8.1. Software

What software can I put on my computer? And where can I get it?

For staff using University-owned computers, the PC and Macintosh anti-virus software, Eudora email program and Microsoft Office are all provided via centrally managed licences.

For students and staff using privately owned computers, PC and Macintosh anti-virus software is provided under a centrally managed licence.

The Netscape Communicator and Internet Explorer web browsers are free.

Eudora, anti-virus software and web browsers are available at ftp://ftp.unimelb.edu.au/unimelb-only/

See the full details in Chapter 5 for all desktop software and licence schemes. Also listed are the most commonly used software and where it can be obtained.

How do I get virus scanning software?

The software is available at ftp://ftp.unimelb.edu.au/unimelb-only/anti-virus/

Information about licensing is in Chapter 5 section 5-2.4.

8.2. Hardware

What are the recommended standards when purchasing computer hardware?

ITAAG sets the University standards for the purchase of computers with University funds. They are detailed at http://www.unimelb.edu.au/itaag/.

The University provides some suggested standards for computer technology, for guidance of students and staff. The objective is that people in the University with computers meeting these standards do not experience technical obstacles in information access. These are set out at http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/CompStd.pdf

Chapter 7 discusses all aspects of equipment acquisition.

8.3. Email and Web Access

I am a visitor to the University, can I get an email account?

You must have an 'official' association with the University to obtain an email account. If your details are registered in the central Human Resources system, then follow the directions in Section 3-1.5. If not, contact the head of the department you are visiting to arrange for a letter explaining your circumstances. Forward the letter to either the Director Information Technology or Director User Services in Information Services to seek an email account.

Section 3-1.5 provides more details on obtaining an email account.

Email attachments

The current limits are 5Mb for the total size of individual messages to staff and students and 200Kb for messages to almost all the lists on muwayb - including the staff lists and the subject lists. As part of normal operational requirements, these limits are occasionally changed.

Dial-in access

How do I get a dial-in account?

The University is not an ISP. The University dial-in accounts are only provided to staff and post-graduate students and then only on the approval of the head of department. Departments are billed for the use of this service. The department monitors usage and quotas may be imposed. See your head of department who will arrange the service for you.

Section 4-2 discusses all aspects of the dial in service.

ISP access to University-only material

How do I access 'University only' web pages from an ISP?

The University has installed an inbound proxy to allow authenticated access to these pages. Details on how to set up your computer are in section 4-2.4. The URL for the list of ISPs that have been tested for this service are in section 4.2.2.

Personal Web Pages

How do I go about setting up my own web page?

Staff and students my set up a web page that is independent of their studies. However, the page cannot be used for commercial purposes or personal gain. Section 6-3 details the issues relating to the publishing of web pages.

Junk Email

What should I do with nuisance or junk email?

The sending of nuisance or junk email by staff and students is prohibited. Action will be taken against offenders under University regulations. Retain the offending email as evidence. Contact it-abuse@unimelb.edu.au for further advice.

For unsolicited emails from outside the University that are either illegal or offensive follow the actions described above.

For unsolicited emails from outside the University that are neither illegal nor offensive, there is often not much that can be done. In these cases, simply delete the email. Avoid replying to the email. This confirms to the sender the existence of a legitimate email account and could result in further unsolicited emails.

If the email is a virus or security threat use the procedures outlined in Section 4-5.4 for Security Incident Reporting.

Nuisance Telephone Calls

Who do I report nuisance telephone calls to?

Contact the Swithboard Supervisor ext 44999 or the Manager, Telephone Systems ext 47111.

8.4. Specialist Computing Assistance

I need specialist computing help for my research project. Where can I get it?

High Performance Computing is the area that assists researchers with their projects. The services are provided on a zero-cost basis for suitable projects.

Chapter 3-3 outlines all facilities related to the HPC including the visualisation facility.

8.5. Additional IT Policies and Procedures

Where can I find other information on IT policies and procedures?

The web page http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/about.htm contains a list of references under the 'Policies and Procedures' drop down list.

8.6. Rules for working on privately owned computers

University IT Support work for privately owned computers, IT equipment or privately licensed software must only be undertaken when the Head of Department approves the work, can certify that the work is required for University purposes and does not infringe any University licensing or IT policy arrangements.

Created: November 1996
Last Modified: 30 March 2007
Authorised by: Vice and Deputy Principal(Information), Information Division.