Internet Safety

Now that you’ve spent your annual income on your new laptop you are going to want to want to protect your investment. Here are some suggestions that will help you keep your computer free of spyware and viruses.

1. What is spyware?
   Spyware is, just as the name implies, software that spys on you. It is usually downloaded from “shady” websites; and once downloaded it monitors the activities of the computer user and transmits its findings back to said “shady” websites. Typical spyware monitors websites the you visit, however the more serious cases are when spyware is monitoring your passwords and even more sensitive information such as credit card numbers or social security numbers. Usually you can tell that you are infected because you have popups everytime you start your web browser, or because your computer has become extremely slow. Sometimes it’s only anti-spyware software that can alert you.
2. How can I avoid/minimize spyware?
   Spyware is everywhere, so completely avoiding it may not be possible. To avoid downloading spyware just use common sense. If a website is offering a cool program or screensaver for free then you can bet that most likely that “free” program comes loaded with spyware. Peer-to-peer file sharing is also something to avoid. Basically the rule of thumb is if something is free, and from a website you have never heard of, then you should be suspicious of it. Websites like www.apple.com or www.microsoft.com (any well known websites) are usually fine; they typically don’t bite the hand that feeds them. To find and delete spyware that you have already downloaded, and avoid getting more, you need anti-spyware software. There are lots of programs to choose from, we think Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy are the best free anti-spyware programs. In order for anti-spyware to work it needs to be kept up to date. Most anti-spyware programs will ask to install available updates almost every time they are used. Also, you need to run the program on a regular basis, about once a week. If you accidentally download some spyware, and you don’t run the anti-spyware program, then your computer will stay infected.
3. What is a firewall?
   A firewall is a program that monitors who or what is accessing your computer, and who or what your computer is accessing. Windows XP with the Service Pack 2 update has a built in firewall. You can check your firewall settings by clicking on the start button in the bottom left corner of your screen and selecting Control Panel. From Control Panel click on Windows Firewall. This will open a new window that will allow you to customize your firewall settings. Unless you know what you are doing, it is best to leave the settings in the default configuration, but make sure it is turned on. If you would like a more robust firewall then you might try ZoneAlarm. ZoneAlarm is free, however it does takes some getting used to.
4. Viruses, Worms and Trojan Horses
   If you would like detailed descriptions on their differences and similarities check out this website. What is important to know is that a good anti-virus program will help you avoid getting infected with any of them. AVG Anti-virus is one of the more popular free anti-virus programs. McAfee anti-virus is a “free” download for University of Utah students. Getting the CDs will cost you extra. You only need one anti-virus program installed on your computer at a time. Be warned, installing more than one might actually do more damage to your computer than getting a virus. Anti-virus programs, like anti-spyware programs, need to be periodically updated.
5. I heard Microsoft Windows was perfect, why should I install Windows Updates
   Contrary to popular belief, Windows is not an invulnerable software fortress. Updates not only help immunize your computer from viruses, worms, and trojan horses, they also get rid of bugs and vulnerabilities before they become security problems. To make sure your Windows Automatic Update is enabled, click on the start button in the bottom left corner of the screen. From there click on Control Panel, and then click on Security Center. A new window should pop up with all the Windows Security features. If Automatic Updates has a red button next to it then click on the red button, and then click the ‘turn on Automatic Updates’ button and close that window.

Good Luck.