Safe Computing - Start Safe

Did you know that a computer that is not properly configured may be compromised within minutes of being connected to the Internet?! Even worse, it is likely that a compromised system will be controlled by members of the criminal element within days. The following procedure will outline some steps that will reduce the risk of this occuring. These steps should be followed before connecting your computer to the Clarkson University computer network. If the Office of Information Technology has setup your computer for you, these steps have already been performed.


STEP 1 - Enable a firewall

You must enable a firewall to keep hackers and their programs (viruses, worms, etc.) away from your computer. This will allow you to connect to the Internet and install critical security updates. Afterwards, the firewall will help protect you against future software defects. You should not connect your computer to the Clarkson University network until you have completed this step!
Windows XP and 2003-

  1. Click Start
  2. Click Control Panel
  3. Click Network and Internet Connections
  4. Click the Network Connections icon
  5. Right-click Local Area Connection and select Properties
  6. Click the Advanced Tab (if you don't have an Advanced Tab, right-click Local Area Connection again and select Remove From Bridge)
  7. Check the box labeled "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet"
  8. Click OK
  9. Restart the computer
  10. Connect to the network

STEP 2 - Register Your Computer

Each computer on campus must be registered using Clarkson's Network Registration system. This will allow Clarkson's Office of Information Technology to contact you quickly if there is ever a problem with your computer. As part of the registration process, you will be prompted to install a copy of Symantec Anti-Virus (STEP 3).


STEP 3 - Download and Install Anti-Virus Software

Clarkson University provides a copy of Symantec Anti-Virus Corporate Edition for every computer on-campus. This anti-virus software will protect your computer from malicious programs. The advantage of using the Clarkson University provided software is that is is pre-configured to offer the best security and is fully supported by the Office of Information Technology. To install the software, please follow these steps:

  • If you have any non-Clarkson provided anti-virus software installed, you must uninstall it before continuing.
  • Open a web-browser and go to http://netreg.clarkson.edu
  • Login using your iNotes (email) username and password.
  • If your computer is not registered, you will need to go through the registration process.
  • Once your system is registered, you will be presented with a summary page. Near the top of this page there will be a button labeled Download any available AntiVirus Software. You should click this button.
  • A pop-up window will be displayed and begin the installation process. If a pop-up window is not displayed, please ensure that any pop-up blockers are disabled or configured to allow netreg.clarkson.edu to display pop-up windows.

STEP 4 - Download and Install Windows Updates

Regularly applying operating system updates will fix the bugs in Windows that hackers use to invade our computers (and steal our identities, look at our bank accounts, etc.). To install these updates, use Internet Explorer to visit the Microsoft Windows Update website. You should repeatedly visit this website, until it tells you that there are no longer any critical updates that need to be installed. You may need to reboot your computer several times to complete this process.


STEP 5 - Setup Windows Update to Install Automatically

Once you've gone through the effort of installing all of your Windows Updates, you'll be happy to know that your computer can keep itself up-to-date with only minimal input from you. Part of the Clarkson anti-virus package that you installed in step three configures your computer to automatically download and install all critical Microsoft patches from a server on-campus.


STEP 6 - Set a Strong Administrator Password

Windows computers let anyone who knows (or can guess) the Administrator password run and install software. This means that a computer with a weak password can have spyware and viruses installed on it without it's owners knowledge or consent. This happens quite often. To set the Administrator password, follow the following steps:

Windows XP -

  • Right-click on the My Computer icon on your desktop and select Manage
  • Double-click on Local Users and Groups
  • Double-click on the Users folder
  • Right-click on the Administrator icon and click once on Set Password
  • Set a strong password. Do not forget this password.
  • Click OK

STEP 7 - Remove Spyware From Your Computer

If your computer is not brand-new, then it is likely that it has some form of spyware on it. Spyware is malicious software that collects your personal information and can cause your computer to operate poorly. There are several good spyware removal tools that are freely available on the internet:


Once you have completed these steps, you should review the guidelines set forth as part of the RunSafe program. This program will provide you with guidance that will help to keep your computer in a healthy state.