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Computer Security
Overview |
Step 1: Get anti-virus software
Step 2: Update your anti-virus software |
Step 3: Ensure that your computer is free of viruses |
Step 4: Set up a firewall |
Step 5: Install operating system updates |
Step 6: Install Microsoft Office updates |
Step 7: Remove spyware |
Step 8: Finish |

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School of Pharmacy•

UCSF School of Pharmacy

Step 1: Get anti-virus software

Installing anti-virus software is a required step in ensuring computer security.

What is anti-virus software?

When properly configured, anti-virus software protects your computer from computer viruses.

Why do I need anti-virus software?

If your computer doesn't have properly configured anti-virus software, it could:

  • spread viruses to people listed in your address book
  • spread worms to other computers in your network or anywhere on the Internet
  • allow intruders to record your keystrokes or view or delete your data

-- all without your knowledge.

You have a responsibility to your community -- only you can prevent viruses from spreading from your own computer! See How Computer Viruses Work.

Does your computer have anti-virus software?

Not Sure

  1. Ask the company or person you bought it from or consult a knowledgeable friend.
  2. Compare a list of Mac Anti-Virus Products or Windows Anti-Virus Products with programs you find on your computer. Windows users: See Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel.

Yes

Congratulations! Proceed to Step 2: Update your anti-virus software.

No

  1. Entering students: You can install Sophos Anti-Virus from the CD-ROM we provide to you at no charge during Orientation. Until then:

    1. Windows users: Install Grisoft's AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. You'll need to uninstall it before installing Sophos Anti-Virus when you arrive on campus.
    2. Mac users: Just keep your OS X firewall on. (Details in Step 4: Set up a firewall.)

    Continuing students: Download and install Sophos Anti-Virus (download requires VPN), which is available to the UCSF community at no charge through a site license.

  2. Proceed to Step 2: Update your anti-virus software.

Help? Feedback?

Try asking your question in the Craigslist computer forum. To provide feedback for this page, send the URL and your comments to Web & Data Services Manager Frank Farm at farmf@pharmacy.ucsf.edu.

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