What You Can Do To Protect Yourself
A Note for Windows Users
If you are using Windows your computer is probably vulnerable to a wide varity
of viruses, worms and trojans. We strongly urge you to read
our Securing Windows web page.
Basics
- Install critical security patches for your operating system as soon
as they are available.
- Don't give out or write down confidential information like passwords,
personal access codes (PACs), personal identification numbers (PINs), and
social security numbers (SSNs). Take the time to memorize these. Never share
any of these confidential pieces of information.
- Avoid downloading unnecessary files. If you need or desire to download
programs or files, get them from web sites you recognize. If you need a software
driver, see our
vendor links from this website.
- If you use a shared computer (lab on campus etc.) be sure to logout
of open programs before leaving. If you read your mail there, choose
an option that doesn't leave copies of your mail on the hard disk like UO
Web Email. Run AntiVirus software at home, and keep it up to date. Our lab
staff do a great job but any shared computer has a higher risk of contracting
a virus than any dedicated computer.
Network Sharing
- Don't turn on file and printer sharing services unless you
really need them. By default, Windows and Macintosh computers come with these
services turned off. Unless you have intentionally turned them on, they are
probably off.
- Don't open email attachments. Ask people to place the files on a
website for you instead, then have them provide the URL. For example, use
www.mydocsonline.com and see their
FAQ on how to 'give' files to another user. Note this type of site can be
a great replacement for floppy disks.
- If you must use any services, especially those included in your operating
system, use the "Windows Update" from the Start menu or the Software
Update on the Macintosh to receive critical updates.
Browsing the Web
- Consider disabling Java and Javascript. Since some pages require these,
it may not be convenient to do so. Some users have both Firefox and Internet
Explorer installed, and configure one without Java and Javascript, then use
the other when visiting web pages that require them. Some university web
sites, such as DuckWeb, require Javascript.
Windows Users
Recommended Methods of Reading Email
- UO Web Email is a great way
to read and send email. This method gives you a consistent view of your mail
from multiple locations including off-campus access from any Internet connected
computer. No configuration is required to use this system. All you need to
do is click on the Web Email link on the main
UO web page, or type "email.uoregon.edu" into your web browser's
"location" or "address" field. This system is great for
new users, and those with small amounts of email to manage. It is also great
for users traveling on the road. You can mix this type of access with other
methods listed below, just not at the same time.
- Use Secure Shell (SSH) and Pine. Note that SSH is included with Duckware.
For information on how to use SSH, see our SSH
page.
- Use an email program like Mozilla
or Thunderbird
in IMAP mode with SSL enabled. For configuration information see our Email
page.
Outlook and Outlook Express are not recommended but can be used with
SSL enabled. While these are very popular email programs and very feature rich,
they are common targets for email viruses. If you choose to use one of these,
select the "Windows Update" item in the Start menu often and make
sure you have Antivirus software installed with the most current definitions (schedule
live update daily at noon for example.)
Note: See our information page about configuring
your email program to use SSL encryption.
Additional Related Information
This document is a work in progress. Please feel free to contact us with feedback
or to ask for assistance implementing any of the suggestions listed above. Eventually
these pages will have more detailed instructions to use recommended options.
