Practicing Safe Computing
Back up files on the computer to removable storage (i.e., flash drive) in case the computer crashes or is stolen.
Keep your password confidential and change it periodically.
Pop-up ads and spam can load your machine and overtax resources. Your computer will be sluggish and may stop working. Use a pop-up blocker.
Virus Prevention
Most problems stem from worms and viruses that infect the computer of a single student and quickly spread across the campus.
The Norton Corporate Antivirus definitions are updated automatically anytime you access the EIU network from on campus. Use the virus protection to perform a virus check once a week.
Use your campus email account instead of commercial accounts which are not protected against invasion by worms and viruses.
Be very cautious about opening email attachments from an unknown source. Viruses are usually carried in an email attachment. They are harmless unless the attachment is opened. Clever viruses disguise themselves as friends, well-known corporations, even campus offices. Be wary. If in doubt, delete the email and contact the sender to determine if the email was legitimate.
Laptop Security
Below are a number of strategies that may either prevent the theft of laptops or aid in their recovery if you should become a victim.
As soon as the laptop is unpacked, record the make, model and serial number of your computer and devices associated with it.
Laptop Security - Prevention
Never leave your laptop unattended.
Do not leave your laptop unattended at the library. It takes seconds for a thief to walk away with your laptop.
In a residence hall, do not leave a laptop unattended in common spaces, such as the study lounge, kitchens, etc. Because the residence hall is viewed as home, it is easy to become too trusting and complacent.
Keep your residence hall room locked at all times.
The doors to labs, office spaces, and residence hall rooms should be secured whenever your laptop is left unattended. If possible, the laptop should be stored in a locked file cabinet or secured with a locking device.
Keep your laptop from accessible windows where a thief can quickly break the window, reach in and remove the machine from your room.
What to do if the laptop is stolen
Report the theft of your laptop immediately to Campus Security by calling 581-3212 to have an officer dispatched to your location.
Report it to the laptop manufacturer
Norton Corporate Antivirus
In August 2004, EIU will use Norton Corporate Antivirus to protect computers on the EIU network. When a computer accesses the network the system will confirm the virus definitions are up-to-date. If the definitions are not current or the laptop/computer does not have Norton Corporate Antivirus installed on it, there will be instructions for the person to follow.
