IT Services
Security and housekeeping
There are a few simple precautions you should take to ensure that your home computer is protected from viruses and malicious software. If you have your own Windows PC, it's essential to install a security program and use the built-in tools to keep your computer safe.
Windows PCs
Antivirus
If you have your own Windows PC which you use for work or study, you must install antivirus software. The best protection comes from paid software but if you don't want to buy a program, you should install one of the free services. There are several free programs which offer a decent level of protection.
Avast! (free antivirus) blocks viruses and spyware.
AVG Antivirus (free edition) gives good protection against viruses and malware.
Microsoft Security Essentials offers a basic level of protection against viruses and other malicious software.
Keep up to date
Use the built-in Action Center on Windows to keep your PC up to date.
- From the Control Panel, choose System and Security and then Action Center
The Action Center page shows the current status of your PC and alerts you to any tasks which need to be completed.
Mac users
Antivirus software is not essential for Mac users because the risk of infection is far less than with Windows PCs. However, there are still threats and if you use a Mac, you should make sure that you keep its software updated regularly (click on the Apple logo and then Software update).
Staff and cluster room PCs
We manage the security of staff desktops and student PCs centrally. Staff do not need to update office PCs that are managed by IT Services. See also:
Threats
Programs and files that might be harmful to your computer are collectively known as malware and include:
- viruses and worms - computer programs that multiply by making copies of themselves
- spyware - software that monitors activity on your computer and may be used to collect personal information
- document malware - files such as Excel documents or PDF files which contain a malicious script that can give access to to your computer
- trojan horses - or simply "trojans", these are programs that are advertised as one thing, for example a screensaver or a slide show, but once installed, perform unwelcome operations
See also
Information security
Policies and guidance on how information is managed at Sussex
Housekeeping
Information on how to keep your PC well-maintained
Passwords
Our guide to choosing and using passwords
Computing accounts
Frequently asked questions about computing accounts at Sussex
My ITS account
Login to change your password and set email options
Common questions
Fraud emails (phishing)
An email is asking for personal information - what should I do?
Spam
How do IT Services fight spam?
Social networking
Updated on 20 March 2013