Viruses, Spyware, and Security: Simmons provides tools to helps you protect your computer from viruses, spyware and unwanted applications.

Viruses

A virus is a program or piece of computer software that is installed without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because ti will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems. The best way to protect yourself against viruses is to be cautious when you download or open attachments and keep an up-to-date antivirus program running on your computer at all times. Simmons provides all students with a free copy of Sophos AntiVirus, which you can download at http://my.simmons.edu/antivirus (definition from Webopedia).

Spyware

Spyware is similar to viruses, but instead of destroying information, it is designed to collect information about you and your surfing habits, use your computer for processing, or bombard you with pop-up ads. You can become infected with spyware just by surfing the internet, though the most common way to become infected is by downloading and installing dubious programs, especially peer-to-peer programs like SoulSeek, programs that run in your browser like toolbars and other unnecessary features, or "helper" programs. Never select "Yes" if an unknown program tries to install itself on your computer. Be sure to read the security messages before clicking. If your computer or browser is acting a little funny, runs slowly, or continually shows pop-up ads, spyware is probably the problem. Spyware is incredibly persistent, though there are a few good programs, listed below, that you can use to sweep spyware off your computer. Also, keep your internet security settings on Medium or higher (directions below).

Firewalls

A firewall is an electronic barrier between your computer and the internet. It helps prevent unauthorized access to your computer and your files by monitoring the traffic and information that comes and goes from your machine. It serves as a first line of defense against malicious activity, like someone trying to hijack your machine or steal your files, but it won't protect your from viruses and spyware. It's best to keep your firewall up, your antivirus program running, and to remain cautious when downloading from the internet. Directions for turning your firewall on are below.

What you can do to protect your computer

PCs:

Viruses Download the free Sophos Antivirus software provided by Simmons at http://my.simmons.edu/antivirus
Spyware Download the free AdAware program at http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware, and be sure to run it periodically to remove new spyware
Firewalls Open the Start menu and select Setting and then Control Panel, then double-click the Security Center logo and follow the instructions

Macs:

Viruses Download the free Sophos Antivirus software provided by Simmons at http://my.simmons.edu/antivirus
Spyware Spyware problems on Macintosh computers have not been reported, but remain alert and don't download or install programs from sources you don't trust. You should also change the download settings in Safari to prevent them from automatically opening files when a download completes. (In Safari, select Preferences and under General, uncheck "Open safe files after download".)
Firewalls To turn on your firewall, open System Preferences and click on Sharing. Click on the Firewall tab an select Start.

Useful Links

Quiz time!

You have read all of the materials so far that will prepare you for Assessment 2: Simmons Network Space and Web Space. Login to eLearning (there's a link at the bottom of this page) and take Assessment 2. You may also choose to complete this assessment (or any others) at a later time -- just make sure that assessments 1-5 are completed by March 1st.