Introduction

IT Services manages a number of wireless hotspots in designated areas on campus. The service enables University students to connect to the campus network using laptops and other devices that support wireless connections.

The wireless network service provides University students access to:

• online information available on the University intranet, including the Library catalogues and eSIMS, and Internet
• email
• IT Services printing facilities

Locations

The wireless network service is available wherever there is the Wireless Hotspot logo. The wireless areas currently available are:

• IT Services Main Site (Library basement)
  
  
• University Main Library
• • Level 1 - Reference Department Reading Area
  • Level 2 - Reading Areas including Melitensia
  • Level 3 - Reading Areas
    
    
• Old University Building (Valletta Campus)
  
• • Library - First Floor
    
  • Second Floor
    
    
• Gozo Campus
  
  
• Health Sciences Library (Mater Dei Hospital)
  
  
• University House (Canteen & Junior Common Room)
  
  
• STATOR (Maths & Physics Building Rm 602)
  
  
• Dar Ġużeppi Zahra (Computer Tower)
  
  
• Temi Żammit Hall (Assembly Hall incl. balcony)
  
  
• Ġianni Borġ Hall (Science Lecture Theatre)
  
  
• Biomedical Sciences Building (Pharmacy & Pharmacology; Physiology & Biochemistry Lab (Room 114) & foyer)
  
  
• Centre for Communications Technology (Level Zero open area, Level 1 open area, Audio Visual Library & Lecture Rm 202)
  
  
• European Documentation & Research Centre (EDC Reference Library)
  
  
• Archaeology Centre (Internal Yard)
  
  
• Administration Building
  
  
• Chapel
  
  
• Open areas outside buildings:
• • Atriju Vassalli - Quadrangle (area outside canteen)
  • Area opposite HSBC Bank
  • Area between CCT & FEMA buildings (outside steps)
  • Area between Biomedical Sciences Building & the Chemistry Department Building

IT Services is planning to deploy more wireless access points in other communal areas on campus, both outside and within buildings, and continues to invite departments to express their interest in proposing locations, especially within their respective buildings. Requests should be made through the Head of Department here.

Connecting & Printing

Users can connect to the wireless network provided that their laptop has built-in wireless support (Centrino Technology) or it has a properly installed 802.11b/g network card.

• Connecting the laptop to the Campus Wireless Network [PDF] - This instruction guide assumes that the laptop has at least Microsoft Windows XP installed but it also applies for Windows Vista OS.
  
  
• Configuring the laptop for printing over the Wireless Network [PDF] - This guide contains instructions to install the appropriate drivers for printing. The guide contains also duplex and A3 printing instructions. Users will need to purchase printing credits from IT Services Reception to be able to print over the wireless network.

Security Risks

The convenience associated with wireless hotspots also brings security risks. Due to the nature of wireless hotspots, data may travel unencrypted over the air. Users are therefore advised to use secure services/sites especially when transmitting personal data such as passwords, credit card numbers etc.

Secure services/sites include:

• Websites with addresses starting with https:// rather than http://

• If email will be accessed through an email client (e.g. Mozilla Thunderbird or Outlook), the following settings should be applied:

It should be noted data transmitted by most instant messengers (e.g. MSN Messenger) travels unencrypted.

Apart from transmitting personal data through secure sites, users are strongly encouraged to maintain the security of their computer/s to the highest level possible.

Users should:

• ensure that the antivirus software is regularly updated
  
• download and install patches (or hotfixes) that are available for all software used on their computer/s
  
• install a personal firewall program
  
• install and regularly update anti-spyware software
  
• treat all e-mail attachments, file downloads etc. with caution
  
• backup & remove critical/sensitive data from their computer/s
  
• use strong passwords.

Help

Queries about IT Services Wireless Access Network