Securing your PC

There are three steps to take to ensure your PC is more secure when connected to the UWE network.

Install and update anti virus software

Download and install Windows Security Updates

Install and update anti virus software

It is vitally important you have up to date Anti Virus software installed and running whilst connected to the UWE network. Most new PCs and laptops include a trial version of Anti Virus software but these usually only last a short period of time. You must ensure that you either renew your subscription or install free anti virus software. There are a number of Free anti virus packages available on the web. These include AVG and Avast, both of which can be downloaded from the following locations:

AVG – download here http://free.avg.com/

Avast – download here http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

NOTE: You must ensure that you uninstall your old anti virus software before installing the new package. Running two anti virus packages simultaneously will significantly slow down your computer.

Download and install Windows Security Updates

Microsoft often release critical security patches which address insecurities in Windows software which hackers and viruses can take advantage of. It is therefore very important to keep the software up to date.

You can see if your Windows software is up to date by visiting www.windowsupdate.com.

To check that automatic updates is switched on do the following:

Windows Vista

Click the Windows Start Button in the bottom left of the screen and in the search field type windows update and press ENTER.

If Windows is not set to 'Automatically install new updates every day' click the Change Settings link on the left of the Window.

Select Install updates automatically (recommended) and click OK

Windows XP

Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl and press ENTER.

Click the Automatic Updates tab. We recommend that you select the Automatic (recommended) Automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them option.

Switch on your Firewall

We strongly recommend that you have some firewall software running on your PC when connected to the ResNet service. This provides added protection from Trojan viruses, worms and hackers.

Windows Vista and Windows XP with Service Pack 2 & 3 both have an inbuilt firewall. You should have this switched on at all times.

Below are instructions for Windows Vista, XP and Apple Mac users