Comm myths debunked

Published June 14, 2012
By Stefan Bocchino
377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- Some users have misconceptions regarding how problems with a computer system or other communication devices are resolved by the communications division at Kirtland Air Force Base.

"One of the biggest misconceptions is about Information Assurance training," said Tony Canales, communications division operations flight chief. "The training is not automatically updated, like many people think. There has to be an internal process within each organization to get training updates to the Kirtland C4 Enterprise Service Desk (help desk). The help desk updates the training in the system, ensuring that users don't get locked out of their computers. The training is good for one year."

Another common problem, according to Canales, is storage space both for email and other files on the network.

"The standard mailbox size is 100 megabytes," said Canales. "If someone sends an attachment that is 10 megabytes, it eats up a lot of space. A good way to avoid this is to have your client support technician set up a Personal Storage Table file to keep your mail in. Federal Desktop Core Configuration PSTs can be up to 50 gigabytes with Office 2010."

There are also rules governing what can be plugged into a computer or what discs are allowed on a computer.

"People are not allowed to plug personal equipment, such as cell phones, memory sticks or other devices, into a computer," said Canales. "They also can't use personal CDs or DVDs. Doing so can result in adverse action against the person. All hardware plugged into the computer must be approved by the communication division."

Another problem occurs when people go on leave or deploy.

"Users must log onto a computer at least once every 30 days," said Canales. "The machine stays on the network as long as it is powered on, connected to the local area network, and receives the pertinent updates. If the user is gone, then someone from the unit must log into the computer to keep it active."

The normal lifecycle replacement of computer equipment was every three years previously. Smaller budgets have changed that.

"The program was previously managed by the major commands," said Canales. "Due to smaller budgets, now the premise is that equipment won't be replaced until it breaks. That is now the standard."

Users are reminded to practice sound security measures every day. However, higher headquarters' inspections are times users should be especially vigilant when using their computers.

"As always, users should make sure they follow all operations security, computer security and other security procedures," said Canales. "Make sure all CDs are marked with the appropriate security classification. Know what you need to do in case of emergency if you are challenged by an inspector. Use your Network Incident Reporting Aid."

Recently, a new automatic phone system was installed at Kirtland Air Force Base. Some bugs in the system are being worked on.

"We have sent a copy of our database to the vendor," said Brian Koch, 377th Communication Division mission systems lead. "They are now working on a way to fix it so that it works correctly each time."

To keep the phone system updated, the division sends out data calls regularly.

"If people don't respond to data calls when we request them, the system can't be updated," said Koch. "There have been some technical issues with the system, but it has worked well at other bases. As with any new system, there are bugs that need to be worked out. Once they are fixed, it should run flawlessly."

For more information, contact your computer support technician or call the help desk at 846-5927.