Within the last two years, the number of destructive and invasive software applications has exploded, making almost every computer in the world susceptible to some form of attack. Some of these applications, namely viruses, infect a user's computer without the consent of the user, while others, such as spy-ware and ad-ware, are installed secretly within another seemingly legitimate application. This section is devoted to the operating system Windows, which is at a substantially higher risk of infection than other operating systems. Here you can find information about dangerous software, safe computing practices, types of viruses, and links to useful applications.

What is adware?

Another class of suspect software known as spyware tracks your computer usage and reports this information to a central server. The uses of spyware and the detail of information collected are varied. Most often, spyware is incorporated into adware, and the data collected is used to choose ads you would most likely respond to. Since this data collection is not under the direct control or knowledge of the user, many security experts strongly disagree with its use and development. Please note that not all adware is spyware (defined below). Similarly, not all legitimate programs are free of either adware or spyware.

What is spyware?

Another class of suspect software known as spyware tracks your computer usage and reports this information to a cental server. The uses of spyware and the detail of information collected are varied. Most often, spyware is incorporated into adware, and the data collected is used to choose ads you would most likely respond to. Since this data collection is not under the direct control or knowledge of the user, many security experts strongly disagree with its use and development.

How does adware or spyware get on my computer?

Adware and spyware are often bundled with other pieces of software users can obtain for free. They are particularly abundant in peer-to-peer software such as Kazaa, Limewire, BearShare, and Blubster. If your computer has the current Microsoft security patches and service packs, adware or spyware cannot install itself on your computer from a remote location.

About viruses

Viruses are small pieces of software that hide in other files or non-descript locations and cause your computer to function incorrectly or not at all. With the recent internet boom, most new viruses spread over the internet to computers without proper security features. They can also spread through e-mail attachments, infecting computers when the attachment is opened.

Grinnell College provides Trend Micro antivirus software free to all faculty and staff. A description of this software can be found on Trend Micro's website. Also available from Trend is a virus encyclopedia which you can use to find information about many different viruses.

Good computing practices to avoid viruses

• While viruses cannot spread through text in e-mail messages, they can spread through attachments. Do not open attachments or e-mails from addresses or people you do not recognize.
• Scan your computer for viruses often
• If you are using Internet Explorer and a window like the one pictured below appears, click No unless you are sure that you want the software installed.
  

  Image 1 - The Internet Explorer Security Warning window. In this example, software by Integrated Search Technologies will be installed if Yes is clicked. The software being offered is a piece of adware.

Laptop Safety

Although theft is not very prevalent on the Grinnell campus, it does occur from time to time and it takes only once for your laptop to be stolen. Here are some suggestions to keep your computer safe:

• Buy and use a cable to lock your laptop to your desk or other sturdy point in your room. Locks and cables can be purchased at the bookstore.
• Don't leave your laptop in the open in your room - hide it when not in use.
• Don't leave your laptop lying out in public spaces such as the library or the forum.
• In order to minimize the effects of having your laptop stolen, save all of your important digital documents to removable media (CD, USB drive) or to the Storage Server.