CSC/ITSU is prepared for the New Millennium
The CSC/ITSU first started to prepare the centrally managed computer systems and networks for the new millennium in August 1997. Since July 1999, we have finished checking, modifying, and testing all centrally managed computer systems and networks to ensure that we are ready for the year 2000. Furthermore, we have also formulated a set of contingency plans in order to minimise the impact on our business functions in case something unexpected should happen during the new year.

In the past few issues, we have announced our contingency plan for December 1999-January 2000. Below are more details of the arrangements for the data backup schedule, the comprehensive checking plan and the Y2K Information Centre.

i. A full backup of all the data in the centrally managed production systems will be performed on the following dates:
- Computer systems for academic, research and support use. (e.g. Data Library and Academic Application Software Server, CUHK web server, High-performance computing systems and etc.)

The backup will be performed from 00:00 December 25 to 24:00 December 31, 1999. This means that any data modified by users during this period will probably not be archived in the backup media.

- Computer systems for administrative use (including Admissions system, Student Records system, Personnel system, Payroll system, Superannuation system, SAP Accounting system, Student Accounts system and New Funding Model system)

The backup will be performed from 00:00 to 24:00 on December 31, 1999. This means that any data modified by users during this period will not be archived in the backup media.

ii. Comprehensive systems checking will be performed between 18:00 December 31, 1999 and 24:00 January 1, 2000. During the comprehensive systems check, it is inevitable that some systems will be shut down occasionally and may become unstable. Therefore, we suggest you avoid scheduling non-essential computing activities during this period.

iii. A Y2K Information Centre (YIC) will operate from 00:00 January 1 to 24:00 January 3, 2000. You can contact the YIC should you need any general Y2K information or have questions on the operational status of centrally managed computer systems and networks. Details of the operation of the YIC and its related contact telephone numbers will be announced on the Y2K homepage in early December.

Visit http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/csc/y2k for the latest information.

Opening of the CULink Card Centre
Since the opening of the CULink Card Centre on October 28, you are now able to deal with all matters relating to your CULink Card there. The new card centre is located in Room G5 of Pi Chiu Building. It provides a one-stop service where you can get a new card in 15 minutes.

Please take good care of your card. If you lose your CU Link card, you should report directly to the CULink Card Centre, where you should produce a proof your identity (HK ID card or passport) to apply for a re-issue. In addition, you should also report the loss immediately to the bank if you had Mondex and ATM functions on your lost card.

We are now in the process of changing the old University ID cards to CU Link cards. All students should already have received notification from the Registration and Examination Section about the changeover schedule. The corresponding schedule for staff members will be announced later by the Personnel Office.

You can use your CULink card to login at the Kiosk located in the main lobby of the Pi Chiu Building. Through the kiosk, you can enquire about stored personal information, change your CU Link PIN and check the balance on your Mondex if any.

Check http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/culink for details.

Mind the Security of Your System
There are reasons to believe that hackers are potentially able to hack into any computer systems connected to the Internet (in our case, through the Campus Backbone Network). Therefore, you should take precautionary security measures to safeguard your computer system as much as possible.

Any precautionary security measures that you take will not only protect your own system, but will also protect other computer systems as well. This is because if your system is successfully invaded by a hacker, the hacker may then use your system to further compromise other systems. Therefore, it is most important that EVERY computer that is connected to the Campus Backbone Network be covered by precautionary security measures so as to reinforce protection for the whole system against hackers. The following are some basic precautionary security measures that we suggest:

• Change passwords periodically
  
• Eliminate unnecessary system services that are potentially accessible to hackers
  
• Shutdown systems or stop services that are not in use
  
• Regularly install system security patches
  
• Temporarily shut down any systems and/or disconnect them from the network if the systems are suspected to be compromised.

A Third Link to the Internet
Apart from our direct Internet connection through HARNET and the secondary link provided by the Hong Kong Telecom Netplus, a third link provided by UUNet has recently established. This makes a total link to the Internet of 6Mbps inbound and 14Mbps outbound. Users can enjoy a two-fold increase in Internet bandwidth to overseas locations.

Visit http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/csc/network/har-int-link.html for other details.

IT Training Programmes for Staff Members
This November, the CSC/ITSU will continue holding the following courses for University staff members.

• Graphics Design for Web Pages by using Photoshop - Intermediate
  
• Chinese Word 97 - Introduction
  
• PowerPoint 97 - General Introduction
  
• Access 97 - Introduction
  
• Access 97 - Intermediate

You may also suggest topics to us so that we know which IT area you would like to learn about. Please visit http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/csc/training for information and registration.