Common Tech Support Questions

WiFi gives clients the ability to take their technology anywhere across the campus.

Our standard package is 5 Mb down, 1 Mb up per device [this is not shared- this is per every device you own]. We have the ability to customize speeds and bandwidths based on client needs

You’ll need to sign up for a free email address like gmail, yahoo, or aol. It’s like a cell phone number - it goes with you wherever you go. It’s highly recommended you get an email that you own.

Yes, but it can vary based on the type of printer and how old the technology is. Occasionally we recommend you getting a piece of hardware to accommodate your needs. It's recommended you use a cable to hardwire your printer to your computer, but it is possible if additional hardware is purchased by the resident. Inviacom offers solutions to fit most needs.

Yes, but additional hardware may be required. Inviacom offers solutions to fit most needs.

Yes

Yes

Unlimited

No, it is Inviacom’s responsibility to provide ample bandwidth for all covered devices on campus. If you are connected to the WiFi, no. If you have your own network using bridge devices the speed will be based on all devices connected.

Inviacom is proud to offer high-speed wireless internet to your community.  We carefully design and deploy networks that meet today’s Wi-Fi standards.  Security is among the top questions/concerns we address everyday with our subscribers.  We do not encrypt our network wireless, as this will be passed out amongst many users and can be easily compromised.   We instead configure 2 layers of security with our networks:

1. Client isolation - prevents a computer that is connected to the network by a wireless connection from accessing computers and resources that are connected to the network by a wired connection. It will also prevent one wirelessly connected device from connecting to another wirelessly connected device. In essence fire walling that device on the wireless network.
2. User/MAC authentication - MAC authentication is an early form of filtering. MAC authentication requires that the MAC address of a machine must match a manually defined list of addresses.  If your device MAC address is not on the authenticated list, you will not have access to the Internet.

Inviacom does suggest each individual take necessary precautions to protect their devices from common security concerns via the Internet:

1. Antivirus software:  Always have a current Antivirus software application installed with the latest virus update definitions.
2. Set network location to public in Windows OS:  When you connect to a new network connection with Windows operating systems, the “Set Network Location” window pops-up automatically.  Be sure and set the location to “Public Network” when prompted, if you’re connecting to a public hotspot.  The Public Network location blocks file and printer sharing, which are common routes for data snoopers.
3. Opt to Not Save Passwords:  A general rule of thumb: you’re probably better off not storing your username and password anywhere, especially when it comes to banking sites and the like.
4. Use HTTPS and SSL:  Many websites use HTTPS and SSL to make your connection to them more secure-both are protocols that provide encrypted communications. For example, you can access Gmail via http://www.gmail.com or https://www.gmail.com. The latter is a more secure option. Most financial institutions use SSL on their websites. In Internet Explorer 8, the address bar turns green and display a padlock when you access a secured website—other browsers offer similar notifications.
5. Use a Firewall:  Turn on Windows Firewall, and use the setting for public networks for more secured access. There are several robust firewall third-party solutions out there too, such as ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 9.2, which protects against hack attacks, controls how programs access the Internet and offers identity protection.
6. Keep your OS and Apps Patched and Updated:  OS updates are serious business: they often fix serious security holes.  And don’t forget your other apps either; even people who remember OS updates often forget to keep their apps patched.  App updates may also fix serious security holes as well.

Other items to consider (for advanced users):

• Use a VPN service:  Encrypts all network traffic.  Can have negative impact to Internet surfing and download speeds.
• Harden your data defense:  Hide folders on your computer that may store sensitive data.  Additionally, password protecting via Windows folder settings can be a good practice.
• Encryption software:  Encrypt all documents stored on your computer hard drive.

Yes. Everyone should have some form of anti-virus software running on their machine.