Residential Communication
Computer Security & Copyright Information
Copyright Information for Network Users at ColumbiaAll network users must comply with the Federal Copyright Law. Violations of the laws are also violations of University Policy: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/policy/copyright.html No peer to peer file sharing is allowed using such software as Limewire, etc. Students have been sued for amounts averaging $5,000. So be careful!
Computer Security, Network Policy and Copyright Information
1. Virus Protection
Using virus protection is essential in keeping your computer and data safe. If you already have a virus protection software which has expired and you prefer to download and use the free McAfee AntiVirus software from "MyTC Portal>Software & Tools", you will need to Un-install the existing software first.
If you try to run two anti-virus programs on your computer, they can conflict with each other and not provide any protection at all.
Remember to update the Virus Definition at least once a week. For more information, go to http://www.tc.columbia.edu/cis/security
http://www.tc.columbia.edu/cis/security
2. Spyware, also known as Adware or Malware, gathers and steals information from your computer and sends it back through the Internet to an Ad Agency or its master (a hacker). Check the following Spyware and Adware Removal Tools:
Ad-Aware SE Personal can be downloaded from http://www.lavasoftusa.com
Spybot, Search and Destroy can be downloaded from http://www.lavasoftusa.com
Spybot, Search and Destroy can be downloaded from http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
3. Windows Update
Run the Windows update regularly (at least once a week) to prevent hackers from compromising your system.
4. What will happen if my computer is compromised ?
Internet access from your computer will be blocked and it will take a while for it to be restored. In some cases, you will have to send your computer away for it to be formatted and all software re-installed including an up-to-date virus protection software.
5. Computer and Network Use Policy
Columbia University maintains certain policies regarding the usage and security of its computer system, including the network. You must read the policy at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/policy