Frequently Asked Questions
Information Systems - Vendor Questions
How can a vendor get on the Computer/IS/IT bid list?
Call the Purchasing Department at 315-448-8444 and they will accommodate you.
Information Systems - Citizen Questions
Where does the City have wireless / WiFi connectivity?
The City has wireless / WiFi for public use at the Airport, Clinton Square, Hanover Square, City Hall Commons Atrium, and various spots within City Hall.
The Central Library in the Galleries and other library branches in Syracuse also have wireless internet available. For a list of City Branch Libraries, please click here.
Information Systems - Employee Questions
What computer terms should I know?
Ethernet is the type of cable used to connect computers into a LAN. LAN is a local area network typically ethernet wiring within a single building. WAN is a wide area network - it connects multiple LANs together. MAN is Metropolitan Area Network connects multiple companies / agencies WANs together. MetroNet is the name of the project to create a MAN for the Syracuse area’s non-profit agencies. TCP/IP is Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol which is the communications language of the Internet.
What software is supported by IS?
Windows XP operating systems are supported, but not Unix, Linux, Mac, etc. For applications - the Office 2003 and 2007 Professional suites are supported, and NOT Corel Word Perfect, Open Office, Star Office, etc. For AS/400 connectivity, IBM’s Client Access program since we have a site license and Rumba 5250 or Mochasoft 5250 where needed.
What programs are in the Office Professional suite?
Word for word processing. Excel for spreadsheets. Access for databases. Outlook for email, calendars, contact information, and tasks for simple to do lists. Powerpoint for presentation graphics.
What is the City’s Acceptable Use Policy for Internet use?
Internet use is one of many areas covered by a written policy that is distributed to everyone. If you need a copy, then internally http://Sharepoint/InfoSys and then go to Shared Documents.
What password policy is there?
Currently there is no written policy. The City’s AS/400 requires it to be changed every 180 days and ACS every 60 days. The City-Domain requires a strong password (which must have a character from upper case, lower case, and numbers or special characters).
How can I logon once to both the Network and Windows?
Go to the Control panel, click on Passwords, and then change your Windows password to be the same as your Network password.
How can I know who has email and what their address is?
With mail at ci.syracuse.ny.us, if a person is listed in the global address book in Outlook, then they more than likely have a mailbox. However, do NOT assume that because they have a mailbox, that they access it regularly.
Can I check my email from home? If so, how?
Yes you can. Most users should go to: https://mail.ci.syracuse.ny.us/owa unless your mailbox is still on the old server If that is the case then you should go to: http://email.ci.syracuse.ny.us/exchange . At the “Enter Network Password” prompt or sign on screen, enter the following: User Name: City-Domain\UserID and Password: (which is case sensitive)
Can / does IS read people’s email?
Yes / No!
Who do I call for help?
For AS/400 specific assistance, you can call 448-8257. For all other help, call the main number 448-8260, and you will be directed to the appropriate person. You should always get someone at this number during business hours because other staff will pickup on it since it is the help desk.
How to get email at someone else's PC
Using Internet Explorer (IE). See the instructions above for checking email from home.
Is my data backed up and how often?
If your data is on a network drive (H or S), then it is backed up every weeknight onto tape. If data is on your hard drive (C), then it is your responsibilty to back it up.
Is there is size limit to an individual e-mail?
Yes, the system-wide default is 20 MB. However, where necessary, we can override for an individual. Note: that the size is determined by the total size of the email, including attachments.
How can I get my docs on H or S drive at home?
Call the Help Desk at 448-8260 and IS will email you the VPN documentation. After establishing a VPN connection, then you must logon to the terminal server as stated in the documentation.
How can I access the AS400 from home?
Call the Help Desk at 448-8260 and IS will email you the VPN documentation. After establishing a VPN connection, the the documentation explain how to logon to the terminal server and use IBM's Client Access program to connect to the AS400.
What are some user responsibilities?
Users are responsible for their own supplies and training. And they are responsible for getting their own support for non-standard software. And don't forget to backup your data if using your local hard drive. Remember that only the network drives (H and S) are backed up by IS every night.
What is the URL of the GIS web site?
The City's main web site has links at several different places, but in the event that it is down you may go there directly at http://www.maphost.com/syracuse-onondaga
What virus protection does the City have / use?
We use Trend Micro for everyone, except Police, and Airport. It is server based - meaning that our server pushes out updates to users when they logon to the network. THEREFORE, PCs SHOULD BE RE-BOOTED EVERYDAY IN ORDER TO RE-LOGON.
Is my Windows operating system up-to-date?
Probably not, unless you have manually done so! With Windows XP it is possible to configure it for automatic updates, but that is NOT the default setting - you must change it to do so.
Why are .zip email attachment files being dropped by the firewall?
A common way for viruses to get into a network is as a email file attachment with a .zip extension. Therefore we purposely drop those types of files (along with .exe . bat and .com). Contact the sender and have them re-send it in it's original uncompressed (unzipped) format.