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Switch from Windows Update to Microsoft Update
Microsoft Update is a
Microsoft Web site that offers the same downloads that are available from
Windows Update—plus the latest updates for Microsoft Office and other Microsoft
programs.
When you
visit Microsoft Update, the site scans your computer and gives you a list of
updates relevant to your computer and its configuration. You then decide which
updates you want to download and install.
Running
Windows XP?
Update to Internet Explorer 7
Hardware Firewall
Home users that are running a network will
already have a gateway router which has a built in hardware firewall. If you
have a cable modem but are not running a network, you can still use a gateway
router to provide firewall protection. Any wired or wireless router will fit
the bill. Wireless routers also have a wired Ethernet port. Disable the
wireless portion of your router on installation if you will not be using it.
VPN
Access (Virtual Private Network)
For Faculty and Staff - Use the Business School
VPN
for secure remote access to Outlook and network drives.
Virus
Protection
U of M provides
McAfee
VirusScan Enterprise + AntiSpyware Enterprise 8.5.0i for free to the university community. VirusScan
Enterprise provides protection from Virus
and Trojans. It also provides some protection from Adware/Spyware worms and
hackers.
The Microsoft Malicious Software
Removal Tool also provides a level of virus protection. It installs with Windows
Automatic Update.
Adware/Spyware Removers and Blockers
Please beware that there are many
poor performing
and illegitimate adware/spyware removers and blockers. It’s worth glancing
at the above link just to get a picture of how many bad products are out there.
By consensus of the anti-Adware/Spyware
community, here are the best choices for Adware/Spyware removers and blockers*:
*We strongly suggest having
only one combination remover and blocker installed on your
system at a time.
SUPERAntiSpyware
Free Remover and
Blocker
Fee based Removers and Blockers –
see the vendor links for current prices.
* Faculty and Staff
must purchase their own copies of this software.
Please be aware that it may take
more than one program to remove Adware/Spyware and get rid of symptoms. There
are times when even running several anti-Adware/Spyware programs will not clean
your system. When this occurs you can try HiJackThis with the help of a “Quick
Start” and user forums.
As you might surmise, using HiJackThis can be quite involved.
Adware/Spyware is insidious and can become
very entrenched. It is the most widespread security threat today.
Safer Browsing and Emailing
You are the first line of defense
for your system. If you have any doubts about opening an email attachment,
clicking on a pop-up or downloading some software, JUST SAY NO. Through whatever means you have at your disposal, verify that what you are
about to click on is safe and legitimate.
Spam Blockers
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Brightmail – For Faculty, Staff and PHD Exchange email accounts
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U
of M Spam Busters
– For any mail forwarded through your uniqname@umich.edu address
Backup important data frequently
You can burn CDs, use a
USB flash drive or an external hard drive. If something is valuable to you,
please take the opportunity to make copies of it.
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