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SITSS Wallpapers

• Winzip, 3.12mb, 22/09/2008, sitsswallpapers.zip

Spyware - What is it? What can you do about it?

What is Spyware?

Spyware is a general term used for software that performs certain behaviours such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent.  You might have Spyware or other unwanted software on your computer without even knowing.

You may have Spyware if:-

1. You see pop-up advertisements even when you're not on the Web.
2. If your Internet Explorer home page has changed on its own.
3. You notice a new toolbar in Internet Explorer that you didn't want, and find it difficult to get rid of.
4. Your computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks.
5. You experience a sudden rise in computer crashes.

Spyware is often associated with software that displays advertisements (called adware) or software that tracks personal information and your online activity.

Other kinds of unwanted software will make changes to your computer that can be annoying and can cause your computer to slow down or crash.  These programs have the ability to change your Web browser's home page or search page, or add additional components to Internet Explorer you don't need or want.  These programs also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you originally had them.  These types of unwanted programs are also often called Spyware. 

There are a number of ways Spyware or other unwanted software can get on your system.  A common trick is to covertly install the software during the installation of other software you want such as music or video file sharing programs.  Whenever you are installing something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement.  Sometimes the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it may appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.  Software such as Capita Sims, Dinner Money, Traca, Keys Finance and other programs distributed by HCC are ok, as will have been fully tested and checked before distribution.  Computers that become infected are often caused by free screensavers and music sharing programs downloaded from the internet.

What you can do about Spyware and other unwanted software

How to prevent Spyware

Spyware and other unwanted software can invade your privacy, bombard you with pop-up windows, slow down your computer, and even make your computer crash. Here are several ways you can help protect your computer against Spyware and other unwanted software.

1. Use a Firewall (Windows XP Service Pack 2 has this built in by default).
2. Keep your computer updated with the latest patches and Microsoft updates
3. Be careful when installing software on your computer decide if it is necessary, could you manage without it.  For example screensavers and music software.
4. Use the internet carefully and always check what you are downloading.

If your computer is having any of the above symptoms contact your support provider for help as soon as possible

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Support Ends for Windows XP Service Pack 1

Microsoft have announced that Support for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Service Pack 1a (SP1a) ends on October 10, 2006

Microsoft will end support on this date. This also includes security updates for these service packs

Microsoft is ending support for these products as part of the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Service Pack support policy. We recommend that customers who are still running Windows XP SP1 or SP1a upgrade to Windows XP Service Pack 2 as soon as possible

To determine whether you are running Windows XP SP1, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties. If "Service Pack 1" appears under System, you are running Windows XP SP1. We do not recommend that you install SP1a if you are already running SP1. We recommend that you install Windows XP SP2 if you are running Windows XP SP1 or SP1a

Please be aware that installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 will install a firewall, this will have implications on programs running such as Sims.net on a slave and Netop remote access software.

We advise after installing Windows XP SP2 you contact your support provider for advise on firewall configuration.

If your system has not had any windows updates installed for a long time, your computer may have an underlying problem that you are not aware of.  After installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 any underlying problems may be brought to the surface causing problems with your pc, which may require Windows and all programs to be reinstalled.

We still advice that windows updates should be installed on a monthly bases as per Microsoft  advice.  If you require any more advice on this please contact your support provider.

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Microsoft ceases support for Office XP

You may have read in a recent SITSS newsletter that the new versions of Assessment Manager and Profiles (AM7 and Profiles 7) require Office 2003 on workstations using those modules. Also, while the vast majority of Sims .net reports work with any version of Word or Excel, there are a few which will only work with Office 2003.

We appreciate that schools with older versions of Office may not wish to upgrade all their workstations, but you may not have realised that Microsoft itself ceased mainstream support for Office XP on 11/07/06 as part of its Support Lifecycle Policy (and support for Office 2000 ended over 2 years ago!). This means that it will not release any new non-security hotfixes or provide incident or warranty support for the software. Further information can be found at:

• http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifecycle

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