There is a saying among computer-geeks like me that a computer network is only as secure as the least responsible user using the network.  I am not sure we have emphasized the importance of network security and I thought it might be a good time to describe some security steps each of us can take to secure our district's computer network.

On our computer network we password-protect many programs and files and the strongest security measure we have to protect our computers and our network is the Novell password screen you see when you start your computer everyday.  That Novell password you use everyday is the "gate" that keeps students from accessing any part of our new student management system.  That Novell password is the "gate" that keeps unauthorized users from accessing files you have stored on the school's server.  That Novell password is the strongest security measure we have to protect our network.

In order to maintain a high level of security for our network, I have four basic recommendations:

1. Do not let students use teacher workstations

2. Turn off your computer every night when you leave.  If you are not in the building, your computer should always be turned off.

3. Do not give your password to anyone and do not write down your passwords.

4. Log off of your computer every time you leave your computer or classroom unattended.  You can do this in two ways.

Log off of the network

Log off by going to the "Start" menu and select the "Log off..." menu item near the bottom of the "Start" menu.  If you use this method to log off of your computer, the computer will turn off all of your applications you are using and it will take you back to your Novell login screen.  Nobody will be able to access any student management files until they enter in your Novell password.  This method will work with computers using Windows 98 and Windows XP.

Lock your computer screen

If you have one of the newer OmniTech workstations using Windows XP, try the keyboard combination of "Windows"-L.  This will lock your computer screen and will require your Novell password to get access to your computer again.  The advantages to this method are that it is quick and it will not shut down any of your programs.  If you are in the middle of typing a memo in Word, you can use the keyboard combination of "Windows"-L to lock your screen and when you enter your password, it will take you right back to your Word document.

The "Windows" key is the key that is in between the "Ctrl" key and the "Alt" key to the left of your space bar.  That little symbol on that key is Microsoft's Windows logo and that is why they call it the "Windows" key.  There is also another "Windows" key to the right of the space bar.

Please do not walk away from your computer logged onto the network.  Take the time to secure your computer by either shutting off your computer completely or securing your computer by logging off the network or locking the screen.

Remember the four basic recommendations to maintain network security:

1. Do not let students use teacher workstations

2. Turn off your computer every night when you leave.  If you are not in the building, your computer should always be turned off.

3. Do not give your password to anyone and do not write down your passwords.

4. Log off of your computer every time you leave your computer or classroom unattended.

If you have any questions about network security, please feel free to contact the Technology Department.

Return to Tech Tips Main Page

| SCS Corporation Main Page | High School | Middle School | Hendricks | Coulston | Loper | School Board |