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VIRUSES - You must keep up to date anti-virus software on your computer at all times to protect your computer and your data. The virus definition files must be kept up to date and a full system scan needs to be done on your computer at least once per week. We can not stress this point enough. We have seen the data on many, many computers completely lost due to out of date anti-virus software. Penn students are entitled to a free copy of Symantec Corporate Anti-Virus from Penn. Just request a copy of the Penn Connect CD from Phillynet Customer Service, Penn First Call or from the Bookstore. |
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| SPYWARE - Spyware is by far the number one cause of computer/internet problems today. It has become such a large problem that many states are enacting legislation to try to eliminate it. Legislation will not protect your computer however. It is imperative that internet users install spyware removal tools on their computers (we recommend Ad-Aware SE Personal which is available for free from www.lavasoftusa.com). It needs to be kept up to date with the latest definitions (much the same as anti-virus software) and should be run at least once per week. Fully 90% of the reported connection problems have turned out to be spyware issues. For a step by step guide on how to rid your Windows XP computer of Spyware, read the detox guide from here. MUSIC/FILE SHARING - Also called Peer to Peer or P2P programs, most people don’t realize how harmful they can be. Kazaa and Kazaa Lite both install third party software on your computer. Just by installing Kazaa and Kazaa Lite you are agreeing to let a third party company sell your unused hard drive space, memory, computer processing and network bandwidth (www.imilly.com/kazaa.htm). All such programs (including Limewire, Ares, Morpheus, BearShare and others) can install spyware (see issue 5) and are an open conduit past any security you have on your computer. Many viruses, trojans, worms and other attacks use this conduit. your computer is at severe risk when using any of these programs. We strongly urge removing them from your computer as soon as possible. To remove them from your hard drive you need to do an uninstall and then run two complete Ad-Aware scans with your computer in safe/diagnostic mode and with a complete reboot in between the scans (otherwise the program core elements will remain hidden on your computer). Music/File Sharing programs also “eat” bandwidth (http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-6265-1052060.html). This means that using such programs will cause internet connection slowdowns and stoppages not only for your connection, but for everyone who is on the same internet gateway (on average that is approximately 200 other people). Legitimate music programs such as iTunes do not have the same problems. |