SUNY Potsdam

Important FAQs About Your New Computer (Windows)

  Mail: Your new computer comes with the newest version of Mozilla Thunderbird. It has many advanced features and will be the default Windows Email program of SUNY Potsdam for all new users. If you are currently a Eudora user we've imported your mail and settings to ThunderBird. Your addresses have been imported into Thunderbirds address book as well. Further, we've setup your account to utilize IMAP to synchronize your email with the email server. This means if you're a web mail user with BearMail, your email will always be synchronize in both places.

  Microsoft Update: From time to time you will see an icon in your system tray by the time that looks like a yellow shield. This serves to notify you that there are updates for your computer. These updates occur often and are necessary to ensure that your computer is protected against new viruses and bug exploits.  Double click the yellow shield icon to begin installing updates. Follow the on-screen instructions to install them. You may also call the CTS helpdesk at x2083 if you have questions about any of these updates.

  Web Browsers: A new web browser called Firefox has been installed. This is the replacement for Netscape. It has some interesting new features, like tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, and built in search bar that you may want to give a try! All of your bookmarks have been imported and are available in both Internet Explorer and Firefox.

  Virus Software: We've installed F-Secure version 6.  This new version not only protects you against viruses but will also guard against spy-ware and ad-ware. Your computer will contact our antivirus server and check for new virus definitions and automatically download, update, and install them. The computer will watch for incoming viruses while you work. Manual scanning for spy-ware and ad-ware may be necessary if your computer begins acting slow. You can do this by right clicking on the F-Secure icon in the system tray and choosing Virus & Spy Protection followed by Perform Full Computer Check.

  Account Privileges: As the current user of the computer you have been given administrative rights to it. This allows you to install new software and peripherals like printers and scanners.  However this privilege is a double edged sword.  While it allows you to add and remove software and peripherals it also allows you to remove crucial system files that will cause your PC to become inoperable. Extra caution must be taken when deleting things if you are unsure of what they do. If you have any questions about files feel free to contact the helpdesk at x2083.