Make Sure You Are Protected!

Antivirus software is only part of the cure. Every day more and more computer viruses, worms, and other malware threats are created. In order to avoid getting infected you need to do all of the following things:

Windows Update

It is a fact that there are security holes in the Windows operating system. As these holes are discovered Microsoft fixes them. These fixes, also known as "patches" or "critical updates", are posted on the Microsoft website. It is very important to keep Windows updated on your PC because this plugs the holes that viruses and worms use to into your computer. We urge all users to apply the most recent Windows updates to their computers and to continue applying them on a regular basis (at least weekly).

You may use one of the following approaches to access Windows Updates:

• From the Desktop click "Start", and if a "Windows Update" icon is available, click on that.
• Start Internet Explorer, select "Tools" and then "Windows Update"
• Go to the web site: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Once at that site, you will find additional instructions. Select the "Scan for Updates" option. You should install any items defined as "critical updates" immediately. Other updates may be regarded as "optional", and applied if they seem appropriate to your system. In general, we recommend that you apply driver updates only if you are experienceing related problems.

Antivirus Software

All computers should have some sort of antivirus software that is regularly updated with the latest virus definition files. The University of South Alabama Computer Services Center provides AV software for all computers in the university network. This is free to the department and individual. To obtain AV software for your PC please follow this link.

Smart Computing

Computer users should be aware that there are malicious programs out there and act accordingly. Academic Computing encourages all users and administrators to adhere to the following security procedures:

• Do not open email attachments unless you are expecting them, know their purpose, and have positivly identified the sender. (See the section "I recognize the sender...")

• Do not execute software that is downloaded from the Internet unless it is from a reputable site, you know it will serve an appropriate purpose, and it has been scanned for viruses. Simply visiting a compromised website can cause infection if certain browser vulnerabilities are not patched.