Piedmont Documents

You can download several documents that contain information from our website. This list will be updated with important documents both in Word DOC and Adobe PDF formats. Each document can be downloaded by right-clicking one the following links and choosing Save Target As ...

Acceptable Use Policy: MSWord | PDF
Minimum Computer Requirements: MSWord | PDF
Student Responsibilities: MSWord | PDF
Instructional Facilities and Equipment Usage: MSWord | PDF

Windows Updates

The Windows Update system is a very important part of the Microsoft Windows experience. It supplies your computer with updates for software and hardware in your computer as well as patching security holes to create a safer environment. Below is a link to the WU website.

Microsoft Windows Update

You must use Internet Explorer (IE) to make use of the WU system. If you are not currently using IE to surf the Internet, open it by looking in your Start Menu's Programs Menu.

If it doesn't show up in your Start Menu, you can open it by clicking on your Start button, click on Run..., type in iexplore.exe and click OK.

Then click Tools near the top os the IE window and choose Windows Update from the menu that appears.

If you require assitance using the Windows Update system, you can read about it on the Faculty & Staff Support and Student Support pages.

Apple Mac OS X Updates

Apple's Mac OS X has long been touted as invulnerable to security and virus threats, and for the most part is does seem to be more secure. However, there still exist security holes and software bugs that are found and patched on a regular basis.

In a recent article released by Symantec, the company that brings us Anti-Virus and Internet Security products among others, they do support the claim that at this time there are no known file-infecting virus.

There are, however, worms and code exploits that can be used to compromise the security of your Mac, and so you should be aware that nothing is perfect. There is no such thing as complete security. If you would like to read the article, you can access it from the source at Symantec or if that link doesn't work, you can access it here.

Software Update will automatically open when it finds new updates, but you can open it manually by opening the Apple menu (the little apple icon in the top left hand corner of the screen) and choosing the Software Update option.

Flip4Mac WMV Player

Flip4Mac is an application that allows a Mac user to view Windows Media files such as .WMV and .WMA through Quicktime or a web browser. You can download it for free here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/flip4mac.mspx

Software Update will automatically open when it finds new updates, but you can open it manually by opening the Apple menu (the little apple icon in the top left hand corner of the screen) and choosing the Software Update option.

Anti-Virus Software

Anti-Virus software has become a necessity for computers that connect to other computers and use the Internet. Below are some links to anti-virus software, both free and priced.

Free:
     AVG Free
     ClamWin
     Avast

Priced:
     NOD32 Antivirus
     Kaspersky Antivirus

Security Suites

With the increasing risk of unauthorised remote access and intrusion attempts, it is imperative that you have some sort of firewall software on your computer. Below are some links, both free and priced.

Keep in mind that the free versions of Zone Alarm and Comodo are just basic firewalls and contain no antivirus software. The priced links, however, contain both antivirus software and a firewall.

Free:
     Zone Alarm Firewall
     Comodo Personal Firewall

Priced:
     Kaspersky Internet Security
     Norton Internet Security 2006
     Trend Micro PC-Cillin Internet Security

Malware Removal

Malware includes all programs that fall under Adware, Spyware, Trojans etc... These programs, which are usually installed unknowingly, can do everything from creating popups to stealing financial information to allowing a third-party to take control of your computer.

It is a good practice to use malware removal software once every week or so to better protect your privacy. Below are some links to malware removal applications.

     Microsoft Windows Defender Beta 2
     Spybot: Search & Destroy
     Ad-Aware SE Personal