Tips on Safeguarding Your Computer
Volume 6, No. 7
The Question: Can you imagine being without your computer for a day?
The Fact: If your computer contracts a virus, you could face days or weeks without it--and even face losing your data.
The Remedy: Take the following three steps to help safeguard your computer against contracting a virus:
1. Install an Antivirus Program
An antivirus program runs on the computer to protect you from viruses that may cause harm to the system. ISS recommends installing the antivirus program, Microsoft Security Essentials, which provides excellent protection at an attractive price – FREE!
Download the Microsoft Security Essentials here: http://windows.microsoft.com/mse
2. Keep Your System Updated
To fix vulnerabilities that may exist on your computer, run software updates to ensure installation of the latest security patches designed to address current vulnerabilities.
ISS recommends turning on Automatic Updates to seamlessly keep the operating system up-to-date.
- For Windows XP
- Start Button -> Security Center -> Automatic Updates -> Automatic (recommended)
- For Windows 7/Vista
- Start Button -> Control Panel -> System and Security -> Windows Update -> Change Settings -> Install updates automatically (recommended)
3. Turn On Your Firewall
A firewall helps protect your system by allowing only permitted network traffic to pass onto your computer. Enable the built-in Windows firewall as follows:
- For Windows XP
- Start Button -> Control Panel -> Security Center -> Windows Firewall -> “On (recommended)”
- For Windows 7/Vista
- Start Button -> Control Panel -> System and Security -> Windows Firewall -> Turn Windows Firewall on or off -> “Turn on Windows Firewall” for each network type
If you follow these steps, the chances of your computer contracting a virus are greatly reduced. Should your computer become infected with a virus, you may seek assistance at the Pearson Library Circulation Desk; ISS will attempt advanced virus removal techniques for a $25 fee.
*This Issue’s Techno Term
Term: computer virus
Definition: A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes; viruses are capable of replicating themselves.
Example in a sentence: Even though all computer viruses are human-made, some people believe weird processes running on their systems are caused by inexplicable magic spells.
Source: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/V/virus.html
If you have questions or need assistance, please call the Help Desk at (805) 493-3698 or send e-mail to helpdesk@callutheran.edu Additional information is available at the Computer Training Website; in addition, an archive of previous Tech Bytes issues is located at http://www.callutheran.edu/iss/training/tech_bytes/
More
- Electronics Expo January 14 at Thousand Oaks Campus
January 7, 2016Cal Lutheran is launching Electronics Expo, a technology show and tell providing hands-on experiences with the latest products from vendors on Thursday, January 14 from 1-4 PM in the Active Learning Classroom at the Pearson Library.
- Update the iOS on your iPad to Access the Blackboard Mobile Learn App
June 11, 2012Update the iOS on your iPad to Access the Blackboard Mobile Learn App
Blackboard’s Mobile Learn application on the iPad is a great resource to study on the go, but you’ll need to first update your iPad’s operating system to use the application.
(Click title above to read the complete article.)
- Blackboard Mobile Learn App
May 18, 2012Blackboard Mobile Learn App
- Stay actively involved in your Blackboard course while you are away from the computer.
- Download the Blackboard Mobile Learn app and view your CLU Blackboard course on your iPad, iPhone, or Android device.
- Easily view course documents, discussion boards (post a thread or even respond to your classmates), journals, class roster, and more!
- Visit the link below to learn more:
If you have questions or need assistance, please call the Help Desk at (805) 493-3698 or send e-mail to helpdesk@callutheran.edu.
(Click title above to read the complete article.)
- Become a Mobile Maven
April 27, 2012Ever need Cal Lutheran information (such as the online People Directory), but unable to get to your desktop computer? If so, check out the CLUMobileWeb<http://m.callutheran.edu/about/> site and investigate our mobile resources; get essential CLU information & services anytime, anywhere on your mobile device. (Click title above to read the complete article.)
- Tips on Safeguarding Your Computer
April 13, 2012The Question: Can you imagine being without your computer for a day?
The Fact: If your computer contracts a virus, you could face days or weeks without it--and even face losing your data.
The Remedy: Take the following three steps to help safeguard your computer against contracting a virus: (Click title above to read the complete article.)
- When Mobile Devices Should Not be Mobile
March 23, 2012Mobile devices continue to have a positive effect on promoting connectivity and allowing access to data at all--or almost all--times; however, with convenience comes responsibility. This is where each one of us can help increase security and enhance loss prevention here at Cal Lutheran. Please take a few minutes to think about the computers and electronic and digital devices you use and how you can assure they are not so mobile; i.e., how to keep them secure. Consider the following tips:(Click title above to read the complete article.)
- Digital Archive Houses CLU Publications
March 13, 2012The Pearson Library recently announced the launch of a new, free-to-the-public digital archive featuring back issues of The Echo (student newspaper) and Campanile and Kairos (college yearbooks). Currently the archive includes:
- all fifteen volumes of Campanile (1962-1976);
- twenty-two volumes of Kairos (1977-1999); and
- thirty-six volumes of The Echo.
Back issues of our award-winning literary magazine, Morning Glory, will also be added to the e-collection. (Click title above to read the complete article.)
- Video Helps Bridge the Gap
February 28, 2012Digital media can help bridge the gap between learner and content by building new connections for delivering information. Here at Cal Lutheran a recent initiative is gaining momentum through the Computer Training department; the initiative supports faculty and staff who wish to deploy video technology to enhance content delivery. Here are some examples of how video can support the mission of the Universtiy: (Click title above to read the complete article.)
- The Care and Feeding of Your PII
February 10, 2012Protecting personally identifiable information (PII) is a big challenge when that information is in digital format. A few simple steps will take you a long way to securing PII used in your job. (Click the title above to read the complete article.)
- Safeguarding Yours and Others' PII
January 27, 2012Have you given much thought to yours and others PII? If not, NOW IS THE TIME to get serious about protecting Personally Identifiable Information! That’s right--yours and others’ PII. Protecting personally identifiable information is everyones’ responsibility, and below are critical points to consider and practice. (Click the title above to read the complete article.)
