Computing Services

To access information quickly, click the navigation links below:

Virus Prevention
Security
Account Management
Data Backup
WebMail
Student Computer Policies

Virus Prevention

Install and regularly update anti-virus software. We recommend Norton AntiVirus software. Daily virus definition updates and scanning your computer on a regular basis are recommended. If you already have a anti-virus package installed and active on your system, visit your vendors web site to obtain information on continued virus definition support.

Options for purchase:

• Immediate download from Norton AntiVirus - pay online.
• Order from Soft Choice at an academic discount. Call toll free 1-800-268-7638.
• Trial version and cleanup CD available at the Technology HelpDesk.

We have published an Anti-Virus page with additional information.

Security

• Update your Operating System

  Windows Update Procedure

  By having an up-to-date operating system the likelihood of being exploited is decreased significantly. Make sure web browsers and other web and ftp related applications are the most current version. Turn off file and print sharing, instructions are provided below.

  Instructions for securing Windows 98 & ME - PDF Doc
  Instructions for securing Windows 2000 & XP - PDF Doc

  
  

• Use SSH instead of Telnet:

  The Telnet and FTP programs have a serious security problem--when you type your password it is broadcast in clear text, which means that any other computer listening on that network can potentially read your password. Hackers make use of this flaw by installing "sniffer" programs that specifically listen for passwords from any computer on the network. A more secure alternative to telnet and ftp, is to use the Secure Shell (SSH), which both encrypts the connection and uses digital signatures to positively identify the host at the other end of the connection.
  To download SSH click here
  
  

• SpyWare

  What is it?

  SpyWare are applications that detect the insertion of spy software onto your personal system. This may vary from key stroke recording programs to additional cookies being placed on your system to report back to different vendors. Currently two freeware applications that have been tested by Computing Services are Ad-Aware and SpyBot.

  How do I know if I have it?

  With the ever increasing use of spy-ware by companies it is almost certain that eveyone will get some form of spy-ware on their computer just by visiting a website. A few of the common ones are WeatherBug, Gater, P2P Networking, BDE Projector, and Instant Time. If you are experiencing network problems such as not being able to log in and not being able to browse the internet then the problem is most likely related to spy-ware and not a glitch in the network.

  How do I get rid of and prevent it?

  There are a couple of things you can do such as download and run certain software packages like AdAware and SpyBot. You can also run a utility from the web at http://www.xvlock.com/download/xclean_micro.exe. Running the utility from the web will not prevent reinfection. If you install Spy-Bot or Ad-Aware the software also installs a continuous learning blocker used to block harmful spam. Learn more about spy-ware at http://www.spywareinfo.com/forums.

Account Management

• Passwords

  Bradley requires a password to be between 6 and 8 characters in length and complex in nature. Using strong, hard to guess passwords and changing your password on a regular basis helps to keep your information and data more secure. To learn how to create more complex passwords go to the password guidlines page.

• To change passwords

  The Account Management page is a central location with instructions to change passwords on all Bradley accounts.

Data Backup

Computer Systems traditionally come with one of the following internal devices, Floppy Disk, Zip Disk, CDRW, these should be utilized to back up data on a regular basis. External devices available for data backup are Iomega Zip Drives, Pin Drives, Floppy Disk, and CDRW. Contact the Technology HelpDesk for assistance.

WebMail

• WebMail Spam information

Do NOT open email attachments or executables you were not expecting, even from people you know. By doing so, the door is open to infect your computer with a virus or allow someone to take control of your computer.
Safety measures for opening attachments or executables:

• Save the file in a separate folder, such as "attachments"
• Scan the folder using updated anti virus software
• Once the scan is complete and checks clean, the executable or attachment can be opened
• Do this for every attachment or executable sent to you via email

Student Computer Policies

• Computer Lab Regulations
• Software/Copyright Information
• Student Computer Support Policy
• Technology Resource Misuse Policy