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Some operating systems are configured with services you don't need turned on by default. If your computer is connected to a network – either via Ethernet, wireless, DSL, or modem – then any activated services could potentially be used by hackers to try to gain access to your computer. We recommend you configure your computer to have only the services you need enabled at startup.
To accomplish this, if you are running Windows XP Professional, click Start, Control Panels, Administrative Tools, then Services. If you are running Windows Vista, click Start, Control Panels, Administrative Tools, then Services. In the Name column, double-click Telnet. Make sure the Startup Type field is set to Disabled. Click OK to apply any changes. In the Services window, locate Messenger. Double-click Messenger and set the Startup Type field to Disabled.
Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X also come with the ability to enable a firewall. A firewall is a program or piece of hardware that examines everything that tries to gain access to your computer and determines whether it meets a specified set of security guidelines before letting that data pass into your computer. It is important to note that configuring firewalls requires an advanced level of knowledge, and configuration errors can cause your computer to stop functioning properly on the network.
If you have questions, please contact the IT Service Desk (Help Desk) at 646-2999 and select from the options provided, send electronic mail to help@dartmouth.edu, or call your department's IT support office.
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