Desktop System Security

Desktop computers come in many sizes, shapes, configurations, and brands. The most prevalent types in use are Windows Me/2000/XP OS and Macintosh OS based systems. Many of the comments about Windows will also be relevant to the WIN NT based system.

•  Macintosh OS X
  1. Run Software Update.
  2. Set Software Update to automatically check for updates.
  3. Install the latest version of Virex, scan your computer and check for updates regularly.
  4. Be aware of any current security issues:
     • www.SecureMac.com
     • www.sans.org
     • www.Apple.com/support/

   

•  Windows XP Professional
  1. STUDENTS: Click here for the first 10 security steps you should perform.
     FACULTY AND STAFF: Click here for the first 9 security steps you should perform.
  2. Activate the Internet Connection Firewall in XP
  3. Run Windows Update. (After you reboot your machine, be sure to RUN WINDOWS UPDATE AGAIN. Repeat this step until there are NO more "critical" updates.)
  4. Set Windows to auto-update.
  5. Update your Office software.
  6. Install the latest version of VirusScan, set it up to scan your computer and check for updates regularly.
  7. Use any Peer-to-Peer programs responsibly:
     • Aimster
     • AudioGalaxy
     • FastTrack (Kazaa, Morpheus)
     • Gnutella
  8. Review your Internet Explorer Privacy Options (and more).

   

•  Windows XP Home
  1. STUDENTS: Click here for the first 6 security steps you should perform.
     FACULTY AND STAFF: Click here for the first 9 security steps you should perform.
  2. Activate the Internet Connection Firewall in XP
  3. Run Windows Update. (After you reboot your machine, be sure to RUN WINDOWS UPDATE AGAIN. Repeat this step until there are NO more "critical" updates.)
  4. Set Windows to auto-update.
  5. Update your Office software.
  6. Install the latest version of VirusScan, set it up to scan your computer and check for updates regularly.
  7. Use any Peer-to-Peer programs responsibly:
     • Aimster
     • AudioGalaxy
     • FastTrack (Kazaa, Morpheus)
     • Gnutella
  8. Review your Internet Explorer Privacy Options (and more).

   

•  Windows 2000 Professional
  1. STUDENTS: Click here for the first 11 security steps you should perform.
     FACULTY AND STAFF: Click here for the first 10 security steps you should perform.
  2. Run Windows Update. (After you reboot your machine, be sure to RUN WINDOWS UPDATE AGAIN. Repeat this step until there are NO more "critical" updates.)
  3. Set Windows to auto-update.
  4. Update your Office software.
  5. Install the latest version of VirusScan, set it up to scan your computer and check for updates regularly.
  6. Use any Peer-to-Peer programs responsibly:
     • Aimster
     • AudioGalaxy
     • FastTrack (Kazaa, Morpheus)
     • Gnutella
     • Review your Internet Explorer Privacy Options (and more).