Best Practices:

1) Always keep your operating system up to date. Microsoft provides updates for all of their software to prevent security and performance problems. Doing a "Windows update" and updating your service packs, will help to keep your PC in tip top shape.

2) Always update your virus definitions. Anti-virus software manufacturers always provide updates for their software to ensure that your data is protected. Ensuring that your anti-virus software is up to date will definitely help to avoid infections (especially on Monday’s before opening your e-mail).

3) Use a firewall. Firewalls are used to block unsolicited communications between your computer and the Internet. This can be a software firewall like Zone Alarm or a properly configured Router that you can purchase through us. This technology should be used for networks and computers that have an Internet presence or are hooked up to an "always on" Internet connection like DSL or cable internet. With the threat of worms/viruses created every 24 hours and malicious hackers on the Internet. This would be your first line of defense in order to keep your data safe and private.

4) Passwords: Ensure that your password is well chosen and kept secure. Use both numbers and letters. Do not use words or guessable information such as your birth date. Do not use your work password on other systems such as subscriptions on the web. Passwords should be different on each machine you use. Do NOT share your password with others. If you suspect someone has accessed any of your accounts change the password immediately and call your system administrator (ASG).

5) Virus prevention: Ensure your computer has anti-virus software installed and that you are familiar with how it operates. Do NOT open unsolicited attachments even from business associates. (If you don't recognize it delete it, remember that e-mail can always be resent.). ALWAYS save the attachment first and scan it with an anti-virus program before you open it. Ensure the preferences on your anti-virus software are set to disinfect not just report. Call the sender of an attachment to confirm they sent it. (It's better to be safe than sorry.). Always indicate (in the body of the e-mail) you are including an attachment and the subject. Exercise caution when downloading from the Internet.

7) Avoid using file sharing applications like Kazaa and Morpheus and any type of instant messaging software on your computer. File sharing applications are full of spy ware that send back information about you and your computer's data over the Internet to another person. Also, these file sharing networks are full of viruses that can horribly ruin your data. Also be careful when using instant messaging software. Many people take instant messaging software for granted, but the threat of a security breach or a virus infection are quite likely. If you do use instant messaging software, make sure to take the same precautions that you would take when using e-mail.

6) The most important thing to practice is to ALWAYS BACK UP YOUR FILES REGULARLY.

Here are some other helpful tips that you can use:

1) Have you ever wondered what the windows key is for? (That's the one between Ctrl and Alt). Try pressing it plus the ones listed below to speed up a few tasks.

+M = Minimize or restore all windows.
+E = Open Windows Explorer.
+F = Search for a file or folder.
+CTRL+F = Search for computers.
+R = Open the Run dialog box.
+TAB = Switch between open items.

2) In GroupWise press ctrl+Q to view messages without the need to open another window.

3) A set of key strokes for copying/pasting in combination with a mouse are :

Ctrl V = Paste text (previously copied or cut)
Ctrl C = Copy highlighted text
Ctrl X = Cut highlighted text
Ctrl Z = Undo last action

Highlight the text with the mouse while using key strokes with the other hand - This is may only be convenient for right handed mouse users!!

To remember which key does which:
V point of a pen which writes down what was copied/cut
C Copies !
X cuts like scissors
Z for Zorro - always undoes a previous wrong

4) Are you familiar with "Alt + F4" this is used to close the current application and Ctrl + Alt + Del is used to bring up the task manager to get rid of non responding applications. Alt+ F4 Also can close down your windows session if there are no currently active applications.

5) Another one a lot of you may have found, when copying a file by dragging and dropping, pressing and holding control or shift can alter the operation.

6) If dragging to a folder on the same drive, the default operation is to move, if you press and hold the Shift key before dropping the file/folder, a plus symbol will appear to denote that is is being copied rather than moved. If dragging to another drive, the default operation is to copy, as denoted by the plus symbol on the icon being
dragged, pressing and holding the CONTROL key before dropping the icon changes the operation into a move, and removes the plus sign on the icon to reflect this fact.

7) Backspace and shift+backspace can be used in a browser or explorer window to move back and forward through pages. Useful when the web page has no menu bar or if you have configured explorer to open folders in a single window.

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