Bradford Persistent Agent
Beginning with the 2009 Fall semester, any student who connects their personal computer to the campus network in a dorm will be required to have an application installed on their computer that ensures compliance with campus security standards. This program, called the Bradford Persistent Agent (PA), will continually check the student’s computer and ensure that it meets the campus security policy. The PA is downloaded to the client machine and installed. Once the PA is installed, it runs in the background and periodically communicates with campus security software. If the computer fails the security policy, it will be moved off of the production network into a remediation network. Once the student has corrected the security issues and the computer has passed the security policy, it will be moved back to the production network. The PA will also allow network administrators to send messages to registered clients.
The Persistent Agent does not collect any information other than what is required to verify that a computer meets security requirements. To see what information is available to administrators about registered machines click here.
Security Requirements
In order to be registered, a computer must have one of the following operating systems and meet the following requirements:
Windows:
- Windows XP (at least Service Pack 2), Windows Vista, or Windows 7. (The latest updates must be installed as well.)
- Anti-virus with current definitions installed. For a list of acceptable Antivirus programs click here.
- Anti-spyware with current definitions installed. For a list of acceptable Antispyware programs click here.
Mac OS X
- Mac OSX Tiger (update 10.4.11), Mac OSX Leopard (at least update 10.5.7), or Mac OSX 10.6 (Snow Leopard). Mac OSX Panther (update 10.3.9) can be registered, but users need to call the Help Desk to arrange this.
- Anti-virus with current definitions installed. For a list of acceptable Antivirus programs click here. If you install ClamXav, it is not initially configured to update virus definitions automatically. For instructions on how to configure ClamXav automatic updates click here.
How do I meet these requirements?
Registration Process
List of Acceptable Antivirus/Antispyware products
ResNet
Each student living on campus is provided with Internet access through our ResNet (Residential Network). The services that are offered as part of ResNet include the Internet and access to academic resources. Access to SMCM email through Webmail, POP3, and IMAP is also provided. All standard operating systems are supported including Windows, Macintosh, Unix, and Linux. Students can also access their private storage space on the network server (G: Drive). Students will need the following computer equipment in order to use ResNet:
- 10/100 Base Ethernet Network Card (NIC)
- Ethernet Cable (Standard RJ45/CAT5)
- Power strip with surge protection
These items may be purchased at any store selling computer items, or at the SMCM Campus Store located in the Campus Center. Students and staff will be available to assist in the setup of these items as well.
Campus Manager
All computers that are connected to ResNet must be registered with the network. Registration ensures that only authorized users are allowed to use network resources. It also aids in troubelshooting connectivity problems and allows us to quickly identify and isolate computers that may have been compromised by a virus or other malware.
What kinds of information are shared via Bradford Persistent Agent?
Gaming Console Registration
If you have a gaming console, you may register it with the network to play online! Click here to register.
