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Personal Computer Tips and Recommendations

Current Security Issues (Updated August 27th, 2003)

• W32/Nachi.worm (a.k.a. Blaster-D or Welchia)
  • description and removal info from Network Associates
• Sobig.f worm (a.k.a W32/Sobig.f@MM)
  • description and removal info from Network Associates
• Microsoft Blaster Worm (a.k.a LovSan Worm)
  • description and removal info from Network Associates

Keeping Your Computer Updated

• Microsoft Windows

  It is crucial to keep your machine up to date, so that you will be protected against the latest software bugs and security exploits. If you are running Windows 2000/XP, the easiest way to update your computer is to navigate to windowsupdate.microsoft.com in your web browser. Make sure to download and install "Critical Updates and Service Packs" as soon as they are available. If you are running an older version of Windows, navigate to the corresponding site below:
  • Windows ME
  • Windows 98
  • Windows 95
  • Windows NT

• RedHat Linux

  If you are running RedHat 8 or higher, the easiest way to keep your machine updated is to run up2date in a terminal window.

  If you are not running one of the latest versions of RedHat, RedHat may no longer be producing updates for your system. Navigate to http://www.redhat.com/apps/support/errata/ to see which RedHat versions currently have updates available.

Anti-Virus Software

We highly recommend the use of anti-virus software on your personal computer. If you are a University of Michigan student or employee, you can download FREE anti-virus software from http://www.itd.umich.edu/virusbusters/ This software is preconfigured, and automatically updates itself to provide optimal virus protection.

Otherwise, check out these vendors and products:

• McAfee Security
• Norton AntiVirus

Note: It is important to make sure your anti-virus software is up to date with the newest virus definitions.

Firewalls and Network Saftey

Firewalls can be very important to your computer's security on the internet. Click here to see an explanation of how firewalls work from howstuffworks. Also, here is a good FAQ about firewalls from Interhack.

• Built-in Firewalls

  • Windows XP
  • Mac OS X
  • RedHat Linux

• Software Firewalls

  • ZoneAlarm (Zone Labs)
  • Norton Personal Firewall (Symantec)
  • Sygate Personal Firewall (Sygate)

Secure access and File Transfer

Secure access and file transfer from Linux machines.

Secure access and file transfer from Windows machines.

Secure access and file transfer from Mac machines.

NOTE: The links above have instructions for specific versions to download. Please make sure you use the latest version as anything before the latest version may be vulnerable to security problems.

Please fee free to email us at cscs.admins@umich.edu if you have any additional information on the topics above.

Updated September 1, 2005