This is an important note about changes to Windows computers connecting to AirWes wireless network. Macintosh and Linux computers will not be impacted.
Up until last week, Windows computers connecting to the AirWes wireless network had been scanned for required operating system updates by our Clean Access system before they were permitted to connect to the network. Last week, we temporarily suspended these operating system checks.
Historically, we have centrally pushed Windows updates to faculty and staff computers running Windows. Due to problems with the distribution system, we have not been automatically pushing these updates. Not having the latest Windows updates was causing significant delays in connecting to the AirWes network, which prompted us to temporarily suspend operating system update requirements.
We are in the final stages of revamping the Windows update distribution system. In the coming weeks, users of Windows machines will be alerted that they will again begin automatically receiving Windows updates. Once the automated update distribution system is fully operational, our Clean Access system will again require that Windows machines have the latest critical operating system updates applied before allowing connections to AirWes.
In the meantime, we still recommend you keep your Windows computer up to date by visiting the Microsoft Update web site at
http://www.update.microsoft.com/
Please feel free to contact your desktop support staff member for more information.
Best,
James Taft
Wesleyan ITS