Application Support | Networking

Protecting Your Computer

All computer users should do some regular maintenance to protect their computers from viruses and other malicious code. By doing so you are not only protecting your computer but also protecting your privacy since viruses spread from one infected computer to another.

What is a virus...a program, a piece of executable code, that has the unique ability to replicate. Like biological viruses, computer viruses can spread quickly and are often difficult to eradicate.

While there is no entirely foolproof method of protecting your computer, there are several steps you can take to protect your computer from viruses and hackers. Most of these steps apply to both Mac and PC users.

• Keep up with operating system updates!
  Keep your Computer Updates current. We can help with that. Many of the updates that Microsoft puts out are for security and plug holes that virus writers exploit.

• Be cautious opening emails.
  ESPECIALLY ATTACHMENTS, that look in any way suspicious or “not quite right” to you.
  One clue that an attachment is not legitimate is if it has two file extensions; for example, .jpg.exe, .doc.com, or .mov.pif

• Never open attachments from strangers
  Microsoft and Norton AntiVirus NEVER send software updates to users via email, so if you receive what looks like an update via email from them, it's not legitimate.
  Be cautious about visiting unfamiliar websites (especially if they are linked to in a suspicious-looking email).