Is Your Computer Ready For Summer? Stay Connected and Secure

June 2006

Congratulations to Lucy Gillespie, winner of a digital camera from NUIT's "STAY Connected & Secure … All Summer Long" event. The two-day technology awareness campaign at Norris on May 11 and 12 included a computer security quiz to enter to win the digital camera, an iTunes giveaway, and free laptop engraving for safety.

If you missed the event, you can still get essential summer computing tips from the NUIT Web site, including:

Stay Connected and Secure … All Summer Long
Does your computer get antivirus updates from off campus? It may currently access updates from campus servers, so when you move, your computer could be vulnerable to viruses. Get Symantec/Norton LiveUpdate from off campus by using the switch tool available at: www.it.northwestern.edu/software/staff/free/antivirus/symantec-faq.html

When you travel, it can be convenient to ignore software update reminders on your laptop, but your machine is vulnerable to attack if you put them off. Instead, set your updates to run automatically. For PCs, go to My Computer / Properties / Automatic Updates; for Mac OS X, go to Apple / System Preferences / Software Update.

Student Software Discounts
Did you know NUIT software is the least expensive software option on campus?* All registered students using student-owned computers for the purpose of University-related business, academics, or research are eligible. Software offerings include Microsoft Office, EndNote, and Mathematica. *Prices are subject to change.

Student Software
Check this page for discounted software and a variety of applications available at no additional cost.

Get Connected Off Campus
There are a variety of Internet service providers available for accessing the Northwestern University network. But how do you find the best plan for you? Northwestern University Information Technology (NUIT) provides information you need to make an educated choice. Check out the NUIT Web site for Internet connection comparisons and provider information.

Connecting from Off Campus
Find options for accessing the NU Network from off campus.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Configure your computer for VPN connection.

Get Control
Computer security threats such as viruses, worms, spyware, and hackers have the potential to cause major damage to your personal data, your computer, and the entire Northwestern network. Get control of your computer before your computer gets control of you!

Five Steps to Get Control
Bookmark this page for step-by-step instructions for computer and network security.

For more information, contact the NUIT Support Center at 847-491-HELP (4357) or consultant@northwestern.edu.

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