Support - How Do I . . .?

Best Internet Practices

Following these guidelines about email, attachments, and freeware can help you avoid viruses, worms and other attacks on your computer system:

Don't trust email that gives you instructions to delete files on your computer. Find out more first. See the links below. Call the Help Desk if you have any doubts.
Don't open attachments, even from trusted friends and colleagues, unless you were expecting something from them. Call the Help Desk if you have any doubts.
Don't answer or pass along any chain letters. These can overload email systems with hundreds of emails. See http://www.breakthechain.org/ for more information.
Don't install freeware or even shareware on your computer unless you fully understand the licensing agreement. Even if you do fully understand the agreement please be aware that programs such as Weatherbug, Incredimail, Blubster, Grokster, and most others also install spyware and data mining applets that run in the background. These applets expose your computer to tracking software that can report your web browsing, your email addresses, and even passwords to unknown parties. In some instances we have found these applets will prevent your computer from running Denison software required to do your work. If it is not something you need to do your job, please check with the Help Desk first before you install something that may damage your system.

External References

Here are some references to give you an idea of what happens when you are not careful and some best practices suggestions from some of the best anti-virus/anti-spyware companies in the nation:

Computing Services installs McAfee anti-virus software on all University-owned computers. The freeware version of Ad-aware from Lavasoft is not permitted by license for use on University-owned computers. Spybot Search & Destroy from PepiMK Software is free, but the staff of Computing Services has limited experience with this product. Please send email with your personal experiences with spyware/malware/trojans/etc. or any other questions to selby@denison.edu.