Protect and Clean your Computer

If your computer cannot access the Internet, use a computer that CAN connect to download files to a CD or memory stick.

Please complete ALL Steps.

These basic steps will remove viruses and most spyware from your computer. Some infections are so embedded that additional expertise may be needed to remove them manually.   If after following these instructions, your computer still exhibits signs of infection, you may be required to make an appointment with IT-User Services to clean your system for a charge. Please direct questions to the IT Help Center at 831-6000.

User Account Control helps prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. You will be asked for permission or an administrator's password before performing system actions.

When you see a UAC message, read it carefully, and make sure the action or program that's about to start is one that you intended to start.

1.  Check Vista's Security Center.

• Check settings to verify that all security features are turned on.
   
• Secure your Internet Explorer browser.
   

2.  Use up-to-date McAfee Anti-Virus Software.

• Remove any virus and security software
   
• Run Disk Cleanup to delete temporary files.
   
• Install UD McAfee.
   
• Scan for viruses.
   
• Think you have an AIM virus?
   

3.  Protect against Spyware.

• What is Spyware?
   
• Removing Spyware.
   
• Preventing Spyware
   

4.  Set up Desktop Security.

• Remove Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Programs
   
• Set up desktop security on your computer.
   
• Check for optional updates.
   

5.  Secure your wireless access.

• Wireless security risks.
   
• Set up your Wireless Router for UD's Network.
   

Ongoing Maintenance Tasks

• After cleaning your computer, the following tasks should be completed WEEKLY to KEEP your computer clean.
  • Run Disk Cleanup.
  • Remove Spyware.
  • Protect against Spyware.
  • Backup Important Data.
• The following tasks are now set to run automatically:
  • Windows Operating System Updates.
  • Windows Defender (Spyware Prevention tool).
  • UD McAfee will update daily and scan weekly for viruses.
• You are responsible for obtaining Critical Security Updates for other applications (Quicktime, Adobe, AIM, etc.) installed on your computer.

Documentation Reference

• UD's Code of the Web
• Responsible Use of the Campus Network
• Wi-Fi Laptop and Network Security Video Tutorials