 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
My computer's slow!
- the CTA logon process explained
Since the Communal Information System (CIS) was introduced, access to most computers in the Force has been controlled by a system called Common Terminal Access (CTA). CTA provides security protection and a single point of access to all Force information and application systems. With the help of CTA's single "logon", users do not need to memorise a different password for each application system.
There have been, however, a number of complaints about CTA over the years, many of them relating to the time it takes to logon. Ivan Kam, Information Technology Branch Project Manager for CTA, said the logon process consisted of three steps: Firstly, the computer verified the user-ID and password; connected to the database and network server; and, checked that applications (e.g. CIS, PICS, AFM etc) were up to date. Unfortunately, all this is unseen by users who may think that nothing is happening!
Ivan said CTA verification of user-ID and passwords involved checking the user and terminal authority - that took about 15 seconds. Establishing a connection to the database and network server was normally completed in five seconds. The most time consuming part of the logon process was the software update, which was necessary so there were periodic updates of the operating system and the anti-virus signature files.
CTA checked that the versions of CIS, PICS and AFM, were up to date and, if not, downloaded the latest version.
"The time required for this process can vary from 30 seconds to 30 minutes as it depends on the size of the application," Ivan said.
"The average frequency of downloads is two applications per day, and these accumulate until CTA has been signed on. So, if a user does not sign on to CTA for more than a week, and a number of updates are released, the download process may take as much as an hour!"
If a machine does not seem to be responding, users can check whether a software update was in progress by holding down the ALT key and then pressing the TAB key simultaneously - this shows all active programmes. Ivan advised users needing further help to call ITB's Central Help Desk at 2860-3444.
Meanwhile, he said plans were being made to provide a better service and improve compatibility with the latest technology. The incorporation of "Portal" features into CTA was also being considered. These features would enhance accessibility, user friendliness and security, especially on web-based application systems. The personalisation of user functions and configurations would also become available to further smooth user operations based on individual workflow.
"This is quite a complicated step, which will take a little time, but we hope to have some good news for users by the end of the year," he said.