Technology Support Services

Computing Services provides day-to-day operational management of the Crookston campus information technology infrastructure, provides technical support, engages in research and development of new computing technologies, maintains and enforces IT security and policy, oversight and enforcement of critical patch management, manages user network and system access control, database administration, application development, provides co-location service for departmental servers, and works closely with the central Office of Information Technology to best leverage Enterprise resources.

Services provided:

• Wired & Wireless Network and Internet Services
• Systems - Hosting, Printing, Maintenance
• Application Development

Network and Internet at UMC

UMC strives to provide the best in technology so that you as a student can succeed. Sometimes this technology is not easily noticed, but is often used. Our campus network is a great example of such technology, making it easy for students to access academic resources with just a click of a finger. Beyond that, our network is tied to the Internet allowing students to easily communicate and interact with instructors, friends, family, and the rest of the world.

UMC's Wired Network Usage

If you bring or plan to bring a personal network device (computer, Xbox, etc.) to campus and plan to connect it to the campus network you must comply with following criteria:

1. Must have your network device registered with the UMC Computer Helpdesk.
2. Must run antivirus software with current definitions and real-time scanning.
3. Must have all security patches applied from the following vendors:

• Microsoft (Windows Updates, MS Office Updates)
• Adobe (Flash Player, Adobe Reader)
• Sun (Java)
• Apple (Quicktime, iTunes)

Failure to comply with above requirements will result in the network device being blocked from the campus network. The machine is also subject to be blocked if malicious behavior is demonstrated or identified by the said machine.

Wireless at UMC

There are three wireless networks on the UMC campus.

• UMC A (preferred)
  Secure network using 802.11A. This network covers almost the entire campus.
• UMC B (best alternate)
  Secure network using 802.11G. This network covers also covers most of the campus. It may be accessible in areas further from an access point. This network will be slower than UMC A.
• UMN.edu Visitors (last resort)
  Unsecured network (password still required). This network is only available in conference room areas.

In order to connect to some wireless networks on campus, you will need to have a University of Minnesota Internet ID and password. If you are a campus guest, please have someone sponsor an account for you.

Otherwise, guests may use "UMC-Visitors" wireless network for free.

Systems at UMC

Computing Services provides these services to the Crookston Campus.

• Active Directory
• File Servers
• Printing
• Network Address Management
• Web Application Hosting

Hosting at UMC

Network File Hosting
We have several options for storing files on servers. Our most popular method is using Google Drive.

Website Hosting

• If you are looking for personal or departmental web hosting/creation, the University has some suggestions on creating a website.  You may also contact University Relations for more information on website creation and branding standards.
• If you are looking for hosting for your student organization, please contact the Student Activities office. They will be able to assist you.

Web Application Hosting
Computing Services provides hosting for web applications managed and developed internally. If you are in need of hosting for a web application your department has purchased please look at the services that OIT provides or contact our Application Developers in order to discuss their interest in managing your application.

Network Printing

Network printers are managed centrally by Computing Services. There are public printers available across campus for student and staff use at no per page costs. Departments who purchase network printers can also have them managed by Computing Services. They are added to the University's directory and basic access control is provided. If you have or are planning to purchase a new network printer, please contact the Helpdesk to coordinate the installation.

How to add a new printer

 Installing printers on UMC issued laptop instructions

Printer errors?
If you find a printer that is not working, please contact the Computer Help Desk. They have access to clear print queues, have paper for public printers, can assist with adding new printers to your computer, or can escalate the issue to the appropriate person.

Systems Maintenance

Please take a look at the Systems Status page for any maintenance updates that OIT has for their services.

Windows Updates
These are released monthly. Generally the second Tuesday of the month. For more information visit Microsoft's Security Center.

All UMC managed computers will check for updates daily. If your computer is not turned on when it is scheduled to check for updates, it will look for updates when it is turned on. You may be asked to restart during a task if this happens. There is the ability to postpone this restart. This will allow you to restart between class periods or at times when it is convenient for you.

Application Development

For application development requests, contact Jeff Sperling, Director of Technology Support Services, for more information.

The Computer Help Desk is the primary end user technology support department at the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) campus. The Help Desk should always be the first point of contact for all UMC customers where the Help Desk staff will properly assign all incidents to appropriate technical support staff. Help Desk staff strive to ensure customer satisfaction by providing prompt, courteous, and effective service.