Monday, September 23, 2013

The University of Georgia’s Enterprise Information Technology Services will host its fall Computer Health and Security Fair on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 29-30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the second floor lobby of the Miller Learning Center.

UGA students, faculty and staff are invited to bring their personal laptops for free security checks, as part of the observance of National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October.

Technical volunteers will provide free virus and malware removal, and offer security consultations and check-ups to ensure that laptops are using the latest and most secure software and plug-ins.

At the event, technical volunteers will run a security check of personal computers that includes ensuring that firewalls are enabled, and antivirus and operating systems are up to date. Technicians will also look for other problems, such as slow performance, web browser pop-ups and unknown error messages.

Participants will also learn the best practices for securing their computers against intrusions, virus infections and account compromises, said Justin Williams, manager of the EITS Help Desk.

“Our last fair in the spring was so successful and well received by students that we have expanded the Computer Health and Security Fair to two days to accommodate more students’ schedules,” Williams said.

University department-issued computers will not be checked at the fair.