Duke

• Network Connections
• IT Security
  • Secure Your Computer
    • Conscientious Downloading
    • Tools & Tips
  • Phishing FAQ
  • Virus Protection
  • Resources

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Think before you download. The majority of Internet threats are not clever enough to sneak onto your computer without you opening the door for them. Follow these guidelines to protect your computer and minimize the impact file sharing can have on other network users:

• Never open e-mail attachments from people you don’t know. Never open suspicious and unexpected e-mail attachments, even from people you DO know.

• Do not use file-sharing software. Not only is it illegal to download and share music and movies you do not own, they very often are packed with viruses and spyware. When downloading shareware and freeware, try to download from reliable and well-known sites. Be cautious of less reputable sites or ones you haven't previously used.
  
  
• Remember that sharing copyrighted material is against Duke's policy on Computing & Networking: Acceptable Use. Find out more about copyright concerns at Duke's IT Security Office.

• Turn off your computer when you're not using it. This ensures there is no unmonitored network activity originating from your computer.

• Queue downloads so that only one file is transferred to your computer at a time. Consider all the other Duke network users – they need bandwidth, too.

• Download during off-peak hours. Try to schedule file downloads during periods of low network use (weekends, early morning, late night).