ProctorU...hell in a handbasket Part 1

[ajs1976]

If you had privacy concerns and do not have access to a 2nd computer, it would help a little.

[Westerner]

Wow, interesting stuff here. I took several TESC course Midterms and Finals through ProctorU and never had a problem, but I can see the possibilities for abuse. My sisters have to take at least 8 TECEPs each, and now I'm looking more cautiously on ProctorU. I will definitely look over the security suggestions in this thread, so thanks all!

[cypster]

I'm not a computer expert, but would creating a separate log-in with limited access for your machine help at all in this situation? You could log in with the "guest" account, so at least none of your sensitive files are accessible without your prior approval.

Thoughts?

Hi there Tedium. Thanks a million for taking the time to share an idea. I am not sure that a second user account would resolve this issue. The ability to directly connect to unspecified hard drives and the ability to adjust application settings to have it run at startup and the ability to alter the application so that it did not install into the Control Panel and was thus unable to be easily removed, all of these reasons suggest that a different user account would probably not have resolved the issues this time.

[lavagirl]

Cypster, I think that your XP machine will work just fine. Actually, before buying a new notebook, I used for ProctorU a really old Acer notebook with XP (in order not to let ProctorU on my main computer).It worked fine, but the old notebook didn't have much memory and became unusably slow when I opened ebook pdf files that I was going to use on a Straighterline test. That is why I decided to buy new notebook. Also I want to note, that I use cable (not Wi-Fi) during the test. In case of suspicious activities - you can always "pull the plug" (cable ). So, set up your window XP machine and use ProctorU.

[bricabrac]

I'm not a computer expert, but would creating a separate log-in with limited access for your machine help at all in this situation? You could log in with the "guest" account, so at least none of your sensitive files are accessible without your prior approval.

Thoughts?

Hi there Tedium. Thanks a million for taking the time to share an idea. I am not sure that a second user account would resolve this issue. The ability to directly connect to unspecified hard drives and the ability to adjust application settings to have it run at startup and the ability to alter the application so that it did not install into the Control Panel and was thus unable to be easily removed, all of these reasons suggest that a different user account would probably not have resolved the issues this time.

Tedlum, Cypster,

I'm thinking if you are on Win7, you might run a virtual machine and possibly dedicate a portable drive to that machine. That may alleviate any issues, but what a PIA. As Cypster advised, once you've completed your exam, check all files and folders, run your security programs, remove the portable drive then sign off.

If anyone attempts to drop a file on your hard drive it would now be on the portable drive, which is basically a throwaway, and you are making it much harder for someone on a time clock to burrow into your computer. Of course this is only theory, you would have to test it to see if it would work.

Personally, I would first investigate the offsite proctoring service provider. If too far from me, I would use a dedicated computer, and use my phone (or another mobile IP) for internet access. I would also boot from a second portable drive when getting ready to test. Bottom line, I could never give a company such as this access to my main computers.

[cypster]

Cypster, I think that your XP machine will work just fine. Actually, before buying a new notebook, I used for ProctorU a really old Acer notebook with XP (in order not to let ProctorU on my main computer).It worked fine, but the old notebook didn't have much memory and became unusably slow when I opened ebook pdf files that I was going to use on a Straighterline test. That is why I decided to buy new notebook. Also I want to note, that I use cable (not Wi-Fi) during the test. In case of suspicious activities - you can always "pull the plug" (cable ). So, set up your window XP machine and use ProctorU.

I am absolutely loving this forum again! It is very reassuring to hear that my XP box could possibly work out lavagirl! I will definitely be using a hardwire instead of wifi for the exam as well. All of these are great tips. Thanks again!

[cypster]

Tedlum, Cypster,

I'm thinking if you are on Win7, you might run a virtual machine and possibly dedicate a portable drive to that machine. That may alleviate any issues, but what a PIA. As Cypster advised, once you've completed your exam, check all files and folders, run your security programs, remove the portable drive then sign off.

If anyone attempts to drop a file on your hard drive it would now be on the portable drive, which is basically a throwaway, and you are making it much harder for someone on a time clock to burrow into your computer. Of course this is only theory, you would have to test it to see if it would work.

Personally, I would first investigate the offsite proctoring service provider. If too far from me, I would use a dedicated computer, and use my phone (or another mobile IP) for internet access. I would also boot from a second portable drive when getting ready to test. Bottom line, I could never give a company such as this access to my main computers.

Absolutely Bricabrac! Offsite is what I intend to aim for first if it does not work out for whatever reason then I will go with a dedicated computer. Wish I had Windows 7 for it but XP with a temporary SL password and lots of antivirus will have to do for now I suppose. I would try the virtualbox flavor of virtual machines but I have not had much luck with networking in most of the virtual boxes I have tried to run in the past...

[bricabrac]

I prefer XP over Win7. I think the system was more user friendly but that's how MS makes money. The days of unlimited use of one disc are long gone. Everyone is treated as a licensing business partner now. Each OS has become much harder for the avg consumer to understand, much less manipulate user commands, filing systems, etc. Which in turn made it easier for those who do know, to take advantage. I still have to recall under what menu the device manager is located. Taskbar shortcut buttons are at a premium on my machine. Win7 has a few perks (length of file names my fav) but most are overrated. I have my copy of XP and all the software that works beautifully with it on a separate computer. I don't use it as much but I feel good knowing it's there.

OK, officially off my soapbox now.

[UptonSinclair]

I guess I am one of the rare computer types that just isn't that concerned about privacy issues. I have never given ProctorU a second thought. It is in their best interest to police themselves. I can reinstall my OS in a couple of hours. I watch my financial accounts several times a day. And frankly, my life just isn't very interesting. Anyone trying to spy on my activities would get pretty bored. The risk versus reward just isn't there for me to get very concerned. I think people get far too worried about modern privacy issues. Unless one avoids wifi and cell phones, there are far greater privacy risks than ProctorU.

[SteveFoerster]

I guess I am one of the rare computer types that just isn't that concerned about privacy issues. I have never given ProctorU a second thought. It is in their best interest to police themselves. I can reinstall my OS in a couple of hours. I watch my financial accounts several times a day. And frankly, my life just isn't very interesting. Anyone trying to spy on my activities would get pretty bored. The risk versus reward just isn't there for me to get very concerned. I think people get far too worried about modern privacy issues. Unless one avoids wifi and cell phones, there are far greater privacy risks than ProctorU.

Don't worry, Citizen, after all, if you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear from surveillance....