Getting Connected: What Must I Do To My Computer?

Before you come to campus, you must install and configure software to help protect your computer and prevent infection from viruses, worms and trojan horses. The steps below are required before you can connect to ResNet: they are designed to keep your computer and other computers up-to-date and safe from security threats.

1. Configure your Windows computer to receive automatic security updates from Microsoft

Keeping your operating system up-to-date with security patches and fixes is the single, most important thing you can do to prevent damage to your system.
Your initial step should be to do a manual check for updates using the Windows Update site:

  • Use your web browser to visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
  • Click Yes if you are presented with a security warning alert.
  • Choose the Scan for Updates link. The web page will scan your computer to see what, if any, security updates are available for your operating system.
  • Click on Review and Install Updates if it appears in the main window, and then click on the Install Now button. This will install the latest security updates for Microsoft Windows.
  • You may need to repeat this process (Step 3) several times until there are no more Critical Updates and Service Packs available.

Once you've run a manual update to get the latest patches, you need to set up your computer to check for updates automatically in the future. See How To Enable Automatic Updates for Windows XP and Windows 2000 to learn how to keep your operating system current.

2. Install, use and update anti-virus software.

  • Choose and install a good anti-virus program.
  • Most office supply stores and online computer retailers sell quality anti-virus software like Symantec/Norton Anti-Virus and McAfee Internet Security.
  • Students: If your computer is connected on campus via our ResNet network, you can download and install anti-virus software from the College free of charge!

  • Keep it up-to-date.
  • Virus protection programs are no good unless they are aware of the most recent viruses and worms. New "malware" (i.e. viruses, worms  and trojan horses) comes along every day. Your anti-virus software vendor will sell a subscription service for a modest annual fee. It is imperative that you subscribe to this service and check your virus definition dates regularly. Your definition files should never be more than a few days old (i.e. 10 days at most).
  • Note that many computer manufacturers advertise "bundled" anti-virus software. There is a catch: these packages are likely time-limited versions whose definition subscriptions expire within 30 or 60 days. Make certain you purchase a subscription and keep your definitions up-to-date, or your virus protection software will be worthless.

  • Run manual virus scans at least once a week.
  • Don't rely on your virus protection software's "automated scanning" feature alone: check your definition dates and run a manual virus scan of your system at least once a week.

Current virus protection software is required for your ResNet connection -- if your computer is found to be infected, or infecting others, your network connection will be disabled until your machine is cleaned and protected.

3. Add an additional layer of protection to your Windows XP computer by enabling its built-in firewall.

Recent versions of the Windows operating system come with a firewall, which offers additional protection against Internet threats. However, in some versions this software is disabled by default.
See How To Enable the Built-In Internet Connection Firewall for Windows XP to learn how to enable this feature.

4. Learn about computer security threats before they attack you.

  • Be cautious when reading your email: never open any email attachment unless you know the sender personally and were expecting to receive the attachment.
  • Be careful when downloading files from the Internet: many downloads come equipped with "spyware"--hidden software that is installed on your machine and runs in "stealth" mode to steal your private data. Consider installing a free spyware detection tool like Ad-Aware or Spybot Search & Destroy.
  • Watch the popular press for information about computing threats and ways to protect your privacy.

5. Backup your important files regularly.

There are two kinds of computer users in the world: those who backup, and those who will. Once you've been burned, you'll never forget to backup your data again. Protect yourself ahead of time by backing up all important documents you create regularly to removable media, such as a CD-RW disc or a USB memory key. Bring the installation discs that came with your computer and software to campus and keep them in a safe place -- you'll need them in case of an emergency.

6. Learn how to recover your computer in the event of a problem.

While the requirements and tips above will help protect your computer from a network threat, there is still always the possibility that an infection will get past your virus protection software and firewall. Consider reading our Emergency Cleaning Procedures ahead of time -- and know where to find this information if you ever do find your computer infected with a virus, worm or trojan horse.