As the Boy Scouts Always Say: "Be Prepared"

by Evelyn Beck

When it comes to computers, count on Murphy’s Law: if something can go wrong, it will. So to avoid crises ranging from delayed access to destroyed data, plan ahead. Here are a few tips (which you will probably also want to share with your students):

Virus protection software is a necessity, especially if you are downloading any attachments from students onto your home computer. Virus protection is usually available online by annual subscription for about $40 to $50 (which may be tax deductible); the two leaders are McAfee (http://www.mcafee.com/us/) and Norton (http://www.symantec.com).

However, virus protection is no good unless you keep it updated, a process you can automate. According to a survey of 329 home computer owners conducted by America Online and the National Cyber Security Alliance in September and October 2004, although 85 percent of those surveyed had installed antivirus software, 67 percent had not kept that software updated. The survey also found that 67 percent of the computer owners surveyed did not have firewall protection, which is also recommended and is available at extra cost from those companies that provide antivirus software.

Most current computer problems are caused by adware (free software) and spyware (software unknowingly installed on your computer to track your virtual activity). They take up residence uninvited on your computer when you download freeware or shareware and through email and instant messages. Computer repair technicians report that as much as 90 percent of the problems they deal with are caused by adware and spyware. A scan of 1,062,756 personal computers conducted by EarthLink’s SpyAudit program from January 1, 2004 to March 31, 2004, found 29.5 million instances of spyware, an average of about 28 spyware items per PC.

Possible signs that your computer has been infected by spyware or adware are that your computer suddenly runs much more slowly, your set homepage changes on its own, a lot of your sent email bounces back, an unknown icon appears on the bottom right of your screen, your CD drive opens and shuts on its own, or your hard drive seems to be noisily busy when you’re not doing anything. Also check in your sent email file to be sure that email you didn’t send isn’t going out.

Among the free tools available to help rid your computer of these problems are Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/) and Spybot (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/), which scan your computer to identify intrusive software that is present. EarthLink’s free spyware detection program, SpyAudit, is available at http://www.earthlink.net/software/free/spywareblocker/.

Lightning accounted for 101,000 laptop and desktop computer losses amounting to $125,417,000 in damage in 1997, according to Computer Security News. So be sure you have a good surge suppressor that will protect your computer during power surges and lightning strikes. For adequate protection from power surges, choose a surge suppressor with a “UL 1449” rating of at least 330V and a “joule” rating of at least 800V. If you want a surge protector that will help protect your computer from lightning, look for one from companies that specialize in this technology (such as Panamax, APC, and Tripp Lite). Another investment to consider is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), a battery back-up that kicks in if your power goes out, protecting the data you’re working on at the time.

Be sure to back up all critical information onto CD’s or other storage devices such as a USB drive (which is also great for portably storing student papers if you work at different computers). It’s a good idea to back up data on a regular schedule, such as every Friday afternoon. You should also back up data before installing new software, before having your computer repaired, and before you get a new computer.
Record all password information for easy reference, too, especially for programs that might have to be reinstalled. And be sure to keep accessible all CD-ROM’s that contain the programs on your computer, everything from Windows to Word to your home networking software.

If you don’t have a second computer, scout out computers you can use if yours fails: look at your workplace, at a friend’s or relative’s house, at the local college or public library, or at a local Internet cafe.

You also need to be prepared for your Internet service to fail. It’s good to have a second ISP in place for that eventuality. The best option is to sign up for free limited dial-up Internet service (usually 10 free hours per month) from at least one provider such as NetZero (http://www.netzero.com) or Juno (http://www.juno.com). Or you can keep handy one of those ubiquitous AOL CD’s that arrive in the mail offering about 1000 hours of free Internet access. If you use DSL, your ISP may also offer limited free monthly dial-up service. A good one-stop comparison of free ISP’s is available at http://www.dailyedeals.com/free_internet/free_isp.htm.