12/8/99
Welcome to a Web page that is dedicated to making your Windows PC more secure. The following tips are suggestions only.
Get Virus Protection - UTC has a site license for Norton Anti Virus and the Helpdesk has a page to assist you in obtaining it. It is also vital that your update your virus signatures (how the scanner finds the viruses) at least monthly. Norton has a LiveUpdate feature that is more fully detailed on the Helpdesk's Web page.
Update Windows - Microsoft has a great Web page that detects what upgrades your Windows needs and then installs them. The Web site, windowsupdate.microsoft.com, has one major drawback: it requires the use of Internet Explorer 4 or higher to function. You can download Internet Explorer from Slug's main page under "Sluggested software." If you install Internet Explorer and you are a dedicated Netscape user make sure to answer No when IE asks "should Internet Explorer be your default browser?" Windows 98 has a similar function under the Start Menu called "Windows Update."
Turn off File Sharing - If you don't need it, turn it off. Under StartMenu/Setting/Control Panels/Network make sure that "I want to share my printer" and "I want to share my files" are unchecked.
Use Passwords with Windows NT - One of the most common security problems when using Windows NT (Server or Workstation) is that the Admin user (which has full read/write access to the PC) has no password. When using NT, make SURE THAT YOUR ADMINISTRATOR USER HAS A PASSWORD!! Otherwise, anyone can connect to your PC with full read/write access.
Use the screensaver with a password - Under Start Menu/Settings/Control Panels you will find your Display control panel. Upon opening it there is a tab for Screensaver. Make sure that password protection is on with a 15 minute time limit.
Encrypt your sensitive data - Download PGP to secure data. WARNING, IF ENCRYPT YOUR DATA YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE DANGERS. Forgotten passwords and corrupt files may render your data worthless.