Last week the Information Technology Services Help Desk received an average of 230 calls per day, not to mention the string of confused faces that lined up outside the office from open to close.

Students can contact ITS with questions concerning new accounts to an array of computer functionality issues. A major part of the congestion has been caused by the introduction of the new campus-wide wireless network — AirVandalGold, a network that will offer users a security boost.

After experiencing numerous security flaws in the pervious AirVandal network, Chuck Lanham, ITS director of computing support, said ITS always had an eye out for a replacement.

AirVandalGold will be used in conjunction with AirVandal to establish a more secure network, Lanham said.
AirVandal runs under a Wired Equivalent Privacy. It is a security specification that uses radio waves, an environment inherently unsecure because of its physical structure.

AirVandalGold implements WPA or Wi-Fi Protected Access, a wireless security specification that is used to strengthen security features already in place.

Lanham said ITS has always discouraged students from accessing bank accounts, purchasing items and even viewing grades while using campus Wi-Fi because the network is not completely hack-proof.  He said taking those precautions is still recommended.

AirVandalGold is supported by Windows Vista, provided students have the service pack one. Windows XP users must have service pack three. Students who use a Mac can access the new network with versions 10.4.9 and 10.5.4.

These stipulations can be confusing, Lanham said, and if students are unaware of what version they are running, help can always be found at ITS. Assistants there can also update operating systems to ensure AirVandalGold can be accessed.

Students who chose to continue using AirVandal can do so with no additional setup. This was made available mainly for users of certain video game systems, including the Wii and Xbox, which are not compatible with the new WPA system.

“We didn’t want to shut anyone out,” Lanham said.

Those who wish to setup AirVandalGold on their own can do so at www.support.uidaho.edu/wireless.

Freshman Nick Gallegos said he hauled his laptop to the ITS Help Desk after being prompted for a domain name he was not aware of.

John Powers, parent of an incoming Vandal, said he found himself unable to complete the connectivity setup on his own after also being asked for a domain name.

“Rather than lugging their PCs here, an RA should be running around helping people,” he said after having spent 10 minutes in line.

For individuals who encounter this issue, ITS Help Desk Service Coordinator Darren Kearney said the domain name is prompted but not actually needed Users can leave that field blank.

Kearney said ITS is attempting to be as comprehensive as possible in assisting each student. Students who come to the Help Desk for wireless issues also leave knowing all other important aspects of their computer use are taken care of, including Novell account access and e-mail setup.

“We don’t want people having to come back two or three times,” Kearney said.

A campus-wide e-mail was sent to faculty, staff and students Aug. 6 to announce AirVandalGold availability. Lanham said another e-mail will be sent further into the academic year.

As of last Friday, 342 students were surfing the Web wirelessly on AirVandalGold. Another 465 are still using the old system, but Lanham said he expects that number to continually decrease.

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