7 Steps to Safe Computing at Penn
The University supports Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X.
1. Enable your Firewall
On Windows XP, to enable your firewall, you must go to: Start -> Control Panel -> Network Connections. Once you have reached the Network Connections, right-click the connection and select "Properties." Once you are inside the properties, click the "Advanced" Tab and check the box that says "Protect My Computer and Network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet." Do this for every network connection you have.
On Windows Vista, go to Start and type "Windows Firewall"
in the Search bar.
If the firewall is off, click, "Change Settings" and select "On" at the menu that appears. Click OK and you're done.
2. Run Windows Update
If you are running Windows XP or Vista you must run Windows Update. If you have a Mac, you can skip this step. Click on the Start Menu and select "Windows Update." ("Windows Update" is sometimes located under "All Programs.") Download and install all the Critical Updates identified.
3. Set up a password on your system
If you are running Windows and don't have a password already, select Start -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools, and pick "Computer Management." (If you can't see "Administrative Tools," at the Control Panels, click the words "Switch to Classic View" first.) Under "Local Users and Groups" click "Users." Right-click on your user name in the right window and select "Set Password" to set a password. Unless you specifically indicated a user name, this will probably be "Administrator."
4. Install up-to-date anti-virus software
If you have a PennKey, you can use it to download Symantec Antivirus from here. If you don't have a PennKey, you should purchase, install, and run anti-virus software. You can find this software at any computer store (e.g., Best Buy, Circuit City, Staples).
5. Disable file sharing
Downloading and distributing copyrighted material via file sharing programs like BitTorrent or LimeWire is illegal. If you illegally file share, you will probably be caught. Don't take the risk.
6. Bring your original media
"Original Media" refers to the CDs that came with your computer--Windows CDs, Office CDs, etc. If something goes wrong with your computer, you'll need your original media to get it fixed.
7. See an ITA if you need help
If you need help with your computer, find an ITA in your Collegee House's computer lab or submit a request for help here on our website. ITAs can check your computer to make sure that you are safe and secure!
Another source of information is
Safeguarding your Electronic Data, Resources, Privacy and Rights in the University
Environment: The Guide to Information Security, found here
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