After being in effect for more than a year, Cisco Systems’ Clean Access Agent, or Cisco NAC Applicance, is still giving students campus-wide issues with Internet service, according to a survey conducted last week.
The survey comprised of 30 students: 10 in University College, 10 in University Village Phases 1 & 2, and 10 in University Village Phase 3. The consensus revealed the Clean Access Agent is creating a difficult online experience for students, with 17 of 30 indicating problems with the system.
The program was introduced to provide a system that enables students to browse the Internet on a shared network; without the dangers of viruses, spywares, and other damages.
It was also meant to discourage students from illegally downloading music, movies, and other outlets.
Now in its second year at PVAMU, issues with the Clean Access software are causing students to question its validity.
Last year students complained about difficulties they were having with the new campus online security system.
Despite those difficulties, there are some steps that can be taken to make using the program more beneficial. If properly executed, they will make using Clean Access less stressful.
One essential feature that makes Clean Access a good program is the periodic Windows updates it offers.
To eliminate problems, students should simply change their computer settings to allow automatic updates. Also be sure to check personal computers for updates on a weekly basis.
Another action that will ease the hassle of Clean Access is to make sure there is a functional anti-virus protection software on your computer.
Director of Academic Technology Sally Stevenson says, many students have new computers which come with trial versions of anti-virus software.
Once these trials run out students’ computers are left unprotected. Students should remove the trial anti-virus software and go to www.pvamu/its/antivirustools, where there is a free anti-virus software offered by the university, or purchase an anti-virus software for a personal computer.
The Clean Access Agent has been adopted at numerous schools across the country including; Notre Dame University, the University of California at Irvine, and the University of Michigan. The program was intended to benefit students, not hinder them. By following these steps, the program can fulfill its purpose in assuring the safest, most reliable Internet connection on campus. Those who are still experiencing issues with Clean Access should call University Technical Support at (936) 261-2525, or visit S.R. Collins room 106.