Top 10 Technology Do's and Don'ts for Students

1. Set up of the

   CCNY email account

   :
   It is important for you to know how to access your CCNY email because the communication with your professor as well as Bursars and other CCNY offices will occur via that email address.
   
   Find your email account information: https://emailinfo.ccny.cuny.edu/students.php
   
   You can forward your CCNY email to your personal email: http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/prospective/education/studentemail.cfm
   

2. Backup your data (flash, hard drive, etc.) at least weekly.

   The best way to backup your system depends on your use, needs and system. These articles will help you to choose the best solution:
   
   
   • http://www.pcworld.com/article/101767/ultimate_backup_guide.html
     
   • http://lifehacker.com/5816453/how-to-back-up-your-computer
   • http://windows.about.com/od/organizingyourstuff/f/windows_ backup.htm
   • http://www.wikihow.com/Back-up-a-Computer
     
   Know how to

   use your flash drive

   (e.g. ejecting): http://www.ehow.com/how_2019969_flash-store-data.html
   
3. Learn why and how to

   access Blackboard:

   http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/facultystaff/it/services/blackboard_info.cfm
   
4. Find available resources in the

   Library:

   http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/library/services.cfm
   
5. Know about the

   CUNY Portal:

   https://cunyportal.cuny.edu/cpr/authenticate/portal_login.jsp
   

6. Update your computer

   (in particular virus definitions, plug ins and operating system):
   These are the most important areas you need to keep up to date or check on your computer to keep your system free from viruses and Internet threats:
   • Anti-Virus software
   • Fraudulent Websites (Domain Name System (DNS) Redirects) -   information about that threat by the FBI
   • Windows Updates: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ in Internet Explorer (Microsoft publishes updates every Tuesday)
   • Check and update Plug-Ins: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck (most common Plug-Ins: Adobe Reader, Flash, Shockwave, Quicktime, Java)

   More information about certain programs:

   • Mozilla Firefox: Help -> About ... (Checks automatically for Updates)
   • Internet Explorer: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx
   • Java: Update your Java (Java SE Downloads)
   • Adobe Reader: Help -> Check for Updates ...
   • Check Adobe Flash for latest version: http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/

   Free virus scan applications:

   • AVG Anti-Virus
   • Microsoft Security Essential
     
   • HouseCall
   • Sophos Antivirus for Mac Home Edition
   • Avast! Antivirus for Mac
     
     

7. Internet Safety

   (Do not download anything or click on any link unless you know the source):
   
   
   • General:
     http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/CIS/security/ resources.html   http://www.georgiahealth.edu/itss/networking/security/ secure-tips.html   http://www.ncirc.nato.int/husecurity/hu_index.htm   http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Safe-on-the-Internet
     http://csauth.ccny.cuny.edu/prospective/education/mmcenter/ resources.cfm
     
     
   • Email:
     http://womeninbusiness.about.com/od/internetuseadvertising/a/ fake-hyperlinks.htm   http://cybercoyote.org/security/av-attach.htm
     http://www.gns-us.com/securitytip.htm
     

8. Software

   :
   
   
   • Available for CCNY Student: http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/facultystaff/it/services/stu-software.cfm
   • Up to 80% discounts for students, educators and schools: http://www.journeyed.com/
9. Be aware of the

   Copyright Laws

   because they also apply to online content:
   
   
   • (C)opyright @ CUNY: http://cuny.edu/libraries/services/copyright.html
   • US Copyright Law: http://www.copyright.gov/title17/
   • Copyright Consideror by Jim Lengel - this tool helps you to think through your copyright questions: http://www.lengel.net/cc/
   • US Copyright Law - Fair Use: http://ww.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html
   • Fair Use Challenges in Academic and Research Libraries by Brandon Butler, Peter Jaszi and Patricia Aufderheide: http://www.arl.org/bm~doc/arl_csm_fairusereport.pdf
   • Linking Rights by Brad Templeton - Article about linking to other websites: http://www.templetons.com/brad/linkright.html
   • 10 Big Myths about copyright explained by Brad Templeton: http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html
     

10. Technology and Teaching Resources

    :
    
    • http://www.ed.gov/oii-news/use-technology-teaching-and-learning
    • http://www.nctm.org/about/content.aspx?id=14233
    • http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction