Before you connect your computer to the Internet, you should install a firewall. This is a piece of software or hardware that helps protect your PC against hackers and many computer viruses and worms. If you have the Microsoft Windows® XP operating system, you can use its built-in Internet Connection Firewall. Using a firewall is the most important first line of defense for computer security.

Important Internet Connection Firewall works by blocking certain types of potentially harmful network communication. However, it also blocks some useful network communication tasks (for example, sharing files or printers through a network, transferring files in applications such as instant messaging, or hosting multiplayer games). We highly recommend that you use a firewall because it helps protect your computer today. If you choose to turn on Internet Connection Firewall you can come back later for help with unblocking useful network communication tasks.

The steps below tell you how to make sure the Windows XP firewall is turned on. If you have a different configuration, a home network, a different version of Windows, or if you encounter problems during the steps, contact Computing Services at #6391.

To turn on the Internet Connection Firewall

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel
2. Click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections
   
   Click Network and Internet Connections
   
   Click Network Connections
   
   Note: If the Network and Internet Connections category is not visible, click Switch to Category View on the upper left of the window.
3. Under the Dial-Up or LAN or High Speed Internet heading, click the icon to select the connection that you want to help protect.
4. In the task pane on the left, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection. (As a shortcut, you can right-click the connection you want to help protect, and then click Properties
5. On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, check the box next to Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.

After you check the box and close the Properties window, the firewall is turned on. The firewall may interfere with some network operations such as file and print sharing, networking-related programs, or online games.

The Microsoft Windows® XP operating system includes the Automatic Updates feature, which can automatically download the latest Microsoft security updates while your computer is on and connected to the Internet

Before you turn on Automatic Updates, it's a good idea to bring your hardware and software up-to-date using Windows Update. Here's how:

To use Automatic Updates to download and install any future critical security updates from Microsoft:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and Maintenance.
   If the Performance and Maintenance category isn't visible, click Switch to Category View on the upper left of the window.
3. Click System to open the System Properties dialog box. You'll see a screen like the one below.
4. On the Automatic Updates tab, check the box next to Keep my computer up to date.
5. Choose a setting. We strongly recommend choosing Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.
6. If you choose the option to automatically download and install updates, select a day and time when your computer will be turned on, so the installation process can be finished.

Note: We recommend a daily update.
If you set up Automatic Updates to notify you, or if your machine was off at the scheduled installation time, you will see a notification balloon like the one below. Click the notification balloon to review and install the updates.

Using Windows Update

Here's how you can bring your computer up to date now. You can also use these instructions to keep up with the latest non-critical updates:

1. Go to the Windows Update Web site at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
2. On the Windows Update site, click Scan for Updates. Windows Update will scan your computer and give you a pre-selected list of critical updates, including service packs.
   
   Note: Slower modems may take several hours to download all recommended updates the first time you use Windows Update. Your download times will vary depending on how long it has been since you last updated and your modem speed. To reduce download times, run Windows Update when you will not be using your computer for other Internet-related tasks.
3. In the Pick updates to install list on the left side of your screen, click Critical Updates and Service Packs. Windows Update will create a list of the updates appropriate for your computer. (Critical updates will be selected for download automatically.)
4. Click Review and install updates. Select the updates to install, including any service packs and the critical updates pre-selected for you, and then click Install Now. You may need to restart your computer after installing the updates.
   
   Note: Be sure to go back to Windows Update after rebooting to check for any additional updates. You may need to do this several times.

Important note for Microsoft Office users. You should also visit the Office Update site to install the latest security releases.

1. Install Symantec Norton Antivirus Corporate Edition

• If you already have antivirus fotware installed, be certain to uninstall your current product before installing the new one. Leaving the previous version installed can cause conflicts on your system
• Download Norton Antivirus from the University's ADCS. Your username and password will be required.
• Install using the default settings.

We recommend Ad-Aware and Spybot. They can be downloaded from the Computing Services Software page.