TECH spyware raid: the PEA matrix

On May 1, 2005, the Phillips Exeter Academy Information Technology Services Department (ITS), in conjunction with Student TECHs (Technical Ethernet Crisis Helpers), held its first TECH spyware raid.The theme of the spyware raid was centered on a short film the TECHs wrote and produced, a parody of the popular Matrix trilogy called The PEA Matrix. In The PEA Matrix, student TECHs fight the evil agents of spyware.The screening of the film of was preceded by a media campaign building up to the actual spyware raid event. An attention-grabbing URL on the campus mail page instructed readers to "Follow the White Rabbit." The White Rabbit web page had information on how students could participate in the event.The day of the raid, students dropped off their computers. While they enjoyed refreshments and movies, TECHs and ITS staff members cleaned off adware and spyware and also updated anti-virus software, all in an effort to improve the performance of the PEA ResNet.The event was a great success! The school newspaper wrote an article about The PEA Matrix and gave the event a positive review. Great PR for ITS for a change! ITS plans on holding similar events next fall and spring terms.