Internet Safety: What Every User Should Know

Downloading and Installing Programs

Access to the Internet allows you to search for information and download programs.  However, not all programs are safe to download to your computer.  Here is a list of programs that may inadvertently cause your computer harm:

  • Screensavers/Wallpapers (e.g. webshots)
  • Toolbars (e.g. hotbar, yahoo)
  • Weatherbug
  • Instant Messenger (e.g. aim, msn)

Installing these programs alone may not cause any harm.  However, be conscious of your computer’s performance level before and after the installation.  Some of these programs can:

  • Corrupt system files that hinder your computer’s performance.
  • Cause your computer and Internet connection to run slow.
  • Download and install “invisible” programs that run in the background collecting data or causing pop-up ads.
  • Setup the program to startup whenever you turn on your computer decreasing performance.
  • Infect your computer with viruses that can spread to people on your contact/buddy list.
How to Uninstall Programs

This section describes one way you can remove unwanted programs from your computer.  If you are not able to remove all the files related to the program please call the Help Desk for assistance.

Add/Remove Programs
  1. Click on the Start button at the lower left hand corner of your screen.
  2. Double-click on the Control Panel.
  3. Double-click on the Add/Remove Programs icon.  The Add/Remove Programs list will appear.
  4. Look for the name of the program you would like to uninstall by using your mouse to drag the scroll bar on the right hand side of the page.
  5. Once you have found the program, make sure that it is selected.
  6. Click on the Remove button and follow the steps to remove the program from your computer.

Note: Each program may give you different instructions but you should read and follow carefully.

If the program that you would like to uninstall is not listed in the Add/Remove Programs window, please contact the Help Desk for support.

Disable Settings

If you would like to continue using a program that you have installed on your computer but do not want it to start up every time you turn on your computer, follow the instructions below:
  1. Open the program the way you normally do by either double-clicking an icon on your desktop or going through Start Menu --> All Programs.
  2. Click on the File, Edit or Tool menu on the Menu bar of the program.
  3. Look for and click on Settings, Preferences or Options to open another window.
  4. Look for the option to either turn off or disable the start program when you start windows.

If you cannot find that option and need further assistance please contact the Help Desk.

 

Things to be aware of when browsing the Internet

Pop-ups

For the past few years, pop-ups have become a standard nuisance when connected to the Internet.  There are programs available that help block most pop-ups but some still get through.  One mistake that some people will make is to ignore the pop-up.  Some pop-ups are legitimate information that you may have requested.  While others, may try to either change your homepage or download and install programs onto your computer.

Make sure that with any unwanted pop-up click on the X at the upper right hand corner to close the window, or click on NO or CANCEL.

If by mistake you click on YES and your homepage changes follow these instructions to change your homepage again:
  1. In Internet Explorer, click on Tools on the Menu Bar.
  2. Click on Options.
  3. Select the General Tab.
  4. On the Home Page section write the address of the Website you want as your home page.  For instance, for Goucher College type in http://www.goucher.edu
  5. When you’re done click OK.

And if a program was installed follow the uninstall instructions above.

Online Registration & Orders

Some websites ask for personal information like address and social security number just to view more information on their site.  Never give out personal information on the Internet for sites or programs that should be free.

If you are purchasing items online make sure that the security symbol, which looks like a pad lock, appears at the lower right hand side in the browser to continue with the transaction.  To check if an online company is reliable you can go to the Better Business Bureau Website at www.bbb.org or look for the BBB icon on the website.

When using the Internet to send information, be careful NOT to check boxes that will sign you up for newsletters that you might not be interested in.