Backups

You are responsible for the information on your computer. To ensure that your information is not lost in the event of a problem with your computer, such as a hard drive crash or virus infection, you should back up all of your files on a regular basis. There are several ways that you can back up your information:

Save your information on a CD or other removable media device
Use the backup utility that Windows XP provides
Save your information on the UDSL network by using Remote Desktop, which is desirable because the servers are backed up each night (instructions for Remote Desktop are in the Using Your Computer review)

If you do not back up your files, and your computer crashes, all your files will be irrevocably lost.

Illegal Access

If you leave your computer turned on and active while unattended, someone could use your computer for illegal activity, download illicit software or files to your computer, or steal any personal information you have stored. You are responsible for the security of your machine and your information.

Someone could steal your computer if it is not secured with a cable lock. The circulation desk has cable locks to loan to students, or you can purchase a cable lock through an office supply or computer store. The WinBooks purchased through UDSL come with locks.

You should protect the information on your computer by setting up a password on your user account, so that no one can access your information without the password. If you need to leave your computer to go a short distance or for a brief period of time, you can hold down the windows key and the “L” key to lock your workstation. You must then enter your username and password to gain access to your desktop.

Online and Network Information Protection – Viruses and Phishing

You should be sure to protect your information while you are online or connected to a network. Do not open any attachments you receive via e-mail unless you are 100% sure they are safe, and know that the sender is reliable and legitimate.  Viruses are commonly sent through e-mail and can quickly wreak havoc on your computer and on any network to which you are connected.

Beware of any e-mails requesting personal information; many fraudulent e-mails provide web links that look legitimate and secure and will prompt you to enter financial information, such as bank accounts, credit card numbers, or social security numbers, or will ask for password and security information for a specific web site.  Commonly (but not always), these emails will look like they are sent from banks, EBay.com, or PayPal.com.  Obtaining information this way is called “phishing”, and it is becoming increasingly popular.   If you are going to enter any personal information online, be sure you are doing so on a secure website. Scams and fraud are everywhere; it is up to you to protect yourself.

Phishing attacks:  http://www.antiphishing.org/phishing_archive.html
How to avoid phishing scams:  http://www.antiphishing.org/consumer_recs.html

Windows XP has a firewall included in Service Pack 2. The firewall monitors attempts to connect to your computer via a network. It stops these connections, unless you give permission for the connection to occur. This helps to prevent viruses, worms, and hackers from entering your machine; however, it does not substitute for antivirus software, only acts as another protective layer.

When Service Pack 2 is installed on a machine, the default setting is that the firewall is turned on. To check the status of the firewall and ensure it is turned on:

1. Go to the Start Menu

2. Select Control Panel

3. Double-click Security Center – You will then see the box displaying the firewall’s status. To change the firewall status/settings, under “Manage security settings for” click Windows Firewall.