Existing Residents

Existing residents (not leaving in June 2009) should comply with the new requirements set forth by the campus to ensure data security.  Informatics and AskIT are available for help if you need assistance.  Failure to comply will result in having wireless access on campus terminated indefinitely.

  • Laptops:   You may purchase the school-designated laptop by clicking here or bring in your own laptop that meets the following specs:
    • PC or Mac (Intel only) with 1.8ghz cpu or above
    • 2gig ram or more
    • 80gig HD or more
    • preferably not more than 3 years old 

            In addition, your laptop must also:

  • Have anti-virus installed
  • Install automatic updates
  • Have encryption software installed.  Encryption protects the data on your laptop in case of loss of theft and is a campus and school REQUIREMENT.  Encryption is provided to all residents free of charge. The process usually takes 1-3 days to complete. Schedule your encryption as early as possible and at a time when you can be without your laptop for a few days. Go here for scheduling information.  There are certain laptops that present challenges regarding encryption.  If you have a dual-boot (dual operating system) system, Dell Inspiron M1210, Dell E5400, Dell XPS, Dell Media Direct, PowerPC Macintosh, Linux or IBM system, please call at 205-996-5555 before you schedule your encryption appointment.
  • For security reasons, laptops that fail the encryption process may not be used unless special circumstances exist. Please contact the Assistant Dean of Informatics regarding these units.
  • Flash Drives:  Only encrypted flash drives may be used for sensitive data, including patient and research information.  Please see your program director regarding the purchase or loan of approved, encrypted flash drives.
  • General Information Security booklet:  You will receive a booklet which covers our basic Information Security guidelines. The pdf of this booklet can be accessed here.  Please observe the policies and recommendations set forth in this booklet.

Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact staff to submit a request for service or additional documentation.