Best Practices for Keeping a Computer Healthy
Below are tips on maintaining a healthy computer. More information on computer security and privacy issues can be found under the Technology tab on MyArcadia, the campus Web portal.
Keep Your Computer Up-to-date
- PC users should either turn on Automatic Updates or visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and install all security updates.
- MAC users apply any software updates presented to them by the Software Updater.
Run both Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware — be sure to keep the definitions up to date
- Arcadia University provides free anti-virus (Symantec Corporate Addition) to students living in the residence halls.
Use a software-based Personal Firewall
- Confirm configuration with the instructions for your firewall.
- Students in the residence halls note that hardware based routers are prohibited by the ResNet Policy and should not be used.
Avoid Spam
- Never make a purchase from an unsolicited email
- If you do not know the sender of an unsolicited email message, delete it
- Never respond to any spam messages or click on any links in the message
- Avoid using the preview functionality of your email client software
- When sending email messages to a large number of recipients, use the blind copy (BCC) field to conceal their email addresses
- Never provide your email address on websites, newsgroup lists or other online public forums
- Have and use one or two secondary email addresses
- Never give your primary email address to anyone or any site you don't trust
- Arcadia personnel WILL NEVER ask for your password.
Don’t Get ‘Phished’
- Never respond to emails that request personal financial information
- Visit banks' websites by typing the URL into the address bar
- Keep a regular check on your accounts
- Check the website you are visiting is secure
- Be cautious with emails and personal data
- Always report suspicious activity
- Don’t leave your password blank
- Arcadia personnel WILL NEVER ask for your password.
Never Click on Pop-ups
- Always close using ‘X’ in top right corner. If ‘X’ is greyed out – CRTL + ALT + DEL and End Task Internet Explorer
Never Leave Your Laptop Unattended
Simple Reminders
- Keep food and drinks away from your computer
- Use a surge protector
