Background
Because improperly functioning network devices and insecure workstations can disrupt the network and expose shared information to tampering or destruction, it is critical that some basic network and workstation security and maintenance guidelines be followed. Most of these are common sense and have other benefits such as better performance and reduced cost.
General Network Device Policy
- ALL networked devices must be registered with and supported by Forestry Computing Resources. (FCR)
- Machine support forms are available at Helpdesk and should be submitted to Helpdesk when completed.
- Networked devices must be maintained with appropriate security patches. Devices which are not or cannot be properly maintained will no longer be supported by FCR and must be removed from the network.
- "Server" services require special monitoring, thus, network support must approve private machines acting as servers.
General Workstation Policy
Workstations must be managed in a fashion that provides maximum benefit to the community for the least cost. The following workstation policies are intended to keep support costs at a manageable level while still providing a reasonable security, functionality, and flexibility for the users.
- The cost of new workstations, upgrades, and replacement parts are the responsibility of the individual or project.
- Purchases related to computers must be reviewed by computer support personnel.
- FCR does not support "White Box" systems (computers assembled from parts) or computers without operating systems.
- FCR supports many different system manufacturers (e.g.- Dell, HP, and Apple), but there are some products from these manufacturers that are not supported. To be safe, work closely with FCR on any computing device-related purchase.
- The initial configuration of the workstation will be done by FCR.
- FCR can provide a list of the changes made to the user's system.
- The support costs of networked and non-networked machines are the same.
- FCR must be given full administrative access to a workstation.
- Users will be notified before alterations are made to the system if possible, but in some cases, changes will need to be applied immediately. Access is strictly limited to administrative purposes and every effort will be made to assure privacy of the user's content.
- Windows workstations and laptops connected to the network are subject to security and software configurations distributed by scripts and/or group policies.
- FCR will not support foreign language versions of operating systems (exceptions may be granted to visiting scholars. Please see Visiting Scholar Computing Support Policy for details).
- Privately owned desktop computers will be supported by FCR according to the posted policy.
- While FCR will assist with the installation of unsupported software, the user is responsible for the cost of the software and ultimately getting it to work.
- Workstation hard drives are the users responsibility.
- Critical data should always be stored on a server unless special arrangements have been made for local system backups (see backup policies).
- It is the users responsibility to copy any pertinent information they wish to preserve from the local hard drive(s) to the network (or alternative backup device) if upgrades and/or repairs are requested/needed. The Helpdesk will make every effort to preserve the data, but cannot guarantee that the data will be available following the repair/upgrade.
- Users are responsible for the physical security of their workstations.
- Support for University machines taken off-site becomes the user’s responsibility.
- It is not feasible to provide support for all types of systems. Although FCR will always be willing to spend an hour diagnosing or resolving a problem on any supported system, continued work will only be done if it is cost effective.
- Systems that cannot be adequately maintained will be removed from the network and will no longer be supported. A system meeting the minimum hardware requirements will be supported by Forestry Computing Resources as long as the system remains reliable and maintenance does not make unreasonable demands for support time.