This document is primarily focused on users who are using Windows Operating System (and some sections are specific to Windows XP users); however, the last two sections (Hoaxes, Scams and Phishing and Password Protection) are important to ALL users, Windows and Mac.
- Stay Up to Date (Windows)
- Virus Awareness (Windows)
- Beware of Spyware (Windows)
- Hoaxes, Scams and Phishing (Windows, Mac)
- Password Protection (Windows, Mac)
Stay Up to Date (Windows)
The best protection from computing problems is to make sure that your Operating system is properly patched and that your virus scanner is up to date.
Windows Update (Windows XP ONLY)—Scheduling Windows Update- Choose Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel.
- Click Automatic Updates.
- Click Notify me but don’t automatically download or install them.
- Click OK.
- The Windows Globe will show up in the System Tray, click the globe.
- A window will open to show the available updates. If you get the option
for Express or Custom install, choose Custom. This will allow you to
see and select all the updates available. Install them as soon as
possible.
NOTE FOR FACULTY AND STAFF: Do not install Service Pack 2!! Service Pack 2 will be incorporated into later images, but it can cause problems if installed after a UIndy machine is set up.
- Install ALL other CRITICAL updates!
- If you are notified (via popup box) about the GDI+ Detection Tool, Click No at the first box and OK at the next box.
- If you are asked to install Service Pack 1, start it before you leave for the day, it takes a very long time to install.
McAfee (4.5, 7.0 and 8.0)
| Making sure McAfee is up to date |
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| On Demand Update |
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| Scheduling Auto Update (from Virus Scan Help File) |
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Virus Awareness (Windows)
Viruses can be transmitted from machine to machine in many different ways. Over the years the tactics have changed and virus creators goals have evolved from “what would happen if?” to using viruses to harvest information that can be sold. Knowing the tactics used by virus writers and remaining wary can keep you safe.
PCWorld Article: "Think Before You Click"
McAfee Newly Discovered Threats List
Beware of Spyware (Windows)
Free programs often come with hidden costs. These programs, no matter what their function, are the number one source of annoying popups, browser malfunction and computer sluggishness.
- Want to know if the software you are thinking about installing is going
to cause problems? You can use software rating sites to see if others
have had problems.
SnapFiles software ratings list
Google (yes you can find a lot of info this way)
NOTE: Most Peer to Peer file sharing services (Kazaa, LimeWire, Grokster and the like) will install Spyware or Adware on your computer. - How to clean? Get a spyware cleaner… We are currently working to get a
license for a standardized Spyware removal product. In the mean time we recommend:
Ad Aware
Spybot: Search and Destroy - Be aware that some cleaners are NOT LEGITIMATE. Stay away from anything on this list. They are BAD NEWS.
Hoaxes, Scams, and Phishing (Windows, Mac)
All computer users should be aware of e-mails that sound too good to be true, try to scare you or ask too many questions. If you are not sure if an e-mail you receive is real or not you can check the following references.
McAfee Virus Information Library
McAfee Hoax List
McAfee Newly Discovered Threats List (Includes, scams and Hoaxes)
Anti-Phishing Working Group (Report Phishing, sponsored by major corporations)
Remember that you should always hand type in any addresses to web sites you are requested to go to, especially if financial information is involved. And if you know you don’t do business with the company in question, trash the e-mail. Don’t be afraid to call your financial institutions if you have questions.
Password Protection (Windows, Mac)
Would you share your toothbrush? Then why would you share your password? Sharing your password, writing your password down or choosing a “weak” password leave you vulnerable to identity theft, data theft, and having your computer hijacked. You should create strong passwords wherever possible, and never write them down or share them.
Strong Passwords
- At least eight characters in length
- Include at least one character from each of the following three character groups:
- Upper case alphabetic characters (A-Z)
- Lower case alphabetic characters (a-z)
- Numbers and symbols ( 0-9~´!@#$%^&*()_-+={}[]|\:;"<>',.?/ )
- Passwords may not include blank spaces or control characters, such as return, tab, etc.
- Embed at least one number or symbol within the password rather than adding it to the beginning or end of an otherwise alphabetic string.
- Do not make your password a dictionary word or common name with numbers and symbols merely substituting for similar looking alphabetic characters (e.g., "P@ssw0rd").
- Remember to change your password regularly. This practice limits the amount of time that someone has to guess your password and the amount of time that your password can be used if it is discovered.
A simple way to create a strong but easy-to-remember password is to take a phrase that means something to you and relate each word of the phrase to a corresponding letter, number or symbol. For example, the phrase "UIndy Greyhounds are number 1 in my book" could become the password ugA#1imB
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above password has only been shared as a technique for crafting a strong but easy to remember password. You should NOT use ugA#1imB as your own password nor should you use any sample password shared in any other password guide. Prospective intruders often review password guides when compiling their lists of passwords to try.