Keep Your Computer Safe

It is very important to do all three of these steps before you use your computer to browse the Internet! 

1. Install antivirus software.
   • Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download for Windows;
     Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition is a free download for Mac OS
   • Or, you can use one of a number of commercial products, including Norton AntiVirus and McAfee VirusScan
   • Configure your antivirus software to apply updates automatically.
2. Install the latest operating system updates.
   • Open the Control Panel in Windows.
   • In the Security section, click "Check for updates"
   • Follow the instructions in that window  -or-
   • Under the Apple icon in the menu bar in Mac OS X, select Software Update
   • Follow the instructions in that program
3. Enable your computer's software firewall.
   • Open the Control Panel in Windows 7
   • In the Security section, click "Check this computer's security status"
   • If the firewall is not On, follow the instructions to turn it On  -or-
   • Under the Apple icon in the menu bar in Mac OS X, select System Preferences
   • Select Security, then Firewall
   • Select "Allow only essential services"

To continue to keep your computer safe after following these steps initially, be sure to

1. Install the latest operating system updates regularly, at least montlhy.
2. Make sure your antivirus software is running, enabled and up-to-date at all times.
3. Configure your antivirus software to perform a full scan of your hard drives regularly, at least weekly.

For additional steps that you can take to protect your computer, please read "Safe Computing Practices" in the security section of the computing.cua.edu web site.