Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for laptops to be stolen or operating systems to fail. This usually happens during finals, causing a great deal of anguish. To avoid this, it’s important that you maintain virus protection software, have your recovery discs accessible locally, and back up the entire contents of your computer (including the operating system, program applications, and files).
Maintain Virus Protection and Patches/Updates
Recommended antivirus programs are Symantec’s Norton Antivirus, McAfee’s Virus Scan-Plus, Trend Micro’s PC-cillin, or free antivirus programs such as Grisoft’s AVG, Avast, or Avira. You may purchase Norton AntiVirus software for $35 from Dalean Neiner.
To check for current updates:
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Windows 7 and Vista
Click the Microsoft Orb —> click Windows Update —> click >Check for Updates.Install updates or service packs (your laptop must be plugged in to install service packs)
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Windows XP
Click Start —> click All Programs —> click Microsoft Update —> click Express for the High Priority Updates and install. -
OS X
- From the Apple menu, choose Software Update
- If there are available updates, select the items you want to install —> click Install. Usually, you should install all available updates. (Mac OS X v10.3 only: click Check Now button)
- Enter your administrator account name and password
- After installation is complete, restart your computer if required
Back Up Your Data
Recommended back up methods are the Seagate Replica for Windows or the Apple Time Capsule (or other USB drive for Mac OS X 10.5 or later) with Time Machine software.
Preferable, your data should be stored online and off site. For that we recommend either Mozy (www.mozy.com) or Carbonite (www.carbonite.com). For about $55 per year these services back up and encrypt the entire contents of your computer on the Internet, including historical versions of documents.
If money is tight and you just need to back up critical law school files, you can set up an account on Mozy for up to 2GB of free backup space.
Keep Your Recovery Disks
If your laptop needs to be reformatted we need your original OS/software discs to get it back up and running. The Help Desk will do this for you.
Never leave your computer unattended in a public space, including the law school. Take it with you, or if you must leave it behind, ask a friend to keep an eye on it until you return. Laptops are popular “smash and grab” items. Never leave your laptop or other electronic devices visible in your vehicle whether parked at school or at home.
