Tools for Safe and Secure Computing
IT Connect > Security > Tools
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Fighting Viruses and Securing Connections
The Tools for Safe and Secure Computing page gives you quick access to a basic set of software tools for fighting viruses, doing secure file transfer and terminal sessions, and other common tasks. All of the tools linked to on this page are available at no cost to you, either because they are freeware or because the UW has paid for the right for you to use them.
Many of these tools were previously distributed in the 'UW Internet Connectivity Kit' (UWICK). The UWICK CD-ROM is no longer available as of Autumn Quarter 2009.
Anti-Virus Software
The UW has purchased a license for all current faculty, staff, and students to use Sophos Anti-Virus software on their UW computers and personal home computers. A UW NetID is required to download the Sophos anti-virus software.
Every computer you use should be protected by current anti-virus software!
Secure File Transfer
You may need to transfer files between your computer and UW central systems (or other systems elsewhere on the Internet). The following secure file transfer products are recommended as free products that work well and provide good password security:
- Win
SCP for Windows
— The "Installation package
(without OpenCandy)" is recommended; OpenCandy is an
advertising module that will try to install unnecessary
software. - FileZilla
Client
— Some departments prefer FileZilla
because it offers several different kinds of secure file
transfer (SFTP, FTPS) and is available for Windows, Mac,
and Linux. - Fugu 1.2
— For Macintosh OS X
- Tectia Client — Available,
but not recommended as the UW site license for this
software has expired and the software is no longer
updated or supported by Tectia.
Secure Terminal
Connecting to systems with "plain text" terminals is less common than it used to be, but still sometimes necessary for using administrative systems or for some kinds of Web site work. UW central systems require use of a secure (encrypted) communications methods to protect IDs and passwords. In addition, special configurations may be needed to work with UW central administrative systems. Programs that meet these criteria include the following:
- Tera Term Pro 2.34
— For Windows
- For Macintoshes, use the Mac Terminal application
which is provided with Mac OS X.
Configuration scripts are available for using Terminal with UW systems.
Other Tools
Email Programs
- For UW Google Mail and UW Outlook Live
-
Both UW Outlook Live and UW Google Mail can be used entirely through browsers. No specific email program is required.
- For UW Email (also called UW Deskmail)
-
A variety of email programs can be configured to work with UW Email. For specific instructions see the Configuration section of the UW Email page.
- Mozilla Thunderbird
- Download Thunderbird
- Configuration instructions for Windows, for Macintosh
- The Apple Mail program comes with the OS X operating system
- The iPhone Mail app comes with your iPhone
- Mozilla Thunderbird
- For UW Exchange and Outlook
-
Generally you will want to use the Outlook program if you are working with an Exchange/Outlook email system. For more information on email software, see the Client Software Choices page on the UW Exchange site.
Browsers
A variety of browsers are available for free download. Most UW sites will work with any of the following browsers, although some do require specific browsers.
Whichever browser you use, promptly install all updates as they become available to ensure reliable, secure operation.
- Internet Explorer is included with all versions of
Windows
- Mozilla
Firefox
- Apple
Safari
- Google
Chrome
- Opera
Connecting
The Connecting to the UW Networks pages have information on the many ways you can access UW services, including with Wireless (WiFi), Dial-in modems, residence hall networking, non-UW Internet Services Providers (ISPs), Smartphones, and more.
