Online Protection

^{Disclaimer: Virginia Commonwealth University does not endorse these commercial providers or products unless otherwise noted. These links are provided as a courtesy as well as a guide for your personal use. Users of university computers should consult with VCU Technology Services before making any adjustments or modifications to their systems.}

There is no foolproof way to protect your computer completely, with the exception of turning it off. But you can protect it about 99 percent of the time with the right tools. Anti-virus programs can block Trojan files, worm files and viruses from infecting your computer. Firewall programs can keep other computers from connecting to yours through “unguarded ports” on your PC. Certain hardware, such as a broadband router, can “hide” your computer from others on the Web.

Software Protection

At a very basic level, everyone using the Internet should have software installed on their computer to protect it.

• Sophos Anti-Virus software (free for VCU faculty, staff and students)
• ZoneAlarm Firewall software provided by Check Point Software Technologies, Inc. (free for personal use)

^{Tip: ZoneAlarm will notify you when an unauthorized user attempts to connect to your computer or if a “Trojan horse” program tries to connect to the Internet from within your computer.}

Hardware Protection

Hardware takes protection to the next level. A router or switch can dissolve connections from other outside computers before they reach your system. It assists you when a malicious user attempts to take control of your PC remotely.