Music can be a filter, according to BYU-Hawaii students, which allows them to separate themselves from the outside world as they try to study. Each person may have a different taste in music, but by training themselves and recognizing their response to certain music styles, a student could associate a specific music genre to which will allow them to study more efficiently on particular school assignments and other responsibilities.

To help students protect themselves from invasive computer viruses, BYU-Hawaii hosted two events on campus that helped students protect their computers from harmful viruses. Students, Philip Hunter, a senior studying IT from Texas, and Eder Miyazaki, a senior studying IT from Brazil, hosted the presentation on Aug. 1, in the Little Theater. Hunter and Miyazaki gave a brief overview of hacking techniques and provided tips that helped students avoid hackers. “Whenever I got viruses it would just slow down my computer - it was Kazaa on my HP. It was a bummer,” said Jaden McCarrey, a junior studying peacebuilding from Alaska. Hunter and Miyazaki introduced basic terms and techniques hackers use to access private information. The most common hack, a “Man in the middle” hack, is when hackers place themselves in the middle of the flow of communication between two computers. The hackers then can filter information to each computer and pass on viruses to the different computers. Hunter said the easiest way to stop a hack is to, “Turn off your computer. If you turn off your computer the hacker can’t access any information. It’s as easy as that.” In another computer security presentation, Cindy Tutors, director of IT operations, showcased several anti-virus software programs available to students. On the oit.byuh.edu website students can download anti-virus programs by clicking on the link, “protect your computer,” on the left hand side. Downloading this software and performing routine checks on your computer will get rid of a majority of your viruses, said Tutors. Jasper Mills, a junior studying university studies from California, said he used to have problems with his computer after downloading music, but now he buys CDs. “Buying CDs, not only supports the artists, but keeps the viruses out of your computer. For those seeking additional assistance, students and faculty can bring in their computers to the IT office in GCB 120. IT students are available to check your computer, and determine the best way to solve your computer problems. “We’re here to serve the students. We’ve been pretty successful so far and we’ve probably helped over 300 students save their computers and save them lots of money. We hope to help a lot more people,” said Tutors.