Caring for Your Computer and Data
| What are viruses and spy/mal ware? How do I know if my computer is infected? What is F-Prot and how do I use it? How do I remove viruses and spy/mal ware from my computer? How can I take good care of my laptop? How can I take good care of my data? Where can I get help if I have virus, spy/mal ware, or hardware problems with my Drew computer? |
Viruses and spy/mal ware can cause damage to your computer and your data. Understanding them and recognizing the warning signs of infection can help you keep your computer healthy. Regularly updating and running the standard F-Prot Antivirus OnDemand Scanner software to check for viruses, backing up your data, and taking good care of your laptop will ensure that your computer and your data remain safe.
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THE Difference between viruses and spy/mal ware
Viruses
• Viruses are extremely dangerous programs that once on your computer can severely damage your computer.
• Because we all share Drew's network, it is extremely important that you are able to detect and get rid of any viruses because they can infect anyone else that is connected to the Drew network.
Spyware
• Spyware refers to kinds of computer programs that track computer usage and report it to a third party, usually an advertiser often without asking your permission in any obvious way.
• Transmission vectors for Spyware include peer to peer file sharing programs (KaZaa, Blubster, etc), websites that exploit security problems with web browsers (Internet Explorer in particular) and AOL Instant Messenger.
• Spyware can slow down the processing speed of your computer making your computer slow and unstable.
• Additionally, Spyware often records not only your internet browsing habits, but also tracks your computer activity in general.
Keeping viruses and spy/mal ware off your computer
Avoiding Viruses
• When downloading or engaging in file sharing, make sure you scan any new files brought onto your computer.
• Do not open email attachments unless you are expecting one from that sender. It might be prudent to reply to the sender and ask about the attachment if you are unsure. When sending attachments via email, put a descriptive subject and distinctive file name; let the recipient know ahead of time to expect an attachment with a certain name.
• Do not open any attachments you are unsure of even if they are from friends or family. The latest viruses are able to invade address books and attach themselves to emails without the sender's knowledge spreading the virus.
• Instead of using email attachments to send files to other Drew users, you can give access rights to other users on the F: drive instead.
• Frequently scan any removable storage media such as floppy disks, removable hard drives, USB devices, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs to avoid transmitting viruses to the removable media, and thereby to other computers you may use.
• Do not click on any links in any instant messaging programs (including AOL Instant Messenger) without confirming with the sender. Viruses can create and send instant messages with links that will infect your computer without the sender's knowledge or consent. Viruses will attack the screen names on an infected user's buddy list, hiding behind harmless looking links such as "Hey! Check out the new pics on my myspace!" Always confirm with the sender that the link is valid.
Avoiding spyware
• Update SpyBot Search and Destroy and Adaware each time you run them to make sure you have the latest protection from new spyware.
• Do not go to web sites that do not seem legitimate.
• Only install software from legitimate companies and make sure you know what it does and how you can uninstall it.
• Make sure that any free programs you download (like Blubster) do not contain any spyware.
• After installing any program, it's always advisable to run SpyBot and Adaware.
• If your browser or a pop up box asks you to install software, it is probably not a good idea to install it. If you are not sure, the CNS Helpdesk can tell you if it is safe to download
• Avoid letting other people install programs on your computer.
• Use Mozilla as a browser as opposed to Internet Explorer.
Warning signs of having a virus or spy/mal ware
Detecting Viruses: Five Signs that your computer might be infected with a virus
• Commonly used programs take an unusually long amount of time to open
• Icons have been added to your desktop without your permission
• Your laptop reboots frequently or shuts down randomly
• Your laptop displays unusual or frequent error messages
• Files missing from either your local drive or network drive(s).
Four Signs that your computer has spyware:
• Unexpected pop-ups during computer usage
• Opening programs takes a long time
• The homepage of your internet browser changes
• Toolbars that you did not intentionally install appear on your browser
Note: These are only warning signs and are not conclusive evidence that Spyware is present on your computer.
Update F-prot virus signatures and run F-prot to check for viruses
F-Prot Antivirus OnDemand Scanner is the standard antivirus software on Drew computers. Update and run F-Prot regularly to check your computer for viruses. What follows is a basic list of instructions, for more detailed information about using F-Prot please click here.
Update F-Prot:
• You must be on the Drew network to do this update.
• Click on Application Explorer and go to Start | All Programs | F-Prot Antivirus | Updater.
• Run the Updater to get the latest virus signatures before scanning your computer.
Run F-Prot:
• Open F-Prot by going to Start | All Programs | F-Prot antivirus | On Demand Scanner.
• Click the Scan button
• Leave the default "Where to scan."
• Click "Scan Now". It will run for a few minutes.
Note: If you are not sure if F-Prot is detecting any viruses or it is identifying legitimate files as viruses, before deleting anything call the Computer Network Services' Helpdesk at x3205.
Removing spyware from your computer
• SpyBot Search and Destroy ( http://www.safer-networking.org ) is a program that removes spyware and immunizes your computer from future spyware.
• Adaware ( http://www.lavasoftusa.com ) is another program that can detect spyware that SpyBot misses so it is best to have both programs on your computer.
• Download both SpyBot and Adaware and run them every so often to keep your computer clean.
General care tips for laptops
• It is best to carry your laptop in its case.
• Do not get the laptop wet and be sure to avoid spilling any liquids on it.
• Avoid using the laptop in a dusty or dirty environment.
• Keep the laptop away from extremely cold (less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit) or hot temperatures (more than 122 degrees Fahrenheit) and direct sunlight.
• Do not stack items on top of laptop, or leave it anywhere where it could be accidentally knocked off a desk or other surface.
• Keep the computer clean.
Caring for your data
Many unnecessary problems can be prevented by backing up your documents. ITS encourages all members of the Drew computing community to save their documents in more than one place. This way you have your data, and you are never in a position where you might have to explain to a professor that "the computer ate your diskette."
All it takes to care for your data is to be conscientious about saving it regularly and in at least 2 or 3 places. ITS recommends that you save all documents in your F drive, as well as on your machine locally (C: drive), and also on a piece of removable media.
Your F: Drive is your personal home directory. No one else can see your files unless you explicitly give them rights. In Windows XP, your My Documents folder is set to your F: drive by default.
Note on removable media: To ensure safety of your documents, use a USB drive or write your documents to CD. ITS does not recommend 3.5" diskettes.
Where to obtain technical support
• https://support.drew.edu/
• Call or visit the Computer Network Services' Helpdesk (x3205) located in the basement of the Brothers' College