Computing Security and Usage FAQ
May faculty and staff install software on their office computers?
Generally, no. Installing unauthorized software on your computer or the network server may cause problems or even make your computer inoperable. Please contact computing services for authorization before making any changes to your office computer.
Should I turn off my office computer or leave it on?
Leave your computer turned on but do restart it when you leave for the day. Computing Services "pushes" operating system patches and updates to your computer overnight. Your computer must be left on for the latest patches to be installed. Before you leave for the day select Start | Shutdown | Restart.
What is the difference between a virus and a worm?
Viruses and worms are both types of malware, bad programs for your computer and consequently for you. A virus can be attached to other programs, but a worm is a stand-alone program. Both can wreak havoc for individual computers and entire networks.
Where can I get Anti-Virus software?
Students, faculty and staff may download anti-virus programs from the Duke OIT software download page. You will need to logon with your Duke NetID and password.
What does a firewall do?
The communication protocol used by your computer, called "Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol" (TCP/IP), uses logical addresses call " ports" to deliver data. A firewall limits the ability of another computer to deliver data through a specific port. Blocking ports is one way to prevent malware from attacking your computer. Zonealarm by Zonelabs is a popular free firewall. Windows XP and Vista include a built-in firewall, the Windows Firewall.
What can I do to avoid spreading viruses?
Follow these rules and you reduce the risk of catching and spreading computer viruses:
- Install an anti-virus program and keep it updated.
- Do not open attachments on unexpected e-mails, regardless of the purported sender. Verify the message was intentionally sent by your correspondent before you open an attachment. Also read the cover message closely to establish context. If it seems at all fishy, do not open the attachment.
- If you receive an e-mail from someone other than Computing Services telling you about a new virus, be suspicious of the possibility of a hoax. Contact Computing Services for verification of any virus warning. Do not take it upon yourself to forward such warnings to your correspondents, or you may be further spreading a hoax. Likewise, do not forward chain messages.
What does Academic Technologies do to block SPAM?
Academic Technologies uses an email firewall appliance “M+Guardian” to block spam. The program uses a scoring system to identify spam and messages identified as spam are deleted without delivery. The program blocks approximately 95% of spam and we are working on improving its success rate. Users may request that spam be marked as such and delivered to them. Hide Answer
What is "phishing" and what should I do to avoid it?
"Phishing" is the practice of sending fraudulent email messages disguised as requests from legitimate business organizations in an effort to get the recipient to provide personal and financial information. Common phishing scams appear to originate on eBay and various banks. The URL in a phishing message will take you to a site that appears to be the genuine business site but is in fact a fraudulent imitation. The owners will capture the information you provide and use it in criminal activity, such as emptying your bank account or committing credit card fraud. To avoid being a phishing victim, do not open links from within any unexpected mail that appears to ask for personal information. Be especially wary of requests marked "urgent" or otherwise designed to require your immediate attention. When you visit a company's website, look carefully at the URL displayed in the browser navigation window to see if it appears to be on the company's proper web address. Never send personal or financial information in an emai messagel. Never include a password in an email message.
How do I make a strong password? (OIT Site)
Must I change my password?
Staff and faculty with administrative responsibilities are required to change passwords every 90 days. We recommend that other faculty and students change their passwords as often.
What are the school's policies about protecting my privacy on the network?
Academic Technologies takes our obligation to protect your privacy very seriously. With limited exceptions, our staff may not look at your files and e-mail messages or allow anyone else to look at them. Detailed rules, including the exceptions, are online on the law school's administrative policies site.
Will User Services help me fix my home computer?
User Services will make an initial assessment of your computer and in many cases attempt to fix the problem. We do not repair hardware on student-owned computers, but we will assist with operating system problems and other software problems on student-owned notebook computers. We also provide assistance for faculty and staff home computers that are brought into the law school building.
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