Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and Firewall Software
New viruses are constantly being released. Malicious code tends to target ubiquitous services such as email and the Microsoft operating systems. Any computer which is connected to the Internet needs to be configured to automatically update itself to protect against attacks.
- Windows Update — This tool is run via the web and Internet Explorer, and can be configured to deliver critical security patches to your PC automatically through the "Automatic Updates" settings accessible via My Computer—Properties, or Control Panel—System.
- Anti-Virus and Firewall software — With a CalNet ID, you may freely download Symantec's Client Security suite from software.berkeley.edu. Symantec's LiveUpdate feature may be set to automatically update your virus definition files. If you already have anti-virus software on your computer, Symantec or otherwise, it is highly recommended that you uninstall it completely before installing the new Symantec Client Security package.
Protecting your computer with the above two products can be as simple as running the free Connecting@Berkeley software, which includes the Symantec Antivirus and Client Security (firewall) suite.
Spyware and adware are small programs that gather and send information from your computer to some external party over your network connection without your knowledge or consent. Often these programs can complicate network activity and lead to performance degradation and system instability. Offenders include popular products such as Gator, CoolWebSearch, Kazaa and the free versions of Weatherbug and DivX.
Spyware and adware removal programs, such as AdAware and Spybot S&D, are freely available online.
Security
Joining the campus network—either by docking in the carrels, or by using AirBears—requires that laptops be up-to-date with security patches through Windows Update or Software Update (Mac) and running updated antivirus software and a client-side firewall.
