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Globe
Antivirus / Security
January 4, 2007 10:31 am | Author: Stephen McMillin | Filed Under Internet and Wireless, Policies and Procedures |

It is the responsibility of each Internet user in the residence halls to keep their own computer updated and virus-free. Furthermore, we encourage you to be cautious Internet users. For example, do not open unexpected email attachments, even if it appears to be from someone that you know. Modern viruses will spoof (forge) email addresses, so you don’t know who the email really came from. This page has been updated with links to free antivirus software and security information from Microsoft. The procedures below apply to all users of Microsoft Windows operating systems.

Three things must be done to make sure your computer is secure and virus-free.

  1. Scan for and remove any viruses currently infecting your computer.
    There are free tools available to check your computer for viruses. You should use one (or all) of the tools listed below to scan your computer. Follow the instructions provided at each website to use these tools. These tools are not supported by the Computer Center.
    • McAfee AVERT Stinger. Stinger is a free tool that detects and removes several of the most common viruses. Currently it detects 38 different viruses.
      http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
    • Panda ActiveScan. ActiveScan is an online virus scanner that is unique because it also removes the viruses that it finds. You simply connect to their website and follow the prompts to begin scanning.
      http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan
  2. Install an antivirus software package and keep it up-to-date.

    To prevent infection from current and future viruses, you will be required to have antivirus software installed and kept up-to-date with current virus signature files. Your computer may already have an antivirus package installed. Retail packages are available from Symantec, McAfee, Computer Associates, Panda, Grisoft, and others. Whichever software you choose, make sure you check for new virus signatures at least once per week.

    Students who wish to purchase a retail package may do so at the campus bookstore: http://www.mssu.edu/bookstore/

    Free antivirus software links.

    Follow the instructions provided by each manufacturer. The Computer Center does not provide support for these software packages.

  3. Run Windows Update to get the latest security patches.

    Users of Windows XP should have Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed. Service Pack 2 can be downloaded manually or installed through automatic updates in Windows. You can configure automatic updates in Windows XP. Click here for instructions.

    Windows Update is a tool provided by Microsoft to help keep your operating system updated with the latest security patches, feature upgrades, and bug fixes. You must be using Internet Explorer version 5 or later to access the Windows Update site. The Windows Update site is located here: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

    1. When you first access the Windows Update site, you will need to install the Windows Update software. Internet Explorer will do this automatically for you. Just click Yes whenever it prompts you to install.
    2. By default, the software will select all the ‘Critical Updates and Service Packs’. This will include any security updates for your system. Click the button to ‘Review and Install Updates’.
    3. Click the Install Now button to begin installing the updates
    4. Check for new critical updates at least once per week.

    Addiditional Information
    http://www.microsoft.com/security/