Secure outbound e-mail at MIT
MIT has been working to stop the misuse by spammers of its outgoing e-mail server, which routes messages to other mail servers on the Internet. MIT's "outgoing.mit.edu" server has been modified to take advantage of secure SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). SMTP authentication helps to ensure that mail is sent only by authorized users. Adopting secure SMTP helps to allay concerns of Internet service providers (ISPs) who may block mail when they find that outgoing mail servers are being used as spam relays.
Information Services and Technology (IS&T) encourages all MIT community members to configure their e-mail software settings for secure SMTP authentication. For instructions on how to securely authenticate your outbound e-mail at MIT, go to http://web.mit.edu/is/topics/email/smtpauth.
Web site offers one-stop guide to teaching with technology
The new Teaching with Technology web site (http://web.mit.edu/teachtech) is a collaborative effort among groups offering educational technology services to the MIT teaching community. The portal, developed by IS&T Academic Computing, covers everything from course management tools to multimedia to software and web services, spelling out where to go for resources, support and training.
The Educational Technology Partners group shares information and collaborates on projects such as the TeachTech web site. Anyone interested in finding out more about the group may e-mail to ed-tech@mit.edu.
Improved GovConnection ECAT catalog now available
The Procurement Department and IS&T have launched an improved GovConnection ECAT catalog for ordering computer systems, software and supplies. This catalog contains many enhancements requested by the MIT community, including faster and easier navigation and searching, improved order tracking, reference to manufacturers' part numbers, and side-by-side product comparisons
To connect to the GovConnection catalog, start at the ECAT page at http://web.mit.edu/ecat. For information about new features and tips for using the catalog, go to http://web.mit.edu/ecat/govconnection/tips.html. Contact Mary Bacci at mamato@mit.edu or 253-5499 with feedback about the catalog. For technical assistance, e-mail business-help@mit.edu or call 252-1177.
High-performance computing
The Computationally Intensive Computing (CIC) team was formed to identify ways to support faculty and research staff doing high-performance computing. Its recommendations address CIC services in communications, education, research and infrastructure support. IS&T has established the CIC Community of Practice web site at http://stellar.mit.edu/S/project/computationallyinten, open to anyone with an MIT network account and certificate. If you have ideas about the CIC initiative, contact Phil Long at longpd@mit.edu or Pat Dreher at dreher@mit.edu.
Digitalk is compiled by Information Services and Technology.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on March 17, 2004.
