4 Steps of Computer Management
1. Before connecting a new (or used) computer to any network or the Internet for the first time:
- Apply any critical operating system (OS) updates from CD or other media
- Burn a CD with the updates or copy them to a USB device
- Get OS Updates: Mac Windows UBLinux
- Burning a CD in UB's Public Computing Areas
- Install antivirus software from the UBIT software site, scan and clean your system
- Reset any default passwords: Choosing a good/strong password
- Turn off file and print sharing
- Ask your IT support staff about turning on a firewall: MacOS X Windows
2. Establish a security routine
- Automate your operating system updates: Mac Windows
- Automate your antivirus updates: Mac Windows
- Perform other software updates regularly: Mac Windows
- Ask your IT support staff about turning on a firewall: MacOS X Windows
- Regularly run an anti-spyware program: Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware
- Do not use administrator accounts to do your work
3. Be ready for infections and system failures
- Backup your files regularly: Using removable media, Windows: Using UBFS space and Web Folders
- Be prepared in case you have to rebuild your system
- Keep your installation CDs for the operating system and other software handy
- Have a plan for getting system updates on CD or other media
- In case of infection:
- Update your antivirus software before scanning: Mac doc Windows doc
- Use Antivirus software to scan, then reboot, repeating scan/reboot until system is cleaned
- How to Recover from a Virus Attack
- You may have to reformat and rebuild your system
- Upgrade to supported operating systems: Microsoft LifeCycle List, Macintosh: Support for Earlier Operating Systems
4. Don't be fooled into helping attackers
- Do not share your password with anyone: Choosing a good/strong password
- Do not open unexpected attachments. The best practice is to scan all attachments with antivirus software before opening.
- Do not download unknown programs from the Web
- Do not trade unknown files with peer-to-peer programs. Turn off file sharing in peer-to-peer software.
- Do not believe amazing offers and unlikely stories, and beware of phishing scams
- 5 safety tips for using a public computer (Microsoft)