The University of Tennessee’s Office of Information Technology Service Center allows students to bring their computers in for fixing technical difficulties.
They can do anything from placing Ethernet cards into computers to making laptops wireless, Ashley Jarrell, UT’s information technology manager, said. OIT Service Center will also remove unwanted computer viruses.
“In most cases, at the minimum we make sure they have the University’s McAfee program and that it is up-to-date, and we run a virus scan,” Jarrell said. “We also install and run at least a couple of spyware removal programs.”
Freshman Austin Jibali had computer virus problems his first day at UT, but OIT was there to help.
“It was very disturbing to get a virus on the first day. OIT was gracious enough to repair the damage to my computer in good time. They also installed antiviral software,” Jibali said.
Jarrell suggested that UT students download a copy of the university’s antivirus program called McAfee.
“The great thing about having UT’s antivirus program is that students do not have to worry about getting the updates. Instead we push the updates to their computers when we receive them,” Jarrell said.
Jarrell added, “Spyware and Adware are files that are installed on your computer without your knowledge. They allow companies to monitor your Internet browsing patterns and even allow companies to inundate you with those annoying pop up advertisements.”
Students should make passwords hard to hack past, she said.
“Without strong passwords, you are leaving you computer vulnerable to hackers who can access your computer without you ever knowing you have been compromised,” Jarrell said.
Students can visit OIT Service Center located in Rooms 103 and 104 Aconda Court at the corner of Cumberland Ave. and Volunteer Blvd. The hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Students needing help can also go online to http://oit.utk.edu/helpdesk.
OIT Service Center offers assistance to students, staff and faculty in several areas. Jarrell said they can assist with starting web pages, passwords, resets, account access and set-ups and some basic application support.
Students only have access to installing and configuring wireless and/or Ethernet cards, cleaning computer viruses, removing spyware and operating system resets, Jarrell said.
