Secure your Computer!

Running a computer that does not have the latest patches and/or is not running appropriate anti-virus software leaves it vulnerable to infection and may result in having it removed from the campus network. To avoid this situation, follow the appropriate steps below.

Students

To avoid being removed from the campus network, it's best to follow these three steps to secure your computer BEFORE you arrive on campus.

Step 1: Update your operating system

To assure a certain level of security on your computer, you should make sure that you are running all of the latest updates for your operating system. Follow the appropriate steps below:

Windows Vista

• Select Start > All Programs > Windows Update. You may need to RE-RUN the program to assure that you have loaded ALL available critical updates.

Windows XP

• Launch Internet Explorer and visit the Microsoft Update site. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your computer. You may need to RE-RUN the program to assure that you have loaded ALL available critical updates.

Mac OS X 10.4+

• Select Apple > Software Updates. The program automatically checks for and downloads any available updates.

Step 2: Windows XP ONLY-Run a Spyware Removal Program

Spware cleaners can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer as well as annoying popup windows. You can download any spyware program of your choice, but we recommend Spybot Search and Destroy. Follow steps included in the "Run and Update a Spyware Removal Program" section of the Securing Your Windows XP Computer document.

Step 3: Run Anti-Virus Software

Your computer MUST be running an anti-virus software package (e.g., Symantec Anti-Virus, McAfee) and the virus definition files must be CURRENT.

When you purchase a computer, the anti-virus software that may have been bundled with it is probably only a trial package with anti-virus file definitions that expire in three months. If this is the case, be sure to load an active anti-virus package and configure it for automatic updates.

Undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty and staff members can download Symantec Anti-virus from the Software Download web page at no charge.

Note: Campus licensing for this software is NOT afforded to special students (Pre-college, SAMS, CMAPS, etc.). They must purchase an anti-virus package on their own.

Faculty or Staff Members

If you are a faculty or staff member be sure to check with your Department Administrator or DSP consultant before making any changes to your computer. They can best help you to secure your computer. If you do not have a Department Administrator or DSP consultant, follow the steps on this web page to secure your computer.

Last Updated: 7/1/08