Five Steps for Healthy Computing
Now, more than ever, it is important to keep your computer safe from viruses, worms, spyware, and other threats. To help you do this, IIT has put together five simple steps to a more productive computing environment. By following these procedures regularly, you can make sure your computer operates at peak efficiency and security.
Click on the links on each step for instructions.
- Clear your temporary internet files at least once a month.
- Ensure that you have all critical updates for your operating system. Update instructions for Mac or Windows.
- Ensure that you have an up-to-date anti-virus software package installed and enabled. Make sure the virus definitions are current and auto-protect is turned on.
- Install anti-spyware software and scan periodically. IIT recommends a combination of Lavasoft's Ad-Aware and Spybot - Search and Destroy.
- Switch to Mozilla Firefox for web browsing and Mozilla Thunderbird for reading e-mail. These programs are generally considered more secure and less vulnerable to attacks than other software. Learn how to set up and use Thunderbird here.
Keeping your PC protected helps you and your fellow network users enjoy a productive, safe and trouble-free computing experience. For more information or additional support, contact the IIT Helpdesk at extension 3830 or by e-mail at helpdesk@stolaf.edu.