Securing Your Computer

This is the place to find tips on how to secure and protect your computer and network connection. For additional information, visit the security section of DoIT's web site.

• Updating Your Operating System
• Anti-Virus Software
• Spyware Detection and Removal
• Using a Personal Firewall
• Configuring a Secure Wireless Access Point
• Miscellaneous Tips and Fixes
  • "Not a Socket" XP Fix
  • How to Disable Windows Messenger
  • Setting up an email client for use with a non-UW email account

Updating Your Operating System

Windows
It is extremely important that residents connected to ResNet install the newest security updates for their operating systems.

Windows Update - Microsoft Windows users should go here for updates. Windows 2000/XP users can also set their computers to update automatically. Microsoft offers a web page that can secure your computer for you, residents using the Windows XP Home operating system may find this very useful.

Macintosh
Apple Service & Support - Macintosh users should go here for updates.

To update the Macintosh operating system:

1. Mac OS 10.2 or higher: Go to Software Update in your System Preferences
   Mac OS 9-10.1: Go to Software Update in your applications folder or in your Apple menu
2. Click Check Now
3. Click Update

You can also set your computer up to get updates automatically, follow these steps to set a schedule to download the latest updates:

1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu
2. Choose Software Update from the View menu
3. Click the radio button for Automatically
4. Choose the interval daily or weekly from the Check for Updates pop-up menu
5. Close the System Preferences window

Anti-Virus Software

Campus policy requires that all computers connected to the campus network are running up-to-date anti-virus software. Residents can download a free, fully functional copy of Symantec Anti-Virus from the DoIT Security Starter Software web site. The Security Starter Software is also available free on CD. The CD's are handed out at SOAR or can be picked up from the DoIT TechStore.

NOTE!: Many new computers come pre-installed with a free subscription to Symantec or McAfee Anti-Virus. This software will expire according to your purchased agreement. Users are responsible for making sure their software has not expired. However, once your pre-installed version does expire, simply uninstall it, and install the free campus version.

If you are having trouble with your Symantec Anti-Virus program, visit our Symantec Anti-Virus Troubleshooting Page.

Here is a list of current top viruses:

Spyware Detection and Removal

Windows
Spyware is a general term for invasive programs that are usually installed on your computer without your knowledge. These spyware programs often track your personal information or surfing habits. They can also mess up your computer settings and stop your Internet connection from working. Getting rid of these programs is a good idea and can often speed up your computer.

UW-Madison students, staff and faculty can download a free licensed copy of the spyware removal tool Ad-Aware SE Plus. DoIT has step by step documents for Obtaining and Installing Ad-Aware.

If you already have Ad-Aware, follow these steps to make sure it is updated:

1. Open Ad-Aware
2. Click on the Open WebUpdate icon in upper left hand corner (a world with magnifying glass, second from right)
3. Click Connect
4. If a new reference file is available, click OK to download it
5. Scan computer with Ad-Aware after installing updates

You may also want to install Microsoft Windows Defender or Spybot Search & Destroy, which are free spyware detection tools. Please note that if you use these programs you will need to contact the software vendor for any technical support. Neither ResNet nor the campus help desk provide technical support for these products.

Macintosh
MacScan - A program to search for spyware on Macintosh computers.

Using a Personal Firewall

Using an anti-virus program is important, but can not provide complete protection. Firewalls protect all the information going in and out of your computer by only allowing programs that you authorize to access the Internet. This can be very helpful in stopping viruses, spyware and hackers attempting to exploit vulnerabilities on your computer. Residents are encouraged to run the Windows XP firewall that is included with Service Pack 2. UW-Madison students, staff and faculty can also download a free licensed copy of Symantec Client Security Software, which includes a host firewall.

Configuring a Secure Wireless Access Point

ResNet recommends that all residents configure their wireless routers properly. This ensures that owner of the wireless router knows exactly who is connecting to it. ResNet has provided some instructions on how to configure wireless routers for some of the popular models.

Miscellaneous Tips and Fixes

An Operation Was Attempted On Something That Is Not A Socket
Run this fix if your computer is running windows XP and receives the "Not A Socket" error message when trying to renew an IP address. You will need to manually renew your IP address after the computer restarts. See the Start Troubleshooting page for instructions.

How to Disable Windows Messenger
NOTE: Windows Messenger is different than MSN Instant Messenger.

It is recommended that you disable Windows Messenger to protect against viruses and pop-ups. You can disable the messenger service by performing the following:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel (or point to Settings, and then click Control Panel)
2. Double-click Administrative Tools
3. Double-click Services
4. Scroll Down and Double-click Messenger
5. Next to Startup type, Change to Disabled
6. Click Stop, and then click OK

For more information, see the Microsoft Security Bulletin.

Setting up an email client for use with a non-UW email account
ResNet recommends that you use your UW assigned WiscMail email address (netid@wisc.edu), as it is the official means for the University to communicate with you via email. If you choose to use another personal email account, we recommend using web based email such as Hotmail or Yahoo Mail. If you decide to use a non-web email client such as Microsoft Outlook to send/receive email from a non-WiscMail account while connected to the campus network, you will need to follow these configuration steps:

1. Set up the incoming mail server using the instructions from your email provider
2. You must set up the campus mail server as your outgoing mail server
   • Enter smtpauth.wiscmail.wisc.edu as the outgoing mail server
   • Under the more settings, change your outgoing server settings to require authentication and to log on using your campus NetID and password
   • Under the advanced tab, check the box for "This server requires a secure connection (SSL) " under the outgoing server

For instructions on setting up a Eudora client to access a non-Wiscmail account, check out this campus help desk page: http://helpdesk.doit.wisc.edu/page.php?id=2944.

For complete instructions on configuring email clients using the campus mail server, check the DoIT WiscMail page. Just remember that if you are using a non-WiscMail email account, only follow the portion of the instructions for configuring the outgoing mail server. The incoming mail server should be configured with the settings from your email provider.