programs can prevent each other from functioning, in addition to causing problems with your system's stability.

Q. My Sophos Anti-Virus is not updating!

A. The most common problem is that you have the wrong update server. Right-click on the Sophos Anti-Virus shield in your task bar and click "Configure Updating". In the address field, enter: http://sophosru.arizona.edu/esxp/ (for Windows XP/Vista users) or http://sophosru.arizona.edu/esosx/ with nothing else in any of the other fields (no username or password).

Q. How do I get on UAWiFi?

A. OSCR has a help page at http://www.oscr.arizona.edu/computer_help/wireless. At the bottom of this page, you can find "Windows Zero Config Wireless Set-up PDF" which will show you step-by-step how to get on UAWiFi. Of course, OSCR Technicians in the OSCR Underground can help you implement this as well.

Q. Does Windows Vista work on UAWiFi?

A. Yes

Q. Why can't I get my iPhone to connect to UAWifi?

A. Most handheld devices including the iPhone are not able to connect to UAWifi. This is due to the encryption protocol used on the UAWifi network. Manufacturers often upgrade their equipment with new capabilities, so this functionality may become available in the future.

Q. My connection to UAWiFi drops unexpectedly! What's wrong?

A. In recent semesters, UITS has been able to expand to range and fidelity of the wireless networks as much as possible. As of Spring 2008, you should have strong signal with UAWiFi in all major departmental buildings and dormitories. If you are in an enclosed area with a number of people attempting wireless access at the same time, your connection might be overloading to local access point, leading to signal drops. If you are in close proximity to concrete walls or underground, your signal might be weakened or blocked completely. If you find that your connection is sporadic or unreliable anywhere on campus, visit the OSCR Underground for help.

Q. How can I protect my computer from Spyware?

A. There are several programs available to remove spyware from Windows machines. On personally-owned computers, we recommend a combination of Spybot Search & Destroy and Lavasoft AdAware SE Personal Edition. You can find these programs at the following locations:

Q. I am looking to buy a new computer, what should I get?

A. If you know your major, you should first check with your college and/or department to see if they have any specific computing requirements. If not, you can follow OSCR's New Computer Purchase Recommendations.

Q. I have a virus and cannot get it to go away.

A. OSCR's Underground Help Desk can help you get viruses off your computer. Make an appointment by calling 626-TECH or drop by to ILC136 during walk-in hours Tue.or Thur. 9am-8pm.

Q. What do I do if I do not have my OS discs?

A. Some newer computers come with a recovery partition that is on your hard drive. If your computer does not come with a recovery partition and you cannot find the discs that came with your computer, you have two choices. You can try calling your computer manufacturer and asking for a copy of your OS discs; pricing depends on the manufacturer. The other choice is to buy an upgrade copy of Windows XP or Vista in the Computer and Technology Store (CATS) located in the lower level of the main bookstore.

Q. My computer had a Blue Screen of Death! What do I do?

A. If it just happened once, you should be ok. If it is occurring more frequently, make an appointment with OSCR's Help Desk (626-TECH). If the blue screen stays on the screen long enough for you to right down the error code that appears, bring that information with you to your appointment. If the blue screen never goes away and your computer does not shut off, hold the power button for 5 seconds and it should shutdown.

Q. What is a Blue Screen of Death?

A. On Microsoft operating systems (Windows XP/Vista/2000), a blue screen represents a critical operating error. Sometimes, blue screens mean that the computer's memory is being read improperly, or that a program is performing an action that the computer doesn't understand. Most of the time, blue screens are not serious and can be solved with simple diagnostics.

Q. What is SSL?

A. SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. It is a security protocol used to protect your information when you send and receive e-mail. When you activate SSL in your e-mail client (Thunderbird, Eudora, Outlook, etc), your NetID and password cannot be read by an outside party. In e-mail clients without SSL enabled, passwords appear in "clear text" making it easier for hackers to obtain.

Q. How do I setup my email client for SSL?

A. To setup your email to access the UA e-mail server, you must have SSL enabled. Click here for instructions.