General Article
Do you know what TANSTAAFL stands for? If you do, you must be a whiz at trivia games. It doesn't stand for DNA sequencing or computer networking. TANSTAAFL is the acronym for the old adage, "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch." Popularized by sci-fi author Robert Heinlein, TANSTAAFL, simply put, means that one can't get something for nothing.
The Center's Information Security Office advises that you remember this adage because if you've ever downloaded free software from the Internet, you should know about the potential negative consequences.
You've probably seen lots of pop-up ads on your computer or spam e-mails. Well, if you've ever downloaded "free" software from the Web, chances are your computer might be infected with spyware or adware. Spyware tracks your Web-surfing habits and adware serves you pop-up ads. Free file-sharing software (Kazaa, Limewire, Edonkey, etc.), browser-search bars (except from reputable companies such as Google or Yahoo), little cute animated icons for your instant-messaging software and free online games are often bundled with spyware or adware. Hidden inside their user agreement or disclaimer is the stipulation that you agree to have spyware or adware installed along with the free software that you are downloading.
Prevention starts with youInformation Technology staff should be able to help you remove spyware, adware and spam from your computer. However, prevention is better than cure, and it starts with you, the user. Think twice before you download anything free from the Internet. Carefully read the user agreement or disclaimer before clicking "OK" or "I ACCEPT." When in doubt, double-check with IT.
The Information Security Office has created a new safe computing Web page, centernet.fhcrc.org/CN/depts/it/iso/safecomputing, or you can search for "safe computing" on the Center's home page at www.fhcrc.org. The Web page is divided into the following five topics: password safety, computer virus/Trojan/worm, spyware/adware/spam, phishing and identity theft, and laptop tips. On this site, you will find general information on the topics, prevention methods and free resources you can use to help yourself. We strongly recommend reading through it. Lastly, never forget that there ain't no such thing as a free lunch.
