PC security

We take many steps to secure and protect our computer systems, its recommended that you should take similar precautions with your own computer. To help you, we have detailed some of the most important precautions that we recommend you use:

Keep your software up to date

  • keep your operating system (e.g. Windows XP) and web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer) up to date - occasionally publishers will discover vulnerabilities in their products and will issue 'patches' to correct the problems and to prevent hackers compromising your computer. Visit the web site of the company which produces your operating system or browser to check for patches and updates they may have issued. If you are using Microsoft software, then Microsoft highly recommends that users with internet access update their software to protect against viruses and security issues. The easiest way to do this is to visit the following website: http://www.microsoft.com/uk/protect

Firewalls and viruses

  • use personal firewall software to prevent unauthorised access to your PC when on the Internet. Popular personal firewall products include; McAfee, Symantec, and Zone Alarm. Entering any of these names into a search engine of your choice will direct you to their web sites for further information
  • you should use anti-virus software and ensure that its kept up-to-date - this should protect your computer against the latest viruses. Popular anti-virus products include; McAfee, Norton (from Symantec) and Sophos. Again use a search engine to find out further information from their web sites
  • we recommend that you do not download any software if you do not trust or are not sure of the source - this includes web sites which prompt you to click 'yes' or 'OK' to run a program or install a browser plug-in
  • be wary if you receive an unexpected email that contains an attachment. Emails are a common way to spread viruses and if you suspect you have received an email containing a virus delete it immediately. Be particularly suspicious of an attachment containing a file ending .exe, .pif or .vbs