What am I allowed to access when quarantined?
Remediation services like anti-virus / anti-spyware software, and internet sites such as Microsoft Windows Update Services, along with essential FSU resources. These include the Frostburg State University website, PAWS, Blackboard, etc.
Can I download operating system software security updates while quarantined by Impulse?
Yes. Any Windows Updates your system needs can be downloaded and installed while you are in quarantine mode. The same applies to virus definitions from most of the major anti-virus providers and to anti-spyware updates from Microsoft, SpyBot and Ad-Aware.
When I run Windows Update Services, I get a message stating that the product key
used to install windows is invalid. Why?
Windows Update will fail if your Windows Operating System is not properly licensed. You must have a legal copy of the operating system to connect to the university network. Please contact Microsoft or your PC manufacturer with questions.
Do I have to use the Impulse Policy Key?
Yes. All Microsoft Windows PCs are required to use the Impulse Policy Key to ensure a safe computing environment for all and it is required for network access.
What happens if I uninstall the Impulse Policy Key?
You can uninstall Impulse Policy Key at any time; however within minutes you will then be unable to access the internet. You will be required to reinstall the Policy Key as if you are a new user to gain internet access to anything but essential FSU resources.
Is the Impulse Policy Key compatible with my system?
Yes. The Impulse Policy Key is compatible with and required for Windows Systems. At the present time, Macintosh, Linux, and FreeBSD machines are not required to install the Policy Key.
I have an older gaming console that does not have a web browser. How will I connect to the internet?
You may enter your FSU credentials on any game console with a web browser in order to connect to the internet (you will be automatically redirected the first time you connect). If you have an older game console without a web browser, please contact the FSU help desk at (301)687-7777 for assistance.
What does the Impulse Policy Key actually do?
The Impulse Policy Key continuously validates that your system has the minimum security software running and up-to-date as per the FSU's acceptable use policy.
What software is required?
To be granted internet access, you are required to have Windows Automatic Updates running. You must also have anti-virus and anti-spyware software installed and running with the most current definitions available. You are also prohibited from using P2P file sharing applications to download copyrighted materials.
What are the benefits?
The Impulse Policy Key is part of Frostburg State University’s effort to help you keep your computers as free as possible from viruses, spyware, and operating system security holes. Machines protected in this way generally perform much better and require much less downtime due to damage caused by malicious software.
Also, the Impulse Policy Key can help to ensure that the average user has the fastest possible browsing experience while connected to the FSU network. It does this by:
- Ensuring that communication from malicious software does not flood FSU's internet connection, resulting in much slower connections for legitimate users.
- Restricting the P2P filesharing of copyrighted materials that could cause lawsuits to be brought against you from the recording industry, and also which would otherwise consume an unfairly large share of FSU's bandwidth, again resulting in a slower connection for the majority of users.
What if my system is not up-to-date?
If your system has been determined not to be up-to-date, your computer will be "quarantined." While quarantined, you will still have access to academic resources such as the www.frostburg.edu website, PAWS, and Blackboard, as well as to update servers for your operating system, anti-spyware and anti-virus software.
What about my privacy?
Your privacy is important to us. The Impulse Policy Key scans only for Windows update services compliance, anti-virus and anti-spyware status and certain P2P file sharing applications. No user data is collected or stored.