February 2003

Keeping Your Electronic Information Secure

By Teresa Lightle- Computer Training Coordinator

   Trying to mix confidential information with electronics can be a challenging experience. Who should have access to what information? Who should have the password to access that folder/computer/file? We take every precaution to lock file cabinets, lock doors and arm buildings, yet leave our computers on and logged in. I could go as far as to say I have seen a few logins and passwords printed on sticky notes and attached to computer monitors.
   Now I realize many of you are thinking, I am not keeping a National Secret on my computer, why would anyone want to bother using my machine to access information? Login and password information is another line of security. It should not be advertised on sticky notes, written on the chalkboard or tacked to the bulletin board for all the world to see. It is one more measure of security for your work, student grades, human resources information and accounting systems. By exposing your login and password you are potentially exposing all of these items to a would be hacker. Please take your passwords seriously and protect them wisely.

Password Security Tips

• Never give your password over the phone to someone you do not recognize. If the caller is from ITS and you do not recognize the person, feel free to ask if you can call the ITS helpdesk number right back to verify their identity.

• If an ITS technician asks for your password while working on your computer, write it down on a piece of paper and then have the technician tear up the paper before he/she leaves.

• Do not share your password with other employees. This log in is for your use only.

• Files stored on your computer desktop and My Documents are not secured, only those saved to the server will be backed nightly and secured with password protection.

Basic Shortcuts in Microsoft Word

This newsletter will focus on basic short cut keystrokes in MS Word.

• Ctrl + O = Opens an existing Word Document

• Ctrl + S = Saves a Word Document.

• Ctrl + P = Print

• Ctrl + A = Select All of the document

• Ctrl + X = Cut selected item

• Ctrl + V = Paste selected item

• Ctrl + C = Copy selected item

• Ctrl  + F = Find

• Ctrl + H = Replace

• Ctrl + Z = Undo last command

• Ctrl + Y = Redo last command

All of these short cuts can save time and make working in MS Word more efficient for some users. One more little bit of information may help as well. The anatomy of a drop down menu.

The E-Teacher

♥Valentine Sites for Teachers♥ http://teachers.teach-nology.com/themes/holidays/valentine/ Games, lesson plans, history, stories and poems http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Valentines/Valentines.html The language of Love, symbols, exploration of the heart online http://www.2learn.ca/mapset/Enjoy/enjoyval/val.html Valentine Art, Literature, Math and Science

---

For Questions or Comments about this newsletter please contact: tlightle@bcoe.org

Back to Tech Tip Main Page