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Using a Laptop at Olin

Before you use a laptop on the Olin network, you must do the following:

1. Verify that you have installed ALL critical updates for your operating system. Windows users, go to Microsoft Update and install all critical updates. You may need to do this multiple times.
   
   Do NOT assume that a new laptop has an up-to-date copy of Windows. PC companies create a base image and ship systems out with that image for several months. They do not apply the updates that have been released since they created that image. It is up to YOU to update your system.
   
   
2. Enable Automatic Updates on your system. See Microsoft's Security at Home page if you need help.
   
   
3. Install AntiVirus software, update the virus definitions, scan your system, and make sure the software is set to check your files in real-time. If you live in University Housing and have a data connection, you can download a copy of Symantec Antivirus as part of your service. See the Restech page for download information. We recommend Symantec AntiVirus or Norton AntiVirus, but if your budget is tight, there are some programs that are available at no cost. See the AntiVirus page for more information.
   
   If your laptop came with an antivirus package pre-installed, do NOT assume it is up-to-date. In most case, you have to run the program to activate it and the subscription for antivirus updates.
   
   
4. Install a tool to detect and remove spyware. We recommend both Windows Defender and Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition. Both of these programs are free for personal use.
   
   

Important Links

Listed below are links to information you may need to configure your laptop and software.

• Laptop Setup Guides
  
  
• Laptop Printer Setup
  
  
• Email Setup
  
  We recommend that you use Outlook 2003.
  
  
• Wireless Network
  
  
• VPN Client
  
  The Cisco VPN Client is necessary only if you want to do any of the following from a remote network (including the wirelesss network)
  • Print to an Olin printer.
  • Map a network drive.
  • Use Outlook 2002 (or older)
  
  
  
• Proxy Server for Restricted Web Sites
  
  The proxy server is used when you are off-campus and need to access web sites that are restricted to on-campus use, such as the databases on the Kopolow Library site.
  
  
• General FAQ
  
  
• Olin Policies