Don't be a victim of random computer violence.
Take these five precautions to keep your computer safe and functioning, because we can't do it for you.

1. Install antivirus software
Hackers, Trojans, viruses, and network worms are all a serious threat on college campuses. In the game of computer security, a good defense is the best offense. Keep your antivirus software current so that your computer isn't compromised by the "scum on the Internet," because with your Ethernet connection "always on," you are highly vulnerable to unknowingly spreading infections. (Tulane offers free anti-virus software to all students)

2. Enable automatic operating system updates
When software manufacturers release operating system software, they intend for you to keep it current by downloading updates every now and then. The operating system updates often contain critical security information and you MUST install these to maintain the integrity of your system.

For Windows computers, go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com

For Macintosh computers, go to the "Software Update" system preference. Turn on "auto-update" to check for updates once per day.

3. Take steps to prevent spyware and adware
Adware and Spyware can seriously compromise your computer's performance and impair Tulane's bandwidth. Take a moment to install Ad-Aware, a free software package available in the Tulane University Computer Security Suite.

4. Don;'t Be a Victim of Internet Phishermen!

Beware of an especially dangerous variety of spam called Phishing.  While regular spam is a nuisance and a drain of resources, Phishing can do permanent damage to you personally, and can seriously harm the Tulane email server.  "Phishing" is a kind of identity theft. By posing as a bank, credit card company, or even as the Tulane email account administrator, scammers "fish" for account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and personal information.

If you get a solicitation from anyone, claiming that they need you to submit your account information via e-mail or a web site, DELETE this message.  Reputable companies will not ask you for personal or confidential information via e-mail.  Often these scams can come from familiar companies.  Don’t be fooled.  If you are unsure of the legitimacy of an e-mail, please forward it to us at info@tulane.edu and wait for a confirmation that the message is real or fake

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Play this online game to increase your knowledge of phishing scams: http://cups.cs.cmu.edu/antiphishing_phil/new/index.html

5. Be vigilant about backing up important documents
If your computer is compromised by a virus or worm, you'll want to have a backup copy of your thesis, right? Make more than one copy on a diskette, CD- Rom, and maybe even invest in a thumb drive that you can carry around on your key chain. "Backup and Save Often" should be your mantra when working on important documents.

6. Don't use peer-to-peer file sharing programs
Don't put your computer at risk by using peer-to-peer file sharing programs. The "free" software that you are required to install in order to use the popular peer-to-peer services is laden with spyware and adware.

Peer-to-peer file sharing is problematic because when copyrighted material is shared without the consent of the owner of the copyright. It also consumes excessive amounts of the university's network bandwidth for something that is not related to your academic enrichment. When a violation of copyright law is reported to the University by the RIAA or MPAA, the offender's network connection is disabled. As a university student, you are particularly vulnerable, as the RIAA and MPAA have been specifically targeting universities. If you are sharing files, they are looking for you.

http://security.tulane.edu/peer2peer.htm

Purchase a computer
Need a computer? You can order a new computer and receive Tulane educational discounts. Most computers purchased come pre-configured to recognize the Tulane network and pre-installed with anti-virus software. Computers will arrive on campus so there will be no need to ship or move them yourself! Please visit the Computer Concierge Web site: concierge.tulane.edu for details.