Protecting your Home Computer

Use Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Software

Anti-virus and anti-spyware software, more easily defined as anti-malware software, are probably the most important pieces of software any Windows system can have.  While Macs, Linux, and other systems are vulnerable to virus and spyware attacks as well, the design of their systems and their lower market share has made them less desirable to malicious software developers.

Current UNI students may receive Symantec Endpoint Protection for free via this site.  The use of Symantec Endpoint Protection is required for students living in the residence halls.

Why do they want to Attack my System?

The rational behind malware (MALicious softWARE) various greatly, but the number one factor is money.  Some of the most widespread malware has been used to send SPAM or to have the machines act as attackers in a distributed, mass-attack on websites or networks.  Some malware is designed for identity theft, others for making money off ads or the sale of products.  There are some that are just plain malicious for the sake of being malicious.  Others may be intended for corporate espionage or international spying.  Anti-virus companies are increasingly finding malware that was designed for a specific institution's network structure.

Best Practices for all Anti-Malware Software

The goal of any anti-virus or anti-malware software should be to prevent the software from entering the system in the first place.  Secondly, if malware is successful in entering the system, the anti-malware software should help you remove it or at least inform you of an infection so appropriate action may be taken.

For any anti-malware software to be successful, it must be up-to-date and receiving definitions automatically from the distributor.  Many home users will find that their anti-malware software has expired and is not receiving updates.  If that is the case, a renewal must be purchased, or a new program installed.  Good software will update itself automatically.  Some free anti-spyware programs will require manual updates.

In general, it really does not matter how you got any piece of malware, the end result is the same, it needs to be removed.  Sometimes the only method to clean an infected system is to reformat the computer and reinstall the operating system. In this situation, your data should be restored from backups.

NOTE: You should only run one anti-virus software program at a time.  Installing more than one at a time will cause system instability and may make the software ineffective.

Windows Users

Windows machines are nearly guaranteed to be infected with some form of malware without adequate software protection.  Even then, some malware may sneak by the software.  There are literally hundreds of anti-virus applications out there, many are available at various retailers.  You should make sure the software solution you choose provides adequate protection.  UNI students should utilize Symantec Endpoint Protection, as UNI has it licensed for all students.  This section will focus on the free ones available to home users that have demonstrated adequate protection.  Many of these programs may not be used on institutional computers and are only licensed for non-commercial home use. 

Mac Users

Macs have seen some share of malware, but mostly Mac anti-virus software scans your documents for Windows viruses, so you do not inadvertently pass them on to your Windows-using friends.  Many Mac users run without any anti-malware software.  This strategy may work, but care should be taken to protect the system with adequate software should the status quo change.  Ideally, Macs should be running anti-malware software of some sort, to prevent a devastating outbreak should one be written.

Linux Users

Linux machines have seen some malware, but mostly Linux anti-virus software scans your documents for Windows viruses, so you do not inadvertently pass them on to your Windows-using friends.  Many Linux users run without any anti-malware software.  This strategy may work, but care should be taken to protect the system with adequate software should the status quo change.

Virus, Spyware, Adware, and Malware Defined

The differences between the various types of malicious software has led to numerous terms to classify the various types of malicious programs based on how they infect the system and what they do once the system is infected.  Really, you do not want any of these nasty software programs on your computer and its easy to call them all malware (malicious software). 

Here basic descriptions of some of the various terms:

These malicious programs may install some of the following:

Of course, some malware attacks include many of the above items or may consist of multiple malware programs combined together.