The key to keeping your personal information and computer safe is to keep it updated using Windows Updates and to keep it protected using an antivirus program. UWRF provides free antivirus software to students while attending the university.
To keep your computer secure and running smoothly you also need to keep it free from spyware and adware using a program such as Ad-Aware.
We recommend that Windows XP users have their firewall activated before coming to campus. For instructions on activating windows firewall, consult this article
on Microsoft's website.
We also recommend setting a password on your computer that is easy for you to remember, yet difficult to guess. The password should consist of at least 8 characters and a mixture of numbers, letters and symbols. For further guidance, consult this article from Microsoft.
Windows Updates
Installing Windows Updates is just as important as having up to date antivirus software installed.
To run Windows Updates, find the Windows Update icon in the Start Menu or look for Windows Update under the Tools menu in Internet Explorer. You can also go directly to windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
When you get to the Windows Update page, click on "Scan For Updates". If you look on the left side of the browser window, you will see how many critical updates and service packs there are to install. These are the most important updates you should install.
Microsoft will never send you an e-mail asking you to update your computer. These are hoax emails that attempt to spread viruses.
Spyware & Adware Information
Adware, not to be confused with AdAware, is a program that hides itself on your computer and creates "pop-up" advertisements. Adware is usually also spyware. Spyware is software that tracks Internet usage and reports it to others. Usually the tracking is concealed from the user of the software.
Spyware is usually legal. In most cases, you must click "Yes" or "I Accept" before the spyware is installed. It is often installed with file sharing programs such as Kazaa, Limewire, Soulseek etc.
LavaSoft Ad-Aware is a program that removes adware and spyware and it can be downloaded for FREE at www.LavasoftUSA.com
It is recommend that you update and run Ad-Aware at least once a month to make sure new spyware/adware is removed. To keep AdAware updated, click on the "Check for updates now" link on the main AdAware software screen.
Virus Information
Computer viruses are bits of malicious code that can infect your computer and not only steal your personal information but it can also destroy your computer's data and any files that you may have stored on it. New viruses are released all the time so it is imperative that you install antivirus software on your computer and keep it up to date.
Antivirus Software
Antivirus software keeps you computer protected from computer viruses if it is kept up to date and used regularly. If you have any questions about using or update your antivirus software just dial (715)425-FRED(3733) and one of our technicians will be glad to help you. UWRF provides antivirus software for free download to its students and staff.
To download your copy of antivirus software, you must login to provide eligibility information. Once you login, you will be able to download and install this software.
Hoax Information
Most hoaxes contain one or more of the following characteristics:
- Warnings about alleged new viruses and its damaging consequences.
- Demands the reader forward the warning to as many people as possible.
- Pseudo-technical "information" describing the virus.
- bogus comments from officials: FBI, software companies, news agencies, etc.
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If you receive an e-mail message about a virus, check with a reputable source to ensure the warning is real. Visit McAfee.com's Virus Hoax Page to learn about hoaxes and the damage they cause.
University of Wisconsin-River Falls