Desktop Support Services

Protect your computer

Ensuring the security of your information is a continual process and also your responsibility as a computer user.

Different Methods include:

· Don't open suspicious e-mails.

· Scan your computer for viruses on a regular basis, such as once per week.

· Create a strong password or passphrase.

· Backup important data.

· Install the latest updates to the software you use, this can usually be found on their website.

Computer Security:

· Anti-Virus protection.

· Being aware of what you are doing.

· When something isn't going right, to stop and check why it isn't working correctly.

· Regularly updating your Anti-Virus definitions.

· Regularly scanning your computer for infections.

· Keeping your computer up to date with system updates.

Why should I do it?

· Keeps your computer functional.

· Makes things easier in the long run (preventive maintenance).

· Keeps your personal information safe and secure.

· May put less stress on your computer and keep it running better, longer.

Ways to be aware:

· Look at emails before replying to them. Check the spelling and punctuation for errors. Many times phishing emails will have simple errors that are easy to see.

· Be aware of emails asking for personal information, generally a real organization will make you change your password/login yourself, rather than asking you for yours.

· If there is a program that pops up on your computer saying that you have viruses, and you did not install that program, then it is a virus. Also be cautious of web-pages that have similar pop-ups that are not part of your computer.

· When you visit web-pages, look for the content you intend to find, not what is flashing, or ads on the side.

· Some great programs to help you know what is considered safe are Web of Trust and McAfee Site Advisor. These programs let you know if a site is one that is considered safe, or one that is known to cause problems.