There is a new Quicklink on the Web, Workstation & Digital Consulting Services site called "Workstation Best Practices". Click the link to see a new page titled 'Workstation Reminders and Guidelines for Library staff and Expert Users'.
http://www.library.yale.edu/lso/workstation/docs/workstationbestpract.html

This page was created as a guide for 'best practices' for users of Library staff workstations and to provide staff and expert users with some simple guidelines that will help us keep the workstations in excellent working order.

The need for this page was generated, in part, by the increase in the installation of 'Spyware', file-sharing software and other types of software that may be installed as the result of visiting game, gambling or adult sites on Library staff workstations.

'Spyware' can be defined as "Software that tracks usage and reports it to others, such as advertisers. Usually the tracking is concealed from the user of the software." It is installed on your machine when you register or visit certain Internet sites, coupon sites for example. Spyware can slow down your machine, lead to endless pop-up ads and eventually make it unusable necessitating the complete reinstallation of all software.

File-sharing applications such as kwzaa or Limewire are used to share music or movies. These applications should never be installed on Library workstations.

Many game, gambling or adult sites can also install software on your machine that you may be unaware of. Like Spyware this software can slow down your machine, lead to endless pop-up ads and eventually necessitate the complete reinstallation of all software.

Please take a minute to review these guidelines and ask your departmental expert user if you have any questions.