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security.
Securing Your Network
Protecting your data and programs from security threats, such as
computer viruses and hackers, is very important. This chapter
provides general information about steps you can take to protect
your network.
Protect Your Network from Computer Viruses
A switch will not provide security for your network, because it
simply passes data from one cable to another.
To avoid having a problem with viruses on your network, consider
the following suggestions:
O
Educate yourself about how viruses are commonly spread so
that you do not spread one yourself.
• Do not load a program from an untrustworthy source on one
of your network computers. E-mail attachments from people
you don’t know or files from the Internet or online bulletin
boards are particularly risky.
• Never open e-mail attachments that you are not expecting.
• Scan all floppy disks before copying or opening files from
them, or before starting your computer from them.
O
Install an antivirus program on each computer on your network
and use it regularly to check your computers for viruses.
Remember to update the antivirus program on a regular basis.
O
Learn the common signs of viruses: unusual messages that
appear on your screen, decreased system performance, missing
data, and inability to access your hard drive. If you notice any of
these problems on your computer, run your antivirus software
immediately to minimize the chances of losing data.