TIPS FOR USING KING HENRY'S

INTERNET ACCESS NETWORK

     Criminal programmers, to amuse themselves, often write virus software to "bring the internet to its knees." These viruses are constantly being written and propagated across the internet and through email.  These viruses are designed to bombard the internet and connected network equipment with enormous amounts of "garbage" or "noise" to the extent that the internet and such equipment becomes so busy with the "garbage" that it has little time to properly deal with legitimate traffic.

    These viruses cause major problems throughout the world.  They have significantly affected networks operated by Cisco, Novell, Mircosoft, BYU, UVSC, the U. S. government, and countless others.  These viruses also have the potential to affect you and your neighbors directly if you do not take steps to protect yourself and your computer.

    Viruses are often written to exploit vulnerabilities ("bugs") in Microsoft operating systems (eg. Windows XP, Windows 2000, etc) and other legitimate software programs.  Computers become infected because users do not keep their operating systems updated with "patches" (updates) that can easily be downloaded from Microsoft at no cost (FOR FREE).  King Henry has noticed over time that (i) many King Henry Residents' computers do not have proper operating system updates and patches installed, and (ii) many King Henry Residents' computers have no anti-virus software installed.  The owners of these non-updated computers are placing their computers and their data at unnecessary risk.

    In the past, King Henry's internet network equipment was occasionally slowed down by some Residents' virus-infected computers.  These Residents' computers were infected (some likely long before they came to King Henry) because (i) they were not properly updated, (ii) they did not have proper anti-virus software installed and enabled, or (iii) the virus definitions on their anti-virus software were not up-to-date.

    King Henry has since installed new network equipment that vastly minimizes the potential of Residents' viruses from slowing down the network, but cannot protect Residents from the personal consequences of their folly in not keeping their computers updated and virus protected.  Network performance has improved dramatically and down-time has become a rare event.

    COMMON COURTESY dictates that one not use equipment that will harm his neighbor.  Therefore, do not operate your computer on a network (the KIN, BYU or UVSC's networks, or the internet in general) without having installed and operating an up-to-date virus checker, and all operating system patches and updates.

    RESPONSIBLE USE of a computer on a network requires the use of up-to-date anti-virus software and an up-to-date operating system.  We are informed that some university campuses across the country are holding students liable for damages due to virus they introduce or propagate on campus network systems.  It is irresponsible to drive on public highways with faulty brakes on one's car and one will be held liable for resulting accidents and harm to others.   Likewise, it is irresponsible for you to connect your computer to others' computer equipment through a network without proper anti-virus software and an up-to-date operating system installed and operating.

    COMMON SENSE requires you to keep your computer operating system and anti-virus software up to date.  Anti-virus software is very cheap compared to the cost of losing ones data, or causing harm to others.

1-  Buy and install anti-virus software and keep it up to date.  For example,  BYU NOW OFFERS A FREE NORTON ANTIVIRUS DOWNLOAD TO BYU STUDENTS.  Get your FREE DOWNLOAD now!  Norton Antivirus is also available on disk for $1.50 at BYU computer labs.  Please get it, use it, and keep it updated! This software can be configured to automatically update itself every time you connect to the internet.

2-  Keep your operating system up-to-date [for Windows, connect to www.windowsupdate.com].  Simply configure your operating system to check for and install updates every time you connect to the internet.

3-  Call the King Henry office with any questions you may have on operating on the King Henry Internet Network.

PLEASE BE A COURTEOUS AND RESPONSIBLE COMPUTER USER -- PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR NEIGHBORS

USE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE AND KEEPING YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM UP TO DATE