Chemistry Computer Center

How do I obtain and use my Chemistry e-mail account and connect my computer to the network?

Visit our Welcome Web page for important information to help you to obtain and use your Chemistry Department e-mail account, personal Web pages and network storage as well as instructions on how to connect your computer to the Chemistry Network.

How do I schedule a class in the Computer Classroom (Gradlab)?

To schedule a class in the 1381 classroom:

1. Contact Phill Bloedow, phill at chem.wisc.edu. Note: Scheduling is done on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. At least five weeks before the beginning of the new semester, email Comphelp, comphelp at chem.wisc.edu to get the software you need installed.
3. At least two weeks in advance of the class start date, email a spreadsheet with the students' names to classrosters at chem.wisc.edu.

See the Computer Classroom Web page for specific information on:

• Computer Classroom Hardware and Software
• How To Get Other Software Installed
• General Notes for Use of the Computer Classroom

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How do I configure an e-mail client to check my Chemistry e-mail?

After configuring your client with these Instructions, you should be able to send and receive Chemistry Department email from anywhere. If you have any problems, please contact comphelp at chem.wisc.edu.

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How do I forward my Chemistry e-mail?

You may forward all your incoming chemistry e-mail to a completely different e-mail address if you wish. There are two ways to do this:

1. Go to mail.chem.wisc.edu and sign in with your chemistry Username and Password. In the top menu, select Forwards, then fill out the form:
   • Type the e-mail address you wish to forward all your incoming chemistry e-mail to
   • Check the box if you would like to keep a copy of your e-mail on the chemistry e-mail server, mail.chem.wisc.edu
   • Enter your password, then click Submit
2. Log into fozzie.chem.wisc.edu (using SSH).
   • Using a text editor (e.g., Nano) edit the file .forward.
   • Type the e-mail address you wish to forward all your incoming chemistry e-mail to.

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How do I redirect e-mail messages?

Messages redirected using the "bounce" feature will be dropped (i.e., not delivered). Instead, forward the message.

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How do I handle e-mail attachments?

Be cautious when opening attachments: Rather than clicking on an attachment, save it as its own file and virus-scan it. Also, make sure that your mail reader is configured so it does not automatically process (i.e., open or run) an attachment.

Please note: The Tech Support Group at the Chemistry Computer Center:

• will never send an executable attachment for you to run, and
• will never ask you for your password

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How do I set up a mailing list?

Mailing lists using the Mailman software package can be configured to be either static or dynamic. Static (one-time) lists or dynamic lists (in which recipients can subscribe and unsubscribe) can be set up for research or departmental mailing lists.

• The mailing list only distributes messages to its subscribers. Only email addresses that are subscribed to a mailing list can receive email from members subscribed to the same mailing list.
• Only email addresses that are subscribed to the mailing list can send to the mailing list. Other email addresses can be added to the list. If you would like another email address added, please contact us.
• Only email addresses that are subscribed to the mailing list can “reply all” to messages received from the mailing list. Messages that are sent via “reply all” by an email address not subscribed to the mailing list will be dropped.
• Mailing list email addresses can only be placed in the To: or Cc: (carbon copy) lines. Mailing list email addresses placed in the BCc: (blind carbon copy) line will be dropped. All email addresses in the mailing list will not be shown; the only address that will be shown is the mailing list address itself.

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How can I avoid getting spam?

The new chemistry mail server uses Spam Assassin to assess incoming mail messages and calculate the likelihood that a particular message is spam. Follow these instructions to set use Spam Assassin to filter your e-mail.

Also, to avoid spam:

• Do not click unsubscribe in emails.
• Do not publish your email address on a Web page.
• When buying products online, opt out from receiving offers or sharing addresses.

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How can I avoid spyware?

Abandon Internet Explorer as your main browser. (Use Internet Explorer only for Web sites that require it). Instead, use Mozilla, Firefox, Safari, or Netscape. Also, use a spyware remover recommended by DoIT.

Be cautious when using freeware or file sharing applications, such as Kazaa. Make sure the freeware or file sharing application is reputable.

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How can I avoid e-mail viruses?

Download your free copy of anti-virus software from DoIT and update your virus definitions daily. Also, do not click on any links in suspicious emails (i.e., look for bad grammar, conflicting sender/content information).

Links from DoIT

• Protecting Your Computer From Viruses
• Virus Information

Do you have a Virus?

If you received a suspicious email, check the following sites and/or contact us.

• Computer Associates Virus Encyclopedia
• Hoaxbusters

Software-Specific Information

• Eudora
• MS Outlook, Lotus Notes, MS Exchange
• The NIST also has a list of software vendors on their page, which also discusses viruses and related issues.

Information about Trojan Horses, Macro Viruses, Viruses & Worms

• Virus Primer: Slightly more detailed explanations
• Terms A brief glossary of terms
• FAQ Pages This is a list of FAQ pages, but the pages do vary by audience and user-level, so if you are willing to scan the list, odds are you will find a good answer to your question(s).
• Virus Alerts A more technical listing

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How do I find out if an e-mail is a hoax?

While not damaging like viruses, hoaxes can be almost as annoying when well-meaning people forward these to their friends and co-workers en masse.

If someone sends you a message containing what you suspect is a hoax/urban legend or both, check: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html or http://www.snopes.com/ before forwarding the message yourself.

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