FAQ
In order to maximize our ability to deal with large call volumes, we ask that you please check these pages before contacting HIT with a service request or question. These resources contain answers to many commonly asked questions.
System RecommendationsServicesSecurityFrequently asked questions regarding the current merger of Information Systems.
Frequently asked questions regarding Service Requests.
Frequently asked questions regarding technical and computer hardware/software issues.
Frequently asked questions regarding viruses, spyware, trojans, and other malware.
Information regarding NetID, email, and setting up dialup internet service.
Information regarding computer training.Information regarding HIT Usage Policies.
SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS
Desktops & Laptops
HIT is currently ordering systems from the Dell product line. Click here for our latest recommendations.
Handhelds
Current generations of both Palm-based and Pocket PC-based PDA's are all very capable. We suggest you do some research to determine which model best suits your specific needs. Some useful sites are:
InfoPoems - Information on Inforetriever
HandheldMed - Easy Reader and Medical Book downloads
ZDNet - PDA reviews at ZDNet
Comsumer Reports - Reliable comparisons
SERVICES
Do you provide web design services?
Yes, as well as other graphic design services. Please click here for more information.
SECURITY
I forgot my password. Can you tell me what it is? We cannot give out passwords to anyone. We can reset your password if you provide us with your 4-digit authentication pin. Otherwise, you will need to stop into our office or have your departmental supervisor call us.
Do you have any suggestions for what makes a good password?
We suggest a minimum of 8 characters, mixed case, with at least one number or symbol. More information can be found here.
Is it ok to write down my password if I keep it hidden?
We understand that most people have multiple usernames and passwords which make it very hard to remember each one. If you do write a password down, please keep it in a locked drawer that has limited access.
I have a new employee starting. How do I get them access to the network and email?
In order to create a new network account we need a departmental supervisor to fill out a User Account Request Form and send it to us with at least 48 hours notice.
Do I have to change my password?
HIT requires a periodic change of password every 365 days with four historical passwords maintained. This means you have to use a new password five times before you can begin to reuse old passwords.
Is it OK to let a new employee temporarily use my password until you can activate their account?
NO. It is never OK to allow another employee use of your password or access to your account. You may be held responsible for any wrongdoing in that situation.
I just had to let an employee go. Do I need to let someone know?
Yes, please inform HIT of the change in the employee's status by filling out the User Account Termination Form.
When can I get copies of my old employee's files?
A formal request must be made in order to retrieve business related of former-employee files. We require at least 72 hours of notice to complete this request. All non-business related former-employee files to be retrieved must have the written approval of the Vice-Provost of Libraries, Computing and Technology.
One of my employees is gone on maternity leave. Can you give me her password to get files she was working on?
NO. We cannot give passwords or access to any user accounts. We can however, provide access to the files if proper notice is given. Access to passwords and user accounts will only be granted with specific written permission from the user.
Is my email secure?
There are many layers to security and email. If you transmit an email message to another user outside the HIT system (Yahoo.com, Hotmail.com, Pilot.msu.edu, etc) then your email message is not secure and is susceptible to theft. Never transmit sensitive or patient information in an email.
I understand that your servers are all behind a firewall, but what is being done to secure our workstations?
Currently HIT is in the process of making sure that every workstation receives virus protection and operating system security patches. If you feel that more security is needed, we can provide a personal firewall for your machine at a low cost.
Can I download software to try out on my computer?
No, unless your supervisor submits a request for Special Exemption.
Do I have to log off my computer every time I step a way from my computer for a few minutes?
You are not required to log off of your workstation every time you step away, but we do require using a screen saver password or the Ctrl+Alt+Del feature to lock your workstation when it's not in use. In addition, your workstation will automatically lock when you do not use it for 45 minutes.
I bought some legally licensed software for my computer at home. Can I install it on my work computer?
Yes, all legally licensed software can be loaded; however, we have a limited amount of software that we support.
We use a lot of student help in my area. Can we share a generic user account?
No. We require an individual logon account for all network resources. Some exceptions will be made for existing EMR setups.
Can I save work data on my local computer so I can work on it later?
Yes. But if you choose to save data on your local computer, you are doing so at your own risk. HIT cannot guarantee the safety of data stored in this manner. If the data is patient-related, you are also bound to HIPAA storage regulations.
Is there any restriction for loading or synching data on my laptop or PDA?
HIT cannot be held responsible for the manner in which you choose to store your data. If the data is patient related you are bound to HIPAA data storage regulations.
If I know someone is sharing passwords, downloading software, or otherwise breaking the rules, is there a confidential way I can report it?
Please report all suspected situations to your supervisor.
How do I give someone on my staff permission to get to one of our restricted shared drives?
Permission for any network resource must come from a departmental supervisor.
How can I get more information on HealthTeam security policies and procedures?
You can find the complete listing of HIT policies here.
Can hackers see my data on the wireless network in the clinic?
The HIT Wireless Communications policy specifically states that all wireless devices must have our software VPN client. This will ensure data security from the device to the servers.
Is all data on the MSU HT campus network encrypted to some extent?
No. Currently the only data that is encrypted is the data that flows across the wireless network.
I use my computer at home to access information on the HT network. Do I need any special software on my PC?
If you are reviewing or transmitting patient data then you are subject to the HIPAA data security law, which states "All patient data being transmitted must be encrypted".
Can I bring my home computer or laptop in and hook it up to use at work?
Yes, but you will be able to access only the Internet and any local drives. All shared drives will be inaccessible and we will not provide support for it.
How long do you keep old network accounts and email accounts active after a person leaves the HealthTeam?
Once we are informed of an employee's termination, the account is disabled immediately, and 30 days for email accounts. If business data is needed from the account, a departmental supervisor can submit a request to have it transferred to another location.
Do you track who accesses my departments shared drives?
We keep records of every user with access to a shared resource. However, we do not track access of individual files within the share.
