Protecting Your Computer

Image of stethoscope laying on keyboard

Since your computer is such a vital part of your World Campus experience, protecting it is an important task for you to perform as a student. To help you do this, we have listed a set of best practices for you to follow and links to free programs that Penn State provides to help your computer (and the files on it) stay safe. For easy reference, visit our Best Practices page. Links to an external site.

Install an Antivirus Program

Ensure that an up-to-date antivirus program is installed on your computer. Penn State provides a list of free programs that are recommended by our IT Services staff on the Anti-Virus information page. Links to an external site.

Install Penn State's Virtual Private Network Client

If you travel or use publicly accessible networks, such as free Wi-Fi in coffee shops, book stores, and so on, you should install a virtual private network (VPN) client, which creates an encrypted connection from your location to the Penn State network. Such a connection is useful when accessing library resources from a distance and required for accessing the campus wireless networks. Penn State provides the Global Connect client free to students. (See more about obtaining this VPN on the Software Downloads page)

Tip: You will use the "ISP to PSU" connection entry for general access

Create a Penn State Folder in Your Documents Directory

This will help you keep your classwork organized. In your Penn State folder, create folders for each class to hold course assignments, handouts, and notes. If you need to make your Penn State folder available to multiple user accounts, add your Penn State folder to your Windows C: or Macintosh HD drive.

Back Up Your Files Regularly

If your computer doesn't automatically back up important files at least monthly, copy the contents of your Penn State folder/assignments and create a compressed zip file. Many operating systems include a basic zip utility:

  • If you use Mac OS X: In Finder, select a file while pressing the CTRL key, then select Create Archive of [filename]. A zipped copy of the file will appear next to the original.
  • If you use Windows XP: Right-click on the folder you'd like to compress, move the cursor to "Send To," and select Compressed (zipped) Folder.
  • In Windows 7/Vista: Right-click on a blank spot on your desktop and select New from the context menu, and then select Compressed (zipped) Folder.

Save the compressed zip file to alternate media, such as an external hard drive or flash drive.

Tip: Pick a name for your compressed zip file that will allow you to quickly identify when you made it (e.g., "backup_2011March3.zip").

OneDrive

Alternately, you can utilize Microsoft OneDrive Links to an external site. to store and back up your work. As a Penn State student, you're granted unlimited secure storage on OneDrive, providing you with a robust solution for keeping your work safe. This cloud-based storage solution is a great way to ensure that your work is protected from loss due to an equipment failure. You can get more information how to use OneDrive on the Penn State Office 365 Help site Links to an external site..

Help With Technology

If you need assistance with any of these technologies, you can always contact the World Campus HelpDesk Links to an external site. or the Tech Tutors Links to an external site. that we have mentioned previously.