Recently our Client Support has assisted several people who have accidentally installed software that was not
safe. In at least one instance, they were attempting to install software that was already on the computer,
and it occurred to me that we should let you know what comes pre-installed on your Harding computer.
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Creative Cloud. Run Creative Cloud to install any other Adobe software you need.
- Cisco anti-virus – please don’t install any other anti-virus software.
- Web browsers (Chrome, and either Microsoft Edge or Apple Safari)
- Upon request we will install the statistics program SPSS.
It is not unusual to need to install something that is related to your job, such as software included with a
textbook. Here are some tips I stole from the internet on how to be safe when installing software.
Download from Reputable Sources:
Official websites: The safest place to download software is directly from the official website of
the software developer or publisher. These sources are generally reliable, secure, and less likely
to contain malware.
Official App Stores: Use official app stores like the Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, or Google
Play. These platforms have stringent security checks and vetting processes to ensure the
software is legitimate and malware-free.
Digital Signatures: Legitimate software installers are often digitally signed by the developer or
publisher. A digital signature verifies the authenticity and integrity of the software, ensuring it
has not been tampered with since it was signed. You can check the digital signature of a file in
Windows by right-clicking the file, selecting "Properties" and looking for the "Digital Signatures"
tab.
Scan Downloaded Files: Always scan downloaded files with your antivirus
software before opening or running them. Many antivirus programs offer real-time protection
and will alert you if a file appears suspicious.
Be Cautious of Free Software and Download Sites:
Free Software: While not all free software is untrustworthy, be skeptical, as some may bundle
unwanted software or adware. Carefully determine the trustworthiness of free software by
checking its popularity, reading reviews, and getting it from trustworthy online sources.
Download Sites: Download sites, while potentially convenient, can be notorious for including
malware. Stick to official websites or reputable platforms whenever possible.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of downloading and installing malicious
software and keep your digital life safe. When in doubt you can always contact our help desk or email
itsecurity@harding.edu.
- Jim Baird