Stay Connected this Summer
May 2007
School’s (almost) out for summer. Sure, your classes are winding down and the flip flops are in permanent rotation, but what’s your computer supposed to do this summer?
When you travel, it can be convenient to ignore software update reminders on your laptop, but your machine is vulnerable to attack if you put them off. Instead, set your updates to run automatically. For PCs, go to My Computer / Properties / Automatic Updates; for Mac OS X, go to Apple / System Preferences / Software Update.
Does your computer get antivirus updates from off campus? It may currently access updates from campus servers, but when away from campus, your computer could be vulnerable to viruses. Get Symantec/Norton LiveUpdate while off campus by using the switch tool.
What is Mail Forwarding and Mail Redirection?
Did you know that you can receive all incoming e-mail addressed to your standard NU e-mail address by forwarding or redirecting your mail this summer? Sometimes it seems like forwarding and redirecting are identical, but they are actually quite different.
Forwarding your e-mail is more of a temporary e-mail solution. If you’d prefer to have your Northwestern e-mail sent to your home e-mail address while away this summer, you should forward your mail. If you’re graduating or would prefer to sporadically use your Northwestern e-mail address, you should redirect your mail. More specified forwarding and redirecting scenarios are available on the forwarding and redirecting page.
Are You Graduating?
Stay connected to Northwestern post-graduation by signing up for your Northwestern alumni e-mail account. Remember, your NetID and current @northwestern.edu account becomes inactive 90 days after your last class as a Northwestern student.
Your permanent alumni account allows you to forward mail to any external e-mail account, as well as redirect mail from your student address – and it’s free!
To activate your alumni account:
- Visit the Northwestern Alumni Association page and sign up for a free alumni account.
- Before your NetID expires, redirect your existing student account to this new address, or any other personal address, on the Edit Directory page.
Moving Off Campus?
If you plan to make the move off campus this summer or fall, be sure to look into the variety of Internet service providers available for accessing the Northwestern University network. Find the best plan for your needs; Northwestern University Information Technology (NUIT) provides information you need to make an educated choice. Check out the NUIT Web site for Internet connection comparisons and provider information.
Find options for accessing the NU Network from off campus.
Configure your computer for VPN connection.
Student Software Discounts
Remember to take advantage of the least expensive software option on campus through NUIT before you leave.* All registered students using student-owned computers for the purpose of University-related business, academics, or research are eligible. Software offerings include Microsoft Office, EndNote, and Mathematica.
*Prices are subject to change.
Check this page for discounted software and a variety of applications available at no additional cost.
Get Control
Computer security threats such as viruses, worms, spyware, and hackers have the potential to cause major damage to your personal data, your computer, and the entire Northwestern network. Remember to keep control of these threats before your computer takes control from you.
Bookmark this page for step-by-step instructions for computer and network security.
For more information, contact the NUIT Support Center at 847-491-HELP (4357) or consultant@northwestern.edu
