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Technology @ Peabody
Safe Computing (Anti-Virus)
Because of the large number of computers and high-speed connections, universities make attractive targets to hackers and computer viruses. Students are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to experiment with their computers and download more files from far-flung places.
In general, you should make every attempt to "know" the source of the files you download from the net. NEVER open attachments in email messages from unknown parties.
Check your computer to see that file-sharing is turned off. Some computers ship with that feature turned on, letting anyone retrieve or store files on your computer - a "hacked" computer may be used as a repository for files that are "served" all over the world without your knowledge - resulting in an increase in bandwidth usage which may result in your network connection being interrupted. If you do decide to turn file-sharing on to allow friends to access files, make sure to use a password which is not easily guessed, and log on from another computer to make sure you really know what files and folders are available to others.
Anti-virus Software
Vanderbilt provides anti-virus software free of charge to all students. Versions for both Windows and Macintosh computers are available on the ResNet VUconnect Software page. Like Mulberry, the email program, you may have already installed the anti-virus software as a part of the ResNet installation.
But my computer came with an anti-virus program, so why can't I use that?
Many new computers come with a trial subscription to programs like Norton Anti-Virus, but these trials usually expire in a few months, and it is important that you have a program that regularly checks for new virus definitions. Therefore, it is ResNet's recommendation that you un-install any program that came with your computer and replace it with the Vanderbilt-provided copy which is configured to automatically check for updates.
Other recommended practices
Visit the ITS Practice Safe Computing page for a good overview of ways to secure your computer.