Overview

Keeping your operating system and applications up-to-date with the latest security patches can protect your system from many attacks and can also help stop the propagation of certain worm viruses and security threats.

• Keep Your Software Updated
  
• Update Your Anti-Virus Program
  
• Handle Files or E-mail Attachments with Caution
  
• Turn off Your Computer When not in Use
  
• Stay Updated on the Latest Viruses

Keep Your Software Updated

• New versions of software are released on a regular basis to counter threats; without current software, your computer is almost sure to be infected or compromised.
  
• The two components most frequently attacked, and therefore most important to keep up to date, are your operating system and web browser.

To install security updates for PC users, click the link below and install security updates listed under Critical Updates for windows. http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

For MAC users, visit Apple's web site to get newest updates http://www.apple.com/support/

Update Your Anti-Virus Program

• Your anti-virus program must be running on a regular basis to protect your computer from the latest viruses and threats.
  
• Have your anti-virus software automatically check for updates at least once a week.

Visit the following sites to get more information about Anti-Virus Program

• http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/antivirus.asp
• http://www.pchell.com/virus/virusupdates.shtml
• http://www.thefreesite.com/Free_Software/Anti_virus_freeware/

Handle Files or E-mail Attachments with Caution

• Do not open unexpected files received by e-mail or chat.
  
• Do not open any files received by e-mail or chat with the following extension names at the end of the file name: .vbs , .bat , .exe , .pif , .com , .src or endings.
  
• Do not open files that end with two extension names (example: image. jpg . vbs ).
  
• Always scan downloaded Internet files for viruses before opening or double-clicking them.

Turn off Your Computer When not in Use

• Your computer cannot be infected or invaded when it is not connected to the network.
  
• If you haven't turned on your computer in a few days, be sure to check for updates for software and antivirus files before you do anything else.

Stay Updated on the Latest Viruses

For up-to-date information on the latest virus threats, virus descriptions, hoaxes, virus removal tools, and to receive e-mail alert notifications, go to the following Web sites:

• Symantec Norton AntiVirus  -  http://www.sarc.com/
  
• McAfee VirusScan  -  http://www.mcafee.com/anti-virus/
  
• UNCG antivirus support Web site - http://www.uncg.edu/irc/antivirus_support/ .

• Internet Connection
• Web Browser
• Plug-ins
• Office Computing
• Word
• Protect Your Computer