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Tips on "Protecting your PC"

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  • BACK UP YOUR DATA regularly!
  • Activate the Windows Firewall Protection or download a free Firewall (http://www.zonelabs.com)
  • Configure Automatic Updates and install the latest Security Patches for Windows (found in control panel, Automatic Updates)
  • Remove Client for Microsoft Networks (found in network connection properties)
  • Remove/Do not install File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks (Found in network connection properties)
  • Download (and use!) Anti-virus Software from the CUIT software download center; and update definitions regularly. (http://www.columbia.edu/acis/software/index.html)
  • Use Spyware/Malware Protection (IE; Ewido, Spybot, Ad-Aware)
  • Regularly Scan Your Hard Drive with Anti-virus/Anti Mal-ware software
  • Download Cautiously
  • Use Passwords for each account on your computer; Get in the habit of locking your personal computer
  • Turn off "Auto Complete" and never use "Remember my Password"
  • Disable Guest account in Windows 2000 or XP
  • Setup Personal Spam filters to deal with Phishing Scams
  • Do not Shop Online or do Online Banking over a Wireless Network unless you are sure it’s secured.

For more information, visit:

http://sipa.columbia.edu/resources_services/sipa_computing/security.html
http://www.columbia.edu/acis/security/users/index.html

Mac Users:

http://www.apple.com/support/security/