Safe Computing

Enabling Automatic Updates for Windows XP and Windows 2000

Microsoft Windows Update is an easy and free way to protect your system from many common viruses and worms. It is highly recommended that Windows 2000 and Windows XP users enable this feature. Instructions to enable this feature are as follows.

1. From your Desktop, right click on "My Computer" and select "Properties".
2. In the "System Properties" window, click on the "Automatic Updates" tab. Check the box next to "Keep my computer up to date" to enable Automatic Updates. Select one of the three methods listed in the window to keep your computer updated (it is recommended that you use the middle option, "Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed").
3. Click OK and now your computer should be set up to use Automatic Updates.

More detailed instructions may be found within Microsoft's website at "Configure and Use Automatic Updates in Windows XP" and "Configure and Use Automatic Updates in Windows 2000."

Enabling Internet Connection Firewall for Windows XP

Windows XP includes a built-in firewall to protect your computer from many worms and anybody else trying to compromise your computer. Follow these steps to enable Internet Connection Firewall:

1. Click >
2. Double click to open the "Network Connections" window.
3. Right click on "Local Area Connection" and select "Properties".
4. In the "Local Area Connection Properties" window, click on the "Advanced" tab. Check the box next to "Protect my computer and network...."
5. Click OK and now your computer should have the Internet Connection Firewall enabled.

Virus Protection

It is highly recommended that all users on campus install virus protection software. Faculty and staff are provided McAfee VirusScan software free of charge. Instructions on obtaining and installing this software may be found at this page (Mac users should click here). All other users are encouraged to purchase virus protection software from one of these highly respected computer security companies:

• McAfee
• Symantec
• Trend Micro

The CERT Coordination Center also contains up-to-date virus information that may help users more easily identify viruses that may be propagated through email. Checking this site periodically may help prevent data loss due to malicious code sent over the Internet.