|
AntiVirus Software Download Spyware Safe Computing Tips To decrease your risks of being exposed to computer viruses and the damage they may inflict: 1. BACK UP THE HARD DRIVE REGULARLY: Backing up files will not prevent exposure or damage from a virus but it can minimize the consequences. For example, a back up can be used to recover damaged or lost files.Also, back up can be used to get a computer up and running again quickly. 2. KEEP YOUR COMPUTER UPDATED: Keep your computer up to date by installing the latest critical and security patches from http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. If you have Windows XP Operating System on your computer, make sure that your Windows Firewall is enabled. 3. INSTALL ANTI VIRUS SOFTWARE: Make sure that you have antivirus software installed and that it is up to date. If you do not have anti virus software, click here or visit Computer Services (located in May Hall, Room 12) and we will help you in obtaining your FREE copy. 4. USE GOOD PASSWORDS: Use Good Passwords. Do NOT allow a password to be blank or empty. Do not use words that could be looked up in a dictionary or are simple. Use Characters, Digits, Mixed Case etc. Your Password should be at least 6 characters long. Change your password on a regular basis. Also, remove or disable all Guest and other accounts that you do not need. 5. SCAN EVERY FILE DOWNLOADED FROM THE INTERNET BEFORE USING OR OPENING IT: Another way computers are infected is from files downloaded from the internet. If you scan every file every time immediately after it is downloaded, the risk of being infected is greatly reduced. If a virus is found on a file you should rescan that file until a complete scan runs and finds no viruses. 6. BE WARY OF PUTTING YOUR DISK INTO OTHER COMPUTERS. If you use other computers such as a colleague’s computer, these computers may not be protected. Make sure you scan any disk that has been in another computer as soon as you insert it into your computer. 7. SCAN YOUR HARD DISK REGULARLY FOR VIRUSES. Even if you follow the steps above, you should scan your entire hard drive on a regular basis for viruses that may have slipped through.
|