CEC Laptop Support
Safe Computing
To ensure that your laptop is in proper working condition for classes, labs, tests, etc. it is strongly recommended that you follow the safe computing practices highlighted on this page. The practices listed below will help reduce the chances that your laptop will be infected with malware. It is also important to note that these practices are important to follow at all times and not just before an exam. If you suspect that your machine is infected and require assistance you may speak with CEC staff.Note: If you bring an infected laptop to an e-exam you may be required to address the problem before you are permitted to start the exam.
UCHC IT Policies
Please be aware that the UCHC IT department has policies in place to protect the UCHC network, students, employees, faculty, and staff. These policies must be adhered to while on the UCHC network as well as while using UCHC owned equipment. This information can be found on the UCHC IT Policies web page.What Is Malware?
Malware is short for malicious software. Malware is often used as an all-inclusive term to refer to viruses, spyware, adware, rootkits, trojan horses, etc. The intent of malware is to perform damaging and/or annoying actions on a computer system without permission. Examples include deleting files, changing settings, stealing personal information, displaying popup messages, and other malicious acts.Signs Of Malware Infection
The list of symptoms below may indicate the possibility of a malware infection.- Anti-malware software will not run
- Antivirus software is disabled
- Browser home page change (although some reputable programs ask you to do this as well)
- Computer Settings change (without your involvement)
- Desktop wallpaper changed (without your involvement)
- Fake antivirus programs
- Firewall is disabled
- Missing files and/or programs
- Pop-up windows/messages appear for no reason
- Programs you don't remember installing appear on your computer
- Re-direction of websites
- Task manager is disabled
Prevention
The following is a list of good practices in preventing malware infection.- Avoid opening email from people you don't know
- Avoid using Peer-To-Peer (P2P) software for illegal purposes (often abused P2P software includes BitTorrent, LimeWire, and Shareaza)
- Avoid visiting websites that illegally broadcast TV shows, movies, etc. (does not include FOX, NBC, ABC, Hulu, and other reputable websites)
- Avoid visiting websites that illegally distribute copyrighted material such as software, music, movies, and TV shows
- Keep anti-malware software updated
- Keep Windows updated via Microsoft Update
- Scan your computer regularly with anti-malware software
- Use a firewall (Windows Firewall comes with Windows XP Service Pack 2 and later)
Anti-Malware Software
Below is a list of recommended anti-malware prevention, detection, and cleaning applications.| Software | Description |
|---|---|
| Ad-Aware Free | Anti-malware application used to detect, clean, and prevent malware. Ad-Aware also includes real-time protection against malware. However, be aware that real-time protection uses computer resources meaning there is that much less memory devoted to other programs and processes. |
| Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
(free version) |
Anti-malware application used to detect and clean malware infections. CEC staff has found Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to be very effective in detecting and cleaning up stubborn malware infections. |
| McAfee Site Advisor | McAfee Site Advisor installs a web browser plug-in which rates web search results to alert you of potential problematic web sites before you visit them. McAfee Site Advisor will display a safe, caution, warning, or unknown rating icon next to web search results. Further information on how it works can be found on McAfee's website. |
| Spybot Search & Destroy | Anti-malware application used to detect and clean malware infections. Spybot also offers an optional real-time protection feature called Resident TeaTimer. However, be aware that real-time protection uses computer resources meaning there is that much less memory devoted to other programs and processes. Also, some people find this real-time protection very intrusive and prefer to not enable it (it is selected by default during the installation). |
| Symantec Antivirus |
Antivirus software used to detect and clean malware infections. Symantec Antivirus
also offers scheduled scans and updates so you don't have to constantly remember to
update the virus definitions.
Note: You must use Internet Explorer and be onsite at the Health Center to install Symantec AntiVirus. |
Good Practices
- Backup data regularly (Please see our computer backups web page for more information)
- Use anti-malware software regularly (please see the table of software above)
- Follow the tips in the prevention section of this page
What To Do If Infected
- Clean-up with anti-malware software
- Don't enter credit card information, passwords, email addresses, etc. into fake antivirus programs. Symantec AntiVirus is pre-installed on all student laptops. Symantec AntiVirus and the anti-malware software listed on this page are reputable anti-malware programs. If you have entered credit card information, passwords, email addresses, etc. into a fake antivirus program, alert your credit card company, bank, etc.)
- Don't make any online purchases until you clean up your computer
- Don't do any online banking until you clean up your computer