Until such time as computer operating systems and software
become totally immune from attack by computer viruses, there are
several things you can do to protect your computer from the
potentially irreparable harm that they can cause.
Take steps to prevent viruses from attacking your computer
- Install virus protection software: The college has a site
license for Trend Anti-Virus for college owned systems.
Students are responsible to have anti-virus protection on their
personal systems. Student computers in the residence halls that do
not have anti-virus protection will be automatically blocked from
network access.
- Update your virus signatures: The best way to keep your
anti-virus software up-to-date is to use the auto-updates. All virus
protection software provide updates to their virus signatures and
most can be configured to perform "auto-updates". Auto-updates
instruct your computer at a specified time to automatically update
your virus software to prevent your machine from being infected with
new viruses.
- Be suspicious, be cautious: If you use Windows, you
should never open any .exe files attached to an e-mail
message. Likewise, never open documents attached to e-mail messages
unless you are expecting a document from the individual who sent you
the message. If you are not expecting a document from that
particular person, contact them and find out if they actually
intended to send you the document. If they did not, their computer
is probably infected with a virus.
- Be cautious about attaching files to e-mail messages:
Please do not attach files to e-mail messages unless you are
absolutely certain that your computer is not infected. If you're
not sure that your computer is virus-free, paste the text of the
file you wish to attach into the e-mail message itself. Text in the
body of an e-mail message CANNOT spread viruses.
- Be curious: Not all warnings are valid. There are many
hoaxes and urban legends out there. Research the suspected virus or
contact the Help Desk (call ext. 1444 or send e-mail to
helpdesk@mhc.edu)
before you attempt to alert others.
Check out suspected virus hoaxes at:
- Back up your important information and work. REMEMBER:
Viruses can destroy data beyond hope of retrieval. Please be careful.
Learn More About Viruses
The following sites provide a range of useful information, such as
descriptions of the types of viruses that can affect your computer
(viruses, trojans, or worms), alerts regarding the latest viruses,
glossaries of virus terms, tips for preventing viruses and recovering
from virus attacks, information about virus hoaxes, and more.
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