Remote support is now available from the ITS Student Helpdesk!

We can provide diagnostic assistance and repairs to Wesleyan students on any network ( including off campus, woodframes, abroad, etc

To request remote support please call us at extension 4000 or email us to set up an appointment at helpdesk@wesleyan.edu

To use remote support, please use this URL:

remotesupport.wesleyan.edu

We are the ITS Student Helpdesk!

For real time updates follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/wes_itsinfo

or Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wesleyan-University-ITS-Helpdesk/239525922741559

We are a free, computer helpdesk with consultants trained to help you with any software-based computer problems.  We also help you get your devices online, including gaming systems, phones, and all idevices.

We share an office with the Computer Service Center, which can handle any hardware problems you may have.

For more information about the services we offer, check out the About Us page.

You can find us in Exley 116, through the glass doors next to the elevators near Pi Cafe down the first hallway to the left.

If you have a question you can also reach us at (860) 685-4000.

If you have a problem you can email us at helpdesk@wesleyan.edu.

However, we recommend you bring your computer in to the desk where we can troubleshoot in greater detail and help you fix any problems.

We are open:

10am-10pm Monday – Thursday

10am-5pm Fridays

7pm-10pm Sundays

Check out our FAQ and How-tos  for more information.

We will be resuming our normal hours starting this Sunday 3/25.

Sunday: 7-10 PM.

Monday – Thursday: 10 AM – 10 PM

Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM.

If you have a Mac: spyware poses little threat to Mac users but there are viruses that can attack a Mac.  ESET is now available on wesfiles for mac users as well.

To install Eset for a Mac:

Eset is provided free of charge by Wesleyan University to all Wesleyan users.

1. Sign in to your portfolio, go to the student portfolio tab, select “Virus Protection Software – Home Use” under the “Tools & Links” menu.
2. Click on the link in the mac section.  Run ESET setup.  You can choose to setup the parameters later and put in the user name and password once it has finished installing or enter that information when it prompts you to do so.
3. After the user name and password have been accepted, check for updates.

            Malware: Malware includes all software that stops your computer from working correctly.  The real purpose of this type of software is hidden and usually dangerous.  The user does not give permission for installation and use. Malware includes adware, spyware, tracking cookies and infectors such as worms, viruses, Trojans or backdoors, and toolkits.

            Spyware: These programs track what users do with their computer and then send that information over the internet. Spyware can collect various types of information about a user. Most spyware programs attempt to track what types of websites a user visits and send this information to an advertisement agency. Other versions simply launch popup advertisements. More malicious versions can try to record what a user types to try to intercept passwords or credit card numbers. Usually, spyware will not interfere with the computer’s normal operation. However, when there is a lot of spyware running, it can cause the computer to run slowly. Spyware is very uncommon on Macs.

Malware are all the programs that damage your computer.  Of the different types of Malware, Spyware collects users’ data, and adware plants advertisements using data collected about users’ preferences.  Viruses and Trojans can simply be destructive, but they are probably made to be either spyware or adware.

How can I tell if my computer is infected?

• Vanishing files
• Pop-ups that do not originate from a website.
• System crashes
• Programs, especially antispyware programs, appear that you have not installed. Messages appear telling you that you have a virus and to download a program to fix it.
• In Microsoft Word: if a paper gets page breaks for no reason, files won’t save or print.
• Emails or messages are being sent to your contacts that you didn’t send.
• Your browser redirects you to websites you didn’t navigate to.
• Symptoms of a virus can vary a great deal and may be similar to the symptoms of badly configured software.  Make sure you’re software is up to date if it is not working correctly.
• If there is no other obvious explanation when a computer is acting strangely, it may be a virus.

If you have a Mac: spyware poses little threat to Mac users but there are viruses that can attack a Mac.  Eset is now available on wesfiles for mac users as well. The rest of this guide is geared towards PC users. For instructions on how to install ESET click this link.

If you have a PC:  There are a few important steps to protecting your software.  It is recommended that you perform a few tasks as regular maintenance of your computer somewhere between once per week and once per month.

1)     Antivirus: Have one good antivirus program and keep it up-to-date. An antivirus software stops most viruses from accessing your computer in the first place.  Having more than one can interfere with their effectiveness, so it is important to have only one.  You can download ESET antivirus for free through your portfolio. Find instructions here.

2)     Performing scans: Install and regularly update and run Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and SuperAntiSpyware. (see below)  You must perform scans regularly to be sure you do not have malware.

3)     Keep up-to-date: When a new virus is discovered, it is added to a list, and a new list must be downloaded from the internet so it is important to update before scanning.  Make sure that you run Windows Update on a weekly basis and install all high-priority patches. You can find the link to Windows Update searching for it in your Start menu or online at this hyperlink.

4)      Avoid malware: Use a little caution and common sense.

• Avoid downloading or streaming media from suspicious
• Avoid having unsecured, shared folders that can be externally accessed. 
• Be cautious of links from social networking communities, peer-to-peer file sharing programs, online games, online video games, chatrooms, or other webpages
• Downloading a “free” program from the internet that may have other programs attached to it.
• Do not opening emails or email attachments from unknown senders
• Block or don’t click on suspicious pop-up windows
• Don’t open files that are more prone to be associated with malware such as .bat, .com, .exe, .pif, .txt.vbs, .htm.exe or .vbs
• Don’t download or execute applications from untrusted sources.
• Avoid phishing scams.