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Northern Illinois University

Everything Technology Handbook

Computing Tools

Computing tools, or utilities, are used to enhance and protect your use of the computing network at NIU. To access free tools, go to the “Student Utilities” page located at www.students.niu.edu/provisioning

If you do not have the NIU Security Certificate installed, you will see a “Security Alert” window prompting you to accept the NIU Security Certificate for the session. The security certificate will encrypt your information over the Internet. Select Yes to accept the security certificate. Visit go.et.niu.edu/certificate

Log on to the site using your Z-ID and eight-character Z-ID password. After successfully logging onto the utilities page, you are brought to the NIU Information Technology Services Acceptable Use Policy page. You must read and accept the Acceptable Use Policy by selecting Agree from the drop-down list (located at the bottom of the page) and selecting the Submit button.

Select the Proceed to available services button to continue to the “Available Utilities” page.

There are currently three utilities offered:

  • Activate My Personal Web Space – this utility activates your public web folder (www) in your home directory on the network drive
  • Look-up My Home Directory Location – will give the location (path) of your network home directory
  • View Available Downloads – free applications available to download for personal use
    • McAfeeTM antivirus (NIU version required to access the NIU network from the residence halls and Northern View Community)
    • Select Download button
    • “McAfee Products Student Users Acceptance Form” (license information, please read)
      • Select Agree from drop-down list
      • Select Submit button
    • Select Continue button
    • Select the Download button to the right of the version compatible with your operating system
    • Save the file to a directory of your choice
    • Run the install routine by opening the saved executable file

    NOTE: McAfee is set to automatically update virus definitions if you are continuously connected to the Internet. If you are not always connected to the Internet, you may right click on the “V” icon on your Taskbar and then select Update Now.

  • Other utilities will be added as needed