Georgia Southwestern State University
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Software Troubleshooting and Guidelines

 top Fundamental Rules of Troubleshooting top

  • Sometimes rebooting can resolve certain computer problems
  • Check simple things first
  • Make backups before making changes
  • Approach the problem systematically
  • Make no assumptions
  • Write things down

When troubleshooting problems with your computer there are some guidelines that, when followed, may save you time and effort in finding and correcting the problem you are having. It is best to troubleshoot problems whose cause are unknown by starting with the most basic components of your computer and working toward the more complex components.

The operating system (Windows 2000 in most cases) is the interface that allows the user to operate the computer. Errors appearing as blue screens with error messages usually indicate a problem in the operating system. Errors displayed when the computer starts up are often caused by operating system problems also. When these types of errors occur call the technical support staff (#2074).

The term application software refers to programs that run on the computer within the operating system and perform specific tasks. Word, WordPerfect, and Eudora are all examples of software applications. Errors encountered while working within an application usually indicate that the application is corrupted and needs to be removed and re-installed. If this is the case, contact the technical support staff (#2074).

 top Approved Software List (Checking out Software) top

Operating Systems:

  • Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows 2003 Server
  • Apple MAC Operating Systems 7-10 (X)

Application Software:

  • Microsoft Office 97*, Office 98 (MAC)*, Office 2000*,Office XP*,Office 2003*,  Office 2001* (MAC), and Office for OSX* (MAC)
  • Microsoft FrontPage*
  • Microsoft Publisher*
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Microsoft Media Player
  • Netscape Navigator
  • RealPlayer (Up to version 8, not RealOne.)
  • TeraTerm (for Canes access)
  • WS-FTP
  • McAfee VirusScan
  • Eudora
  • Apple QuickTime for MACs and Windows
  • WinZip and Power Archiver
  • Hewlett Packard JetAdmin
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • IomegaWare (Iomega’s utilities for removable media drives.)
  • Adaptec and Roxio Easy CD (CD recording software)

There are other approved software packages for which license may be purchased., i.e., Word Perfect, Adobe Acrobat, SPSS, SAS, etc.

Under the Microsoft Campus Agreement (MCA), GSW Faculty & Staff can order MCA software products for a significantly reduced price through a special work at home program. Click here for the Order Form and follow the directions listed below:

  1. Complete the order form with IIT listed in the Ship To section. The software must be paid with a State of Georgia Purchasing Card or a Purchase Order.
  2. Deliver completed form to IIT.
  3. IIT staff will place the order with MSD.
  4. IIT staff will notify the purchaser upon receipt of the software.
  5. The purchaser will then be able to pick up the software and install it on one personal computer.
  6. Purchaser must return the software to the IIT office. The IIT office will file the software for each individual user.

 top Problematic Software top

The Office of Information and Instructional Technology has repaired a number of computers experiencing problems with their operating systems and software which are caused by the Webshots screen saver and other applications which have been downloaded onto these computers.

These applications may cause a variety of problems with the computers on which they are installed. The problems may not appear immediately after installation, but will eventually show up. It is important to be very careful in browsing the Internet and checking e-mail not to agree to install any software not approved by the OIIT department. Other offending downloads include Xjupiter, WeatherBug, eZula, Gator and KaZaa.

There are more potentially dangerous programs being produced every day, making it vital that we use caution when downloading files or agreeing to software/plug-in installs we encounter. In addition to the problems these programs cause, many create threats to the security of the data on the computer and may even "spy " on our Internet browsing habits to allow companies to bombard us with targeted advertisements. If you have any of the programs mentioned above, they should be uninstalled immediately.

Below are some links to information other organizations have shared on their findings about these programs.

 top Saying Goodbye to Windows 95 and Windows 98 top

As many of you may have already heard, Windows 95 and Windows 98 will be going away in favor of Windows 2000. There are several reasons for this move forward. One reason is that Microsoft no longer supports Windows 95 and may soon drop Windows 98 from it’s list of supported operating systems. Another reason for this change is that Windows 2000 is far more stable and can be made far more secure than Windows 95 and Windows 98. Finally, there will be changes to the structure of our campus network in the near future, which will necessitate the move of all Windows computers to Windows 2000.

Many computers have already been upgraded to Windows 2000. The ones that have not been upgraded will need to be upgraded soon. An effort is underway to provide upgrades to the computers’ hardware in cases where it is possible, and provide replacements for older computers so that all of the Windows computers may be upgraded to Windows 2000.

 top Guide to the Ethical and Legal Use of Software top

  1. Unauthorized copying of software is illegal. Copyright law protects software authors and publishers.
  2. Unauthorized copying of software by individuals can harm the entire academic community. If unauthorized copying proliferates on a campus, the institution may incur a legal liability.

In terms of copyright, there are four broad classifications of software: Commercial, Shareware, Freeware, Public Domain.

The restrictions and limitations regarding each classification are different.

Commercial

Commercial software represents the majority of software purchased from software publishers, commercial computer stores, etc. When you buy software, you are actually acquiring a license to use it, not own it. You acquire the license from the company that owns the copyright. The conditions and restrictions of the license agreement vary from program to program and should be read carefully. In general, commercial software licenses stipulate that

  1. the software is covered by copyright,
  2. although one archival copy of the software can be made, the backup copy cannot be used except when the original package fails or is destroyed,
  3. modifications to the software are not allowed,
  4. decompiling (i.e. reverse engineering) of the program code is not allowed without the permission of the copyright holder, and
  5. development of new works built upon the package (derivative works) is not allowed without the permission of the copyright holder.

Shareware

Shareware software is covered by copyright, as well. When you acquire software under a shareware arrangement, you are actually acquiring a license to use it, not own it. You acquire the license from the individual or company that owns the copyright. The conditions and restrictions of the license agreement vary from program to program and should read carefully. The copyright holders for shareware allow purchasers to make and distribute copies of the software, but demand that if, after testing the software, you adopt it for use, you must pay for it. In general, shareware software licenses stipulate that

  • the software is covered by copyright,
  • although one archival copy of the software can be made, the backup copy cannot be used except when the original package fails or is destroyed,
  • modifications to the software are not allowed,
  • decompiling (i.e. reverse engineering) of the program code is not allowed without the permission of the copyright holder, and
  • development of new works built upon the package (derivative works) is not allowed without the permission of the copyright holder.

Selling software as shareware is a marketing decision; it does not change the legal requirements with respect to copyright. That means that you can make a single archival copy, but you are obliged to pay for all copies adopted for use.

Freeware

Freeware also is covered by copyright and subject to the conditions defined by the holder of the copyright. The conditions for freeware are in direct opposition