Information Technology News Archive

1996 - 2017

You are here: Home / Archives for Research Support / Software

Software

Windows Security

by

A recently announced security problem in Windows will not be fixed for users of Windows NT.

Microsoft has issued a security warning for Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 and Windows XP systems. Bulletin MS03-010, dated 26 March 2002, states that this vulnerability could be used by “an attacker … [to] cause the target machine to fail.”

Microsoft does not plan to provide a fix for it on Windows NT 4.0, which is still being used by various departments at UCI. Microsoft says that they have, “extensively investigated an engineering solution for NT 4.0 and found that the Windows NT 4.0 architecture will not support a fix to this issue, now or in the future.”

So, what’s an NT user to do? Microsoft itself recommends placing such systems behind a “firewall which is filtering traffic on Port 135.” Fortunately, NACS has been running a port blockade on this port since November 5, 2002 (more information on the port blockades). This blockade restricts all off-campus systems and Residential Housing computers sending traffic to these ports on campus.

While this keeps UCI users of Windows NT safe from outside attempts to exploit this weakness, it is prudent for departments to develop a migration strategy away from NT, as Microsoft no longer supports NT nor promises to develop security patches as vulnerabilities are discovered.

New Windows

by

Microsoft released the first version of Windows XP (WXP) this year, less than two years after release of Windows 2000 (W2K). Many schools and departments are working to make use of new features in W2K and WXP, including the Graduate School of Management, Health Sciences, University Extension, Network and Academic Computing Services, Claire Trevor School of Arts, and numerous smaller departments.

NACS has sponsored a series of W2K and WXP courses for interested system administrators covering Active Directory (AD) and Windows security issues. There was great interest in those classes from various groups and we hope to facilitate sharing experiences between groups currently deploying Windows and others just planning their migration.

As Windows NT will no longer be supported by Microsoft as of this summer, many departments are assessing their migration paths. Windows XP server, otherwise known as “.Net Server”, is undergoing a series of beta releases and security checks with a final release expected in December. All desktops purchased with Windows should now come with XP, and we consider XP the long-term platform of choice. While some departments migrated to W2K last year, others are now in the awkward position of working with an unsupported operating system (NT) or facing two migrations (W2K and WXP) in short succession.

NACS experts are available to departments assessing their migration needs. We have helped several departments with planning, budgeting, training, and support. If you are interested in investigating a beta release of .Net Server, please contact NACS. We’d be happy to work with you.

New Macromedia Agreement

by

UC has negotiated a bulk license purchase agreement with Macromedia. Most popular Macromedia (and Allaire) products are available, including Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash, and Cold Fusion.

Under the terms of the agreement, a minimum order representing ten “points” is required. For example, five new Dreamweaver licenses would meet this requirement. You may mix and match different products to meet the minimum order size.

For more information, see http://www.gotrc.com/casystemsstore.htm, or call our TRC representative, Erica Gagni, at 800-517-2320 ext. 244.

Linux Buyers Beware

by

Unlike packaged Unix workstations, such as those from Sun, SGI or Compaq, Linux hardware purchases can result in frustration, unexpected expense, and even failure if a little planning isn’t done prior to purchase.

While it may seem very easy to buy the latest PC at Fry’s and assume it will accept a Linux install smoothly, there are many potential hardware incompatibilities. Manufacturers seldom advertise Linux compatibility, assuming the majority of their customers plan to run Windows. If you are considering purchase of a machine to run Linux, NACS offers free consulting to help you plan a machine that will run Linux reliably, and which will facilitate cost-effective, timely support from NACS, if desired.

While it would be convenient to be able to work from a list of supported hardware, PC hardware and Linux are both evolving continuously, drivers for Windows and Linux are constantly revised, and marketing labels are fluid and inconsistent. NACS maintains expertise in a range of successful configurations, and cooperative discussion is the best way to arrive at current hardware which best meets individual needs.

Microsoft Licensing Changes

by

Microsoft has made significant changes in the programs under which UC has been making volume purchases of Microsoft operating systems and application software.

The new Microsoft Academic Select 6.0 (“Select”) and Microsoft Academic Campus 4.0 (“Campus”) agreements allow departments two ways of securing the tools they need.

Some of these changes (such as a more limited range of upgrade paths) constrain UC software buyers; other changes offer significant opportunities for lower costs, with adequate planning. This article can only introduce the topic. If you are responsible for planning software purchases for your department, NACS is ready to work with you to evaluate the new licensing programs and help you make the best decisions for your situation.

“Select” allows for discounted purchases of licenses, upgrades, and upgrade programs. To make the most economical purchase decisions, it is important that software buyers anticipate the usable life of their computers and the frequency of upgrades to software (such as Windows, Word, or Excel) desired on that computer.

“Campus” allows a department to “lease” computer software at prices proportional to the number of staff rather than the number of computers. Advantages include regular software updates, and inexpensive licensing for computer labs.

Changes to Windows and other Microsoft software make it more important than ever to plan carefully, and track the software licensed and installed in each department. Microsoft has also announced retirement schedules for older versions of its software, after which support, upgrades, and security fixes will not be available.

NACS has been working with departmental representatives to help departments assess their needs in light of the new programs. If you have any questions about “Select” or “Campus”, please contact your Computing Support Coordinator, or visit these web sites: