How to Be a
Good Online Learner

8. How do I make sure my computer is safe?

It's important that you make sure that your computer is prepared for online learning.  This means making sure that you have taken proper steps for security.  This has a benefit for you as well as other computer users.  If you have taken proper security steps then you are not spreading a potentially harmful computer virus as well as protecting yourself from them.

Virus Protection

Most computers sold these days come with built in virus protection such as Norton or McAfee.  If your computer does not have virus protection software, then please purchase it as soon as possible. 

It is also vital that you keep this software updated.  Follow the instructions within the program for receiving virus protection updates. 

Firewalls

Firewalls help to protect your privacy while on the Internet.  They prevent other computers from looking into your computer without your permission.  Companies like Norton and McAfee usually sell virus protection software, firewalls, and other security programs bundled together as a package that you may install on your computer.

Spyware

Spyware is a program that is designed to literally spy on you.  It tracks information about you.  Spyware is not inherently bad though.  Spyware is used by many websites to store your username and password for easier navigation of the website.  It is also used to store your preferences for that particular website.  This type of spyware is in the form of what are called cookies.  In most cases, you have allowed the cookie to be placed on your system.  Sometimes though, spyware is used in a bad way.  It is used to track your Internet activity in order to market spam to you.  This is an invasion of your privacy.

Most firewalls will block spyware from your system unless you give specific permission for it.  If you do not have a firewall then you may still rid your computer of spyware with the use of adware software.  The AdAware program scans your system for spyware, marks it, and then allows you to delete it.

If you have any further questions regarding computer security, please contact the Online Enrollment Specialist, Richard Sebastian, at rasebastian@vcu.edu or 1-877-376-9433.