How to Keep Computers Secure
You would be shocked, or at least surprised, to learn what some students stumble across on the Internet. It isn't their goal to find pornographic or violent content, or to expose their school computers to viruses and worms, but sometimes they do.
Your students need to know they can bring those problems to your attention and talk about them, and you need to do all you can to make sure your classroom computers are protected. Follow the guidance offered on this site, and talk frequently with your school's IT administrator to ensure you and your students are:
- Using a firewall at all times. Think of a firewall as a moat around a castle, or a security checkpoint at the airport. It keeps online attackers from getting into your computers.
- Keeping your computers up to date. Turn on automatic updates, so whenever there is a problem your operating system and applications get the latest software updates they need to stay secure. Sometimes schools manage software updates centrally, so talk to your IT person.
- Using up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Each of these programs is different, so make sure you know how they work. If kept current, these programs can help block viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, and more malicious forms of spyware.
You can also use parental control software at school to help protect your students from inappropriate content, but it doesn't catch everything. There is no substitute for good communication between you and your students, so talk frequently and openly with your students about the safety and security risks of Internet use and how to avoid them.
