None shall enter
How to protect your computer from viruses
It's a normal day during finals week and you're putting the finishing touches on the paper that is due tomorrow. Sure, you put it off all semester, but now you're patting
By Stephanie Lovett, Jayplay writer
yourself on the back because it hasn't turned out too shabby, if you do say so yourself. Then, just before you print, the screen freezes and before you can scream "I should've saved it to disk!" the whole thing's gone.
This situation is possible for anyone who owns a computer and the likely culprit is a virus. Melissa Marietta, Salina senior, had so many viruses on her computer last year she just stopped using it. "I just got tired of it and now I have a new computer," Marietta says.
Photo illustration by Ginny Weatherman and Neil Mulka
University of Kansas. The second you are online, viruses and spyware are probing your computer.
Marietta's experience isn't hard to believe. The reality is that without virus protection, computers that are online will be infiltrated within 12 to 15 minutes, says Chuck Crawford, information security officer for the
The good news is that most viruses are
simplistic programming,says information security consultant Robert Slade. The majority of viruses are merely modified versions of other viruses.
And the technology to combat viruses is the more sophisticated of the two, though it is a constant battle. But you're computer isn't going to protect itself.
Get real
It's time to fight back against the viruses that are getting into your computer. You have to take this threat seriously. Some viruses may only slow
the machine down, but many can permanently destroy files or even leave the computer useless. There are now viruses that can crack passwords, Crawford says. If you are using an easy password such as your last name or "jayhawk" there are programs
that can get in your computer.
Scarier yet, there are now viruses that exploit image files, such as JPEGs, says Arian Evans, senior security engineer for Fishnet Security. You don't even have to click on anything; simply by viewing the page with the image your computer can be infected and taken over.
Educate yourself
Viruses aren't the only threat to the security of your machine. It's a misconception that viruses are always the reason computers stop running correctly, Slade says. Spyware and other malware (malicious software) are another huge reason computers malfunction. Spyware is a type of programming that gathers information about you and your computer for some company's marketing purposes. Spyware will sometimes install features like toolbars on your web browser or upload information from your computer, Crawford says.
Besides being intrusive, this stuff can clog up your computer and keep the programs you actually want from running correctly. And they leave the computer more vulnerable to viruses. Spyware is everywhere, but is especially prevalent on porn sites, Crawford says.
Employ protection
Everyone who owns a computer should utilize a virus protection program. And anyone affiliated with the University has access to Sophos. If you want to use another virus scan, Slade recommends F-Prot, which has free trials at www.f-prot.com.
Next, you should also use a firewall, which filters the information coming into your computer and flags suspicious programs before they run. Check out Zone Labs at
www.zonelabs.com. And you can check for spyware by using Spybot, h t t p : / / w w w . s a f e r -
networking.org/en/index.html.
You should also consider using a different Internet browser than Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Evans says 95 percent of viruses target that browser and through it, Windows operating systems. He recommends using Mozilla Firefox or Opera, both of which are free.
Pay attention
But there are more everyday steps you can take to keep your information safe. E-mail is currently the most common way viruses are transmitted. Never open attachments unless you are expecting them, even from friends. "E-mail attachments are the online version of taking candy from strangers," says Allison Lopez of KU Information Services.
And when you receive URL links in an email, don't just click them. Copy and paste the link into a new browser and look at it carefully to confirm it is legitimate. Evans says.
Avoid going to sites you are unfamiliar with and be skeptical in general. You should also use your Internet options to turn off JavaScript, VBScript and ActiveX, Slade says. Those are all programs that can be avenues for viruses and spyware.
Beyond all of this, always back up important files. Burn them to CDs or invest in a USB drive.
Clearly, protecting your computer is no easy task. The unfortunate reality is that there is always a chance your computer could get infected. But by being more diligent you can alleviate much of the risk.
Damagecontrol
Instead of shit, say poo. Break your potty mouth habit with five easy steps.
Before you embarrass yourself in a social situation, remember that chronic cursing offends more people than you think.
1. Admit it — Recognize that you have a filthy mouth.
2. Eliminate - Stop all casual swearing.
3. Positive Attitude — Negativity is bad for your progress.
4. Patience — All we need is just a little.
Jaeyplay 10.21.04
5. Practice — Use your substitutes.
(bullpoo, poohead)
"Follow this plan and very soon you will say: 'It's easy, m'kay.'" Mr. Mackey
Source: www.cusscontrol.com
— Megan Claus
minute fix
Get spare tire, jack and tool kit from trunk.
Look at your owner's manual to see where to install jack. Loosen wheel nuts one turn.
Raise your car with the jack until tire just clears the ground.
Remove wheel nuts and flat tire.
Lower jack until the spare barely touches the ground.
Put on the spare - you may need to raise the jack a little more. Reinstall and tighten wheel nuts.
Tighten wheel nuts again.
Lower jack completely and remove it.
Source: AAA
— Misty Huber
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