Offices & Services

ITS: Network Services FAQs

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• Strong Password

  The strong password policy can be found here.

• Network Security

  Security for access to the network and to files or applications on a server is implemented via user ID and password systems.

• Eligibility

  An account is provided to each student on arrival at Colgate and remains in effect as long as the student is actively enrolled at the college. Accounts are continued for Colgate alumni for six months after graduation. Colgate alumni are eligible to subscribe to the Colgate alumni on-line community (www.colgatealumni.org) for lifetime e-mail.

  Network accounts are provided to regular full-time and part-time employees who require access to systems to complete the work for which they have been hired. Temporary employees are not eligible unless they have a clear business need and receive special permission from their supervisor. An account remains in effect as long as the employee maintains an official relationship with Colgate. In general, guest and family member privileges on computer systems are not offered. Accounts assigned to employees, students or others are the property of Colgate.

• User Names

  The standard Colgate naming convention comprises the first initial of the first name, followed by the last name. If duplicates occur, the middle initial is used to resolve conflicts.

• Residence Hall Connections

  Residence hall connections are intended to provide end-user connections to campus computing services and the Internet. One network connection per student is allowed. Connection to the network is included in regular tuition charges. Students must provide their own computers, software, and Ethernet boards that meet minimum Colgate standards. Information on current minimum standards and recommended configurations is available through the Bookstore at extension 7776, and also posted at http://www.colgatebookstore.com/computers.

• Personal Computers on the Network

  In order to connect to the Colgate network, a personal computer must:

  • Register according to Colgate's MAC Address Registration Procedures; have DHCP enabled, and must be able to obtain an IP address automatically from the ITS provided DHCP servers (the use of static addresses is prohibited unless approved in advance by the ITS Director of Network Services);
  • Capable of connecting to a 10/100 network port
  • Running software, including the operating system and application software, that is legally installed and supported by the vendor, with critical patches, security hot fixes and updates installed;
  • Running antivirus software and/or other security software required to protect personal computers from intrusion or infection that adversely affects the performance or reliability Colgate network;
  • Not be used as a server for private enterprises, commercial activity, or personal profit unless approved in advance by the ITS Director of Network Services;
  • Not be used to run any service that negatively affects the performance or reliability of the Colgate network.

  Personal computers must comply with the University published standards for hardware and software. See Computing Policies - Hardware and Software for more information.

  Personal computers must run legal and up-to-date operating system software, application software, and antivirus software. ITS reserves the right to refuse network connections to personal computers not in compliance.

  ITS reserves the right to disconnect any network port whose activity causes an adverse effect on the network or on any other user. Network connections may also be revoked in the case of malicious, illegal, or inappropriate computing activity. See Computing Policies - Noncompliance and Sanctions for examples of these activities.

  ITS reserves the right to disconnect any or all segments of the Colgate Network for the purpose of upgrading, diagnosing, or performing required maintenance. Every effort will be made to provide advance notification and schedule such disruptions during times of minimum impact to the Colgate community.

• Network Connections in Departments

  All offices, laboratories, and classrooms on campus are wired for access to the network. If departments request additional network jacks, or if network connections need to be moved to different locations, the department should request this service through ITS. The department will be billed for charges resulting from moves, additions, and changes.

• Network Storage

  Additional network storage is available for members of the computing community for the purposes of storing large data files, shared files, or for students doing special academic projects who are sponsored by a faculty member.