When you buy a new laptop or computer there will already be software installed on it. If you are using the Microsoft suite of packages then are entitled to receive free updates from Microsoft.com. Alternatively, you can set your computer to automatically update when newer versions of your software become available. To do this select ‘control panel’ –> ‘system’ –> ‘automatic updates’ to ensure that your computer is protected.

Microsoft offer students reduced-price software at studentoptions.com and most alternative providers, for example software4students.co.uk, have special rates available. Openoffice.org is website providing alternatives to the Microsoft Office suite of programs with all its downloads available free of charge. 

Viruses

Every computer which is connected to the internet is vulnerable to fraud and virus-related problems. In terms of risk there are five main causes of damage:

1. Viruses – These can get into your computer in a few different ways – via websites, email attachments, internet site and removable media.
2. Trojans – These are viruses which are hidden in files and appear to be legitimate and harmless. These spread as they trick the user into opening the file.
3. Worms – Worms enter the computer via the internet connection replicating on the system and causing spam to be sent out. You can turn on your spam filtering by using the services provided from your ISP. These will place certain rules on what enters your inbox.
4. Adware – This is software which sneaks on to your computer. Usually ad-ware appears as a pop-up window.
5. Spyware – Spyware grabs information from your and sends it back to its leader. In essence it watches what you do online - what sites you visit and what information you enter online.

Each of the above can be protected against easily, and in many cases for free, by downloading some of the software packages as described below.

Stopping Viruses

Golden rules for virus protection:

• Don’t open attachments when you don’t know the sender. There is software to protect against software viruses via attachments. Try AVG Grisoft, Avast, Housecall

• Install firewalls, which act as the first line of defence for information coming into your computer. Have a look at Comodo

• Free pop-up blockers can be downloaded from MSN and Google . Be wary when you receive emails which ask for your bank or personal details. Phishing is where emails look extremely similar to financial institutions increasing your willingness to divulge personal information. These emails often ask for verification of financial info – if you are in any doubt contact the real organisation to double check. Free software can be downloaded which will alert you if you enter a fraudulent website - EarthLink, Freeidprotection

• Turn of your computer when it is not in use. Some viruses are able to spread through your computer even while you are not using it.

• Only download from trusted websites. Try to use different passwords for different websites, especially important for banking websites, in order to minimise the risk of hacking spreading via viruses.

• Delete any unused programmes on your computer as they may be harbouring corrupted data. Hackers develop new viruses and bugs constantly so you must remain up to date to avoid new, and more complex, viruses.

• Back up your important documents to ensure, even if viruses do attack, you are protected.