304.293.3631

Alerts!

Network Maintenance Scheduled Sunday, November 29

HSC Information Technology Services will complete maintenance on the HSC Network on Sunday, November 29, from 7am - 9am.  During this window, all network equipment serving all floors of the HSC (Morgantown campus only) will be reset causing a temporary (5 minute) interruption to phone and data services as the equipment serving your area is reset. 
 
Incoming calls will be routed per "no answer" settings on the line.  Active calls in progress will be dropped during the equipment reset.  Access to Exchange, SOLE from outside the building will be available throughout the maintenance window.  Access to Exchange, SOLE, file servers, Merlin from within the HSC will be available during the maintenance window with the exception of when the equipment supporting your department is reset. 

If you have any questions, please contact the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631.  Thank you for your patience as we complete our normal maintenance schedule.

New Features Now Available in Outlook Web Access and Virus Protection Systems

In an effort to improve functionality and enhance security with our email system, new features have been added to the Outlook Web Access (https://exweb.hsc.wvu.edu) user interface and our virus protection systems.  The new features are outlined below.     

Outlook Web Access - Improved Calendar features Now Available:
Outlook Web Access (OWA) now provides the ability to work with multiple shared calendars by giving a Microsoft Outlook-like feel.  A summary of this update is included below.  To take full advantage of the new features, Information Technology Services recommends use of Internet Explorer 6.0 or above which is required for the Premium feature set.  All browsers other than Internet Explorer 6 or above will access using the Light / Accessibility mode.  If you have any questions concerning the new calendar features, please contact the Learning Center Software Consultants at 293-6128 or see http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its/LC/Documents/HowTo/Outlook/Outlook_Web.pdf.  Additional features will be available in the coming weeks supporting enhanced Address Book features.  The Address Book features will be documented at the above link and an email sent when the new features become available.   

Those using Internet Explorer 6 or above  will see the following Premium Features

• Shared calendars can be viewed side-by-side within a single window
• Delegates and folder permissions can be assigned
• Sharing and delegation rights granted in the Outlook client allow you to open those calendars in Outlook Web Access

All browsers other than Internet Explorer 6 or above will see the following Light / Accessibility Mode Features

• Separate browser windows are used for viewing shared calendars
• Delegates and folder permissions can be assigned
• Sharing and delegation rights granted in the Outlook client allow you to open those calendars in Outlook Web Access

Virus Protection system update:
In addition to scanning all incoming email for viruses, spam, spyware, etc., we are now scanning all outbound traffic the same as inbound mail.  This new practice of scanning outbound email has been implemented to help avoid an infected computer from sending email containing viruses and/or spam to other mail servers located outside of the HSC network.  This procedure will help protect HSC from being "blacklisted" by other email providers due to a virus/spam attack originating from within the HSC. 

Email that is determined to contain a virus, spyware, spam will be quarantined.  Viruses will be removed from an infected email.  Users will receive email notification twice daily of any email sent/received that has been quarantined, and will have the ability to release any message to/from their inbox/outbox as appropriate.  Please watch your quarantine closely to ensure outbound, and inbound, email are released to meet your needs.  If you have any questions regarding a quarantined message or suspect your computer is infected with a virus, please contact the HSC Help Desk at 293.3631.

Computer Virus Circulating HSC and WVUH Networks

There are reports of a virus circulating the HSC and WVUH networks this morning.  If you receive any suspicious e-mails please do not click on the link.  If you feel your computer may be affected by a virus, please contact the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631 ASAP.  Thank you.

MS Exchange E-mail System Maintenance Scheduled for October 14

At 10 pm on Wednesday October 14 (tomorrow), the MS Exchange email system will be taken offline to apply a maintenance release update.  The outage is expected to be completed within 1 hour.  All incoming email messages will be queued during the outage and delivered when the system returns to an online state.   

This update is being applied to support future enhancements to our Outlook Web Access environment (https://exweb.hsc.wvu.edu).  The new enhancements will be available in the coming weeks.  Specifically this will improve calendar sharing and viewing of multiple calendars within our web interface.  Watch for announcements as these enhancements become available.   Thank you for your patience as we complete the necessary maintenance.    

GroupWise to Exchange Migration

We are nearing the completion of our GroupWise to Exchange migration project.  Below are some important items that all users should address to assure successful transition to the new environment.  Please review and direct any questions or concerns to the appropriate contact listed below.  Thanks for your attention to these important items.

GroupWise to Exchange Update:
The migration to Exchange is nearly complete.  We have just a few departments left with users who have not been moved to the new system.  If you have not been scheduled to migrate your GroupWise account to Exchange, please coordinate with your Departmental Computer Support Contact (CSC) or email Microsoft@hsc.wvu.edu as soon as possible.  When emailing Microsoft@hsc.wvu.edu, please include your department name, phone number, and title.    

GroupWise Archive:
If your GroupWise archive has not been transferred to Outlook, please contact your CSC or the HSC Help Desk at hsc_helpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu for assistance.

Outlook Archive:
It is very important for you to verify that your Outlook archive is setup and functioning properly.  This is a separate archive from your imported GroupWise archive.  Recently, we have had a few reports of mis-configured Outlook archives where folders in the mailbox are not being archived.  If your mail is being archived, the folder structure of your mailbox should be replicated in your Archive Folders.  If it is not, you can manually change the settings to properly archive your mail.  Please see http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its/LC/Documents/HowTo/Outlook/Outlook_Archives.pdf for additional instructions on how to properly setup and configure your Outlook Archive.  For questions regarding your Outlook Archive, please contact the Learning Center Software Consultants at 304.293.6128. 

Entourage Archive:
Mac users:  Please see http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its/LC/Documents/HowTo/Outlook/Archiving_Mac_Mail.pdf for instruction on how to archive your Entourage items.  For questions, please contact the Learning Center Software Consultants at 304.293.6128. 

Mac Mail/iCal Archive:
The Snow Leopard Operating System is now available for our Mac user-base and has built-in MS Exchange 2007 support using the Mac Mail/iCal programs.  For instructions on how to archive see http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its/LC/Documents/HowTo/Outlook/Archiving_Mac_Mail.pdf .  For questions, please contact the Learning Center Software Consultants at 304.293.6128.

Protect your PC:
Please verify your PC has been updated with the latest anti-virus/anti-spyware tools.  PCs should be running Symantec Endpoint Protection version 11.  This software is available for download at http://sep.hsc.wvu.edu.  The installation file is configured to provide live updates, initiate a full scan on a weekly basis, and provide real-time virus scanning for all network connections.  For setup questions, please contact the HSC Help Desk at hsc_helpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu. 

Email Scams and Phishing attacks:
Please be aware of fraudulent email scams circulating our networks and NEVER reply to messages requesting your account information or any personal information.  Many times these emails are disguised as if they were sent from the IT department.  IT would never ask you to send your account information or any personal information in an email or via website.  This type of email is known as “Phishing”.  If you have replied to a Phishing email, we recommend you change your password immediately.  To change your password, simply go to http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its, select “Password Change” in the left navigation bar, scroll to the bottom of the page to select “CLICK HERE TO CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD”.  If you have questions or concerns, please contact the HSC Help Desk at hsc_helpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu or 304.293.3631, option 1. 

GroupWise goes offline indefinitely on November 16:
The GroupWise system will be taken offline on November 16.  Please ensure your GroupWise archive has been transferred to Outlook prior to this date. 

 

Network Maintenance Scheduled Sunday 9/20/09

Information Technology Services will perform routine maintenance on the HSC Network on Sunday, September 20, between 7am – 7:30am.   The network infrastructure equipment will be reset causing a temporary disruption to HSC data services.  This outage will affect HSC, Charleston, and Eastern HSC users.  The disruption is expected to be less than 15 minutes.  Voice services are unaffected at Morgantown and Eastern campuses, however, will be affected at the Charleston campus.

Summary of service outage:

HSC Morgantown campus:

• Data services affected by this outage include access to GroupWise, Exchange, file/print, WVUH System Access including Merlin.
• Internet/intranet and SOLE will be available. 

E-HSC campus:

• Data services affected include access to GroupWise, Exchange, SOLE, file/print, WVUH System Access

C-HSC campus:

• All voice and data systems affected including access to Cisco VoIP phone system, GroupWise, Exchange, SOLE, file/print, Internet/Intranet.  Voice calls in progress will drop during the maintenance window.  Incoming calls will be handled per line programming.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the HSC Support Services/Help Desk unit at 304.293.3631, option 1, or email hsc_helpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu

Adobe Security Patches, PLEASE UPDATE

On July 21, 2009 Adobe Systems identified critical vulnerabilities with Adobe Reader, Acrobat, and Flash Player.  These vulnerabilities could cause the application to crash and could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system. 

For more info see: http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-10.html

The fixes for all products were released on July 31, 2009.

The version installed on your desktop or laptop computer needs to be updated immediately.

When you launch Adobe Reader you should be prompted to update all Adobe software, this is the simplest method for updating all affected software.

If you do not get this option, or would like to upgrade manually:

Adobe Reader 9.1.3 update: http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4530

Adobe Flash Player: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/  (UNCHECK “Free Google Toolbar”)

Acrobat:  http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=1&platform=Windows

 

Please upgrade as soon as possible.  We are asking all faculty, staff, and students to do so.  If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631, hsc_helpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu. 

 

E-mail Scams Circulating Networks - 08/17/09

Please be aware of fraudulent email scams circulating our networks.  Most recently, a fraudulent email masking itself as the "EDU. WEBMAIL TEAM" and requesting users send their account information (username, password, etc.) has been reported by a few users.  The email sent is not valid and should be deleted immediately.  Never reply to messages of this type with your account information.  This type of email is known as "Phishing".

A phishing scam is one in which victims are tricked into providing personal information such as account numbers and passwords to what they believe to be a legitimate company or organization.  In order to carry out this trick, the scammers often create a look-a-like website that is designed to resemble the target company's official website or simply asks the recipient to reply to an email with personal information.  Be wary of any email that asks you to click on a link or reply with personal information such as banking details or any account information.  Information submitted on these bogus websites or via email reply may be used by the scammer to steal funds from the user's accounts and/or steal the victim's identity.

Most legitimate companies/institutions would never request sensitive information from customers via email.  The WVUH, HSC, or OIT IT departments would never ask you to send personal information in an email or via website.  Please DO NOT click on the links in these types of emails and NEVER REPLY with any personal information.  If you have any doubts about the validity of an email, please contact the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631 or hsc_helpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu .  

HSC IT Services has a central anti-spam/anti-virus server in place.  Unfortunately, these systems are not able to intercept all scam e-mails.  It is important for end-users to be aware of these types of scams and immediately delete the email instead of replying.  If you have replied to a Phishing email, Information Technology Services recommends you change your password immediately.  To change your password, simply go to http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its , select "Password Change" in the left navigation bar, scroll to the bottom to select "Click here to change your password".  Follow the prompts.  If you have any difficulties please contact the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631 or hsc_helpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu.

06/15/09

Please be aware of fraudulent email scams circulating our networks.  Most recently, a fraudulent email masking itself as the “Webmail IT Service messaging center” and requesting users send their account information (username, password, etc.) has been reported by a few users.  The email sent is not valid and should be deleted immediately.  Never reply to messages of this type with your account information.  This type of email is known as "Phishing".

A phishing scam is one in which victims are tricked into providing personal information such as account numbers and passwords to what they believe to be a legitimate company or organization.  In order to carry out this trick, the scammers often create a look-a-like website that is designed to resemble the target company's official website or simply asks the recipient to reply to an email with personal information.  Be wary of any email that asks you to click on a link or reply with personal information such as banking details or any account information.  Information submitted on these bogus websites or via email reply may be used by the scammer to steal funds from the user's accounts and/or steal the victim's identity.

Most legitimate companies/institutions would never request sensitive information from customers via email.  The WVUH, HSC, or OIT IT departments would never ask you to send personal information in an email or via website.  Please DO NOT click on the links in these types of emails and NEVER REPLY with any personal information.  If you have any doubts about the validity of an email, please contact the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631 or hsc_helpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu 

HSC IT Services has a central anti-spam/anti-virus server in place.  Unfortunately, these systems are not able to intercept all scam emails.  It is important for end-users to be aware of these types of scams and immediately delete the email instead of replying. 
If you have replied to a Phishing email, Information Technology Services recommends you change your password immediately.  To change your password, simply go to http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its , select "Password Change" in the left navigation bar, scroll to the bottom to select "Click here to change your password".  Follow the prompts.  If you have any difficulties please contact the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631 or hsc_helpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu

Previous

Please be aware of fraudulent email scams circulating our networks.  Most recently, a fraudulent email masking itself as the Webmaster of Oman Medical College and requesting users send their account information (username, password, etc.) has been reported by a few users.  The email sent is not valid and should be deleted immediately.  Never reply to messages of this type with your account information.  This type of email is known as "Phishing".

A phishing scam is one in which victims are tricked into providing personal information such as account numbers and passwords to what they believe to be a legitimate company or organization.  In order to carry out this trick, the scammers often create a look-a-like website that is designed to resemble the target company's official website or simply asks the recipient to reply to an email with personal information.  Be wary of any email that asks you to click on a link or reply with personal information such as banking details or any account information.  Information submitted on these bogus websites or via email reply may be used by the scammer to steal funds from the user's accounts and/or steal the victim's identity.

Most legitimate companies/institutions would never request sensitive information from customers via email.  The WVUH, HSC, or OIT IT departments would never ask you to send personal information in an email or via website.  Please DO NOT click on the links in these types of emails and NEVER REPLY with any personal information.  If you have any doubts about the validity of an email, please contact the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631 or hsc_helpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu .  

HSC IT Services has a central anti-spam/anti-virus server in place.  Unfortunately, these systems are not able to intercept all scam emails.  It is important for end-users to be aware of these types of scams and immediately delete the email instead of replying. 

If you have replied to a Phishing email, Information Technology Services recommends you change your password immediately.  To change your password, simply go to http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its , select "Password Change" in the left navigation bar, scroll to the bottom to select "Click here to change your password".  Follow the prompts.  If you have any difficulties please contact the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631 or hsc_helpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu.

 

Upcoming MS Exchange Implementation - New HSC E-mail and Calendar System (05/26/2009)

To: All HSC GroupWise Users
As you may be aware, Information Technology Services (ITS) is in process of migrating from Novell to Microsoft for file/print services and groupware (email, calendar) services.  The file/print migration is currently in process and approximately 85% of our user base has been migrated to Microsoft.  The file/print migration process is expected to be completed for all departments by mid-June.  Within the next few weeks, ITS will begin migrating our first departments to MS Exchange/Outlook for email and calendar services.  This process will be completed for all departments over the summer. 

On May 18, ITS met with the Departmental Computer Support Contacts (CSC) and provided information on how to prepare computers within their respective departments for the new email and calendaring system.   In summary, end-user computers need to have the latest virus protection and client software installed. 

• PCs will use Symantec Endpoint Protection for anti-virus and Outlook (2007 or 2003). 
• Mac users need latest virus protection software and may choose to use Entourage 2008 or Outlook Web Access.  Please note there are known issues with the Entourage 2008 client.  Please see FAQs - Entourage (MAC) at http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its/HelpDesk/ExchangeOutlook.aspx for known issues. 

After your computer has been prepared for the Exchange system, ITS will coordinate with your departmental CSC for scheduling the date your department will be migrated to Exchange.  Blackberries will be reconfigured for the Exchange system by the HSC Help Desk after your GroupWise account has been migrated to Exchange. 

Remote access for both PC and Mac will be through Outlook Web Access at https://exweb.hsc.wvu.edu.  Due to security issues, Outlook Web Access will be the primary access means for remote access.  If you require full Outlook 2007 client functionality, access can be provided via a terminal server connection using Citrix.   

Please be patient as we work through these migrations.  There will be “growing pains” as we move through this process.  We have migration tools and training available in various formats to assist in the conversion effort.  Your email address and password will not change as a result of this conversion. 

Migrating GroupWise data to Exchange:
To ease the transition from GroupWise to Outlook, ITS acquired a tool that will convert your current GroupWise items (inbox, cabinet folders, calendar, address books, task lists) to Exchange.  Your GroupWise archive will not automatically be migrated, however, tools are available that can be initiated from your workstation to convert your archive.  Information on migrating your GroupWise archive is available in our FAQ documents  available at http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its/HelpDesk/ExchangeOutlook.aspx.  If you have questions, the HSC Help Desk or your departmental CSC can assist you with migrating your archive if you so desire.      

Training:
Training is available via online self-paced video format or you may attend one of our hands-on workshops in the Learning Center. 

Online self-paced video training for Outlook and Entourage is available via SOLE: 
To access the online self-paced video training visit http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its/HelpDesk/ExchangeOutlook.aspx, and follow the instructions for logging into SOLE and retrieving the online video training. 

Hands-on workshops available in the Learning Center:
The “Getting Started with Outlook” workshop is offered on a first-come-first-served basis and is designed to help ease the transition from GroupWise to Exchange.  No registration is required for this workshop.  Dates/times for this workshop along with our other Exchange offerings are available at the following URL.       
See http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its/LC/Workshops/ExchangeOutlook.aspx for a list of our Outlook workshops. 
See http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its/LC/LCDocumentation.aspx#Outlook for a list of all supporting documentation
                                                                                                                       
Additional Resources
Quick Reference Cards for Outlook 2003, Outlook 2007, Entourage 2008, FAQs for PC and Mac users are available at http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its/HelpDesk/ExchangeOutlook.aspx

Self-Starter:
To learn how to setup your PC with the latest virus protection and Outlook (2003, 2007) software see:  http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its/LC/Documents/HowTo/Outlook/Setting_Up_Outlook.pdf 

To learn how to setup your Mac with the Entourage 2008 software see:
http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/its/LC/Documents/HowTo/Outlook/Configuring_Entourage.pdf
                   
After your PC or Mac has this software installed, please coordinate with your CSC to arrange migration of your GroupWise data to Exchange.  Once your data has been migrated, you or your CSC will complete the final configuration of Outlook/Entourage and, if desired, may import your GroupWise archive into Outlook.  Once these steps have been completed, you may begin using Exchange.  Again, ITS will coordinate with your departmental CSC for scheduling the date your department will be migrated to Exchange. 

Help:
Software usage questions with Outlook or Entourage should be directed to the Learning Center Software Consultants at 293-6128. 

Software installation, configuration, or migration issues should be directed to your departmental Computer Support Contact or to the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631. 

Recap:
In summary, the steps required for this conversion are as follows (note:  the CSC or you as the end-user should be able to prepare your computer with the required software, however, if any assistance is needed please contact the HSC Help Desk):

Step 1:  CSC or end-user should install the latest anti-virus software as described in Self-Starter section above
Step 2:  CSC or end-user should install the Outlook or Entourage software as described in Self-Starter section above
Step 3:  End-user should review the Quick Reference Cards, FAQs, Online self-paced video training in SOLE or attend a workshop in the Learning Center
Step 4:  End-user should coordinate with your departmental CSC on a date to migrate your GroupWise data to Exchange
Step 5:  After your GroupWise data has been migrated to Exchange:

• CSC or end-user should complete the Outlook or Entourage final configuration steps as outlined in Self-Starter section documentation
  
• CSC or end-user should convert GroupWise archive if so desired as outlined in Self-Starter documentation
  
• Blackberries, Palm Pilots, Smartphones, iPhones:
  
  • CSC or end-user will need to coordinate with the HSC Help Desk to migrate your Blackberry to the new Blackberry for Exchange Server.
    
  • Palm Pilot’s will require synchronization software for MS Exchange 2007.  Please contact the HSC Help Desk for recommended software.
    
  • Web-enabled Smartphones, iPhones should be able to use https://exweb.hsc.wvu.edu for web access

Please be patient as we work through these migrations.  If you have any questions regarding this process please contact the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631. 

 

New Virus/Worm Propagating World-wide

UPDATE - April 26, 2009

In January, Information Technology Services sent the following announcement regarding a new virus / worm (known as Downadup/Conficker) propagating the Internet world-wide.  A variant of Conficker is being reported of activating on April 1 causing problems for millions of PCs world-wide.  If your computer does not have the latest security updates (as of March 2009), please follow the directions below for updating your computer.  Windows updates should be applied on a weekly basis in order to keep your PC current with the latest protection.  If you need assistance getting the latest updates or determining if your PC has the latest protection, please contact the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631.  Thanks in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.

January 26, 2009

Information Technology Services (ITS) frequently pushes new Microsoft Windows operating system security updates and patches to PCs connected to the HSC's Windows networking domain.  Users are alerted of the new updates and are prompted to start the installation process of these updates.  Unfortunately, some users may decline installation of these updates and are therefore not up to date with the latest security.
 
Recently, a new report of a Virus/worm (known as Downadup/Conficker) is infecting millions of PCs world-wide.  It is critical that all PCs connecting to the HSC network have the latest security patches.     
 
To ensure the latest security updates have been applied to all computers at the HSC, regardless if logging into the HSC domain, ITS is recommending all users install the latest patch using Microsoft's Windows Update Service.  Please point your browser to http://update.microsoft.com and follow the directions for downloading and installing the latest Microsoft updates. 
 
ITS is working on a more comprehensive approach for managing updates for all desktop computers on the HSC network.  Once this is complete, ITS will be able to better manage the updates for the end-user.  Until then, please verify your PC is patched with the latest security using Microsoft's Windows Update Service.  If you have any questions, please call or email the HSC Help Desk at 293-3631, hsc_helpdesk@hsc.wvu.edu.  Thank you in advance for your attention to this important security alert.



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