IT For the Holidays
New Computers
Any of you who might be getting new PCs, itís worth noting a couple of things (most of this applies to others with PCs at home too):
- Run Windows Update! Chances are that Microsoft have released some sort of security patch for their operating system in-between the time it took for your machine to ship or bring home from the shop. Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com to see what updates you need to install.
- Most new computers come with a trial version of some anti-virus software, the most popular being Norton (http://www.symantec.com), McAfee (http://www.mcafee.com/uk/) and AVG AntiVirus (http://www.grisoft.com).
The most important thing you can do is purchase the full version of this software (Norton runs around £40) and make sure that you update it. New viruses come out all the time, and these programs need to be updated on a regular basis to keep your system clear of any infections. This process is relatively painless and (most likely) well documented in your user manual. You should make sure that you at least run a full system scan after the program is updated, and check at least once a week for new virus updates.
For those of you at home with Windows PCs who donít have virus protection installed on your system ñ thereís still time to put it on your Christmas list.
- Other nasties that might get onto your computer include ëspywareí and ëadwareí. These are programs that you may inadvertently download whilst surfing the internet that can monitor your surfing habits (amongst other things). However, there are programs to combat this. I recommend you download Spybot Search & Destroy 1.3 (http://spybot.safer-networking.de/en/index.html) and Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition (http://www.lavasoft.de) to check for spyware on your computer. Both programs have free versions and will also require that you update their definitions so that you can get rid of the latest threats. You should also run this program at least once a week.
Online Scams
Holiday time is a great opportunity for people out there who want to make your life difficult. Be vigilant ñ you may get emails requesting you to confirm this password or that bank account detail ñ most companies that deal with your personal information will never ask you for these sorts of details over the phone and are most certainly likely to not do it over email. When in doubt, call your bank manager, or look up the company to confirm it. For a list of some of the most popular scams out there, check out ScamBusters (http://scambusters.com/)
Free Phone Calls Over the Internet
Also of interest to those of you who have friends and family overseas is a free program called ìSkypeî. Skype is a program that lets you place phone calls over the internet to other people who are running Skype, although a broadband connection to the internet is ideal for this sort of thing. PC users will require a microphone to do this, but most laptop and Mac users will be able to use their built-in microphones to place calls.
Even if your Aunt Betsy in Newfoundland doesnít have a computer, you can still use Skype to ëSkype Outí and place calls to normal phones at a very reasonable international calling charge. Those of you who have ever done Voice-over-IP before will notice that the technology has since come a long way and the quality is pretty fantastic. Check out http://www.skype.com for more details.
Donít Forget the Apple Store
The Apple Store is still running training seminars at Regent Street for those of you with some spare time whoíd like to get to know a bit more about iPhoto, iTunes and other programs. Check out http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/regentstreet/ for more details.
Disclaimer
The IT department accepts no responsibility for what you do on your machines at home. Always make sure you backup your important data regularly and before you do system maintenance. Operate your computer responsibly. Remember, good computing practices are for life, not just for Christmas. Offer void in Utah.
Technology!