ResNet's Terms and Conditions
require customers to use up-to-date anti-virus software on their
computer if NC State provides it for the operating system being
used. Currently, NC State provides Trend Micro Office Scan for Windows computers,
and Intego VirusBarrier for Apple Macintosh computers,
so all computers on ResNet using Windows or Macintosh computers
must install and use current anti-virus software.
What are viruses, worms and Trojan Horses?
A virus is a program that replicates itself, usually by attaching
itself to other files and programs. A worm is a program that does
not infect other programs but makes copies of itself. Trojan horse
programs do not replicate nor make copies of themselves, but rely
on other "manual" methods of distribution. We use the
term "viruses" on this page to cover all forms of infections.
Viruses are spread in a variety of ways. Some Examples:
- email attachments (such as Klez,
Badtrans, MyParty)
- instant messaging links and attachments (such as Aplore)
- compromised web servers (such as Nimda)
- Usenet news groups
- Inernet Relay Chat channels
- floppy diskettes
- file downloads (many backdoor
Trojans are embedded with other files)
All viruses are different. Some activate on a certain day, but
remain dormant until then. Others begin the attack as soon as the
machine has been infected. Viruses can be very damaging and some
are just annoying.
How do I protect myself from viruses?
A good way to protect yourself is to have a virus
protection program and keep it up-to-date. Before running a
download from an unknown site, or opening an email attachment, always
be sure to scan it to ensure that it is not infected. If you do
not know the source of a file do not open it. Even if you know the
person who sent you a file, if you were not expecting it you may
want to contact them before opening it. This is because many viruses
automatically send themselves out to addresses it finds in files
on the infected computer.
What if I already have a virus?
If you already have a virus, you need to use anti-virus software to remove them.
Click here for detailed instructions on how to remove viruses
from your computer.
What is an anti-virus program?
An anti-virus program is designed to protect your computer from
possible virus infections. Most viruses are designed to operate
in the background in a way that the user will not notice. Virus
protection programs search for, detect, and attempt to remove these
viruses. Anti-virus programs must be kept up-to-date in order
for them to provide adequate protection. New viruses are being created
every day and your anti-virus program can't always predict what
they will be able to do or how they will work.
Where do I find a virus protection program?
"NC State has negotiated a site license
for Trend Micro Office Scan and Intego VirusBarrier.
Under the agreement, all NC State faculty, staff and students can
use Trend Micro Office Scan and Intego VirusBarrier software, free of charge, on their campus and
home computers." For more information and to download Trend Micro Office Scan or Intego VirusBarrier,
visit NC State's AntiVirus site.
Do I have to use Trend Micro Office Scan or Intego VirusBarrier if I already
have anti-virus software installed?
According to the Terms and Conditions,
"ResNet customers using Windows or Macintosh operating systems
are required to use regularly updated anti-virus software on their
computer(s)." If you have anti-virus software already, make
certain that it is regularly updated, or consider replacing it with
Trend Micro Office Scan (Windows) or Intego VirusBarrier (Macintosh). Our managed version
will update its virus definitions
automatically. If you do choose to replace your anti-virus software
with Trend Micro Office Scan or Intego VirusBarrier, please uninstall your previous program before
installing Trend Micro Office Scan or Intego VirusBarrier.
What if I'm running Linux, or another operating
besides Windows or Macintosh?
Due to the nature of the operating system, Linux, and other UNIX-like
operating systems are not as susceptable to viruses. Thus an anti-virus
program is not necessary. However, system security is still very
important. If you run Linux, please look at our Tips
for Security. If you are running an unprotected operating system
for which Trend Micro Office Scan or Intego VirusBarrier is unavailable, such as OS/2 or DOS (we
can't imagine why), you may want to consider an upgrade, or you
should find some virus protection you can use with your system.
What else should I be doing to keep my
computer more secure?
The simplest thing you can do to keep your computer secure is to
never run programs you don't know about or don't need. Most viruses
come in email attachments or in files downloaded from unknown or
unreliable sources. By avoiding these types of files altogether,
you can significantly reduce the chances of getting a virus. Even
well known programs can cause problems though. Many file sharing
applications can install spyware
on your system to report information back to another source or provide
other methods of accessing or obtaining information from your system.
Avoid running programs you don't need to prevent unwanted access
to your computer.
Keeping your system up to date is also crucial to system security.
Security problems are often found in operating systems and patches
are released to correct them. If you run Windows, visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
frequently to downloaded the latest security patches for your computer.
Mac OS also includes a Software Updates feature and has security
updates available at http://www.apple.com/support/security/security_updates.html.
Details for updating each supported
operating system are also available.
To get the latest anti-virus news and information, please visit:
Symantec Anti-Virus
& Security Response Information
Network
Associates AVERT Research Center
Computer Associates Virus Information
Center
Trend Micro Security Alerts
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