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What is a Virus?

¨ Computer viruses are software applications that are designed and written to destroy or corrupt data. Most viruses are obtained by sharing and copying infected software. A virus can also be acquired by downloading infected files from the Internet.

How to Scan for Viruses

For Windows

On Campus/At Home:

¨ If McAffe VirusScan, is already installed on your computer. Go to the Start button then to programs, Network Associates to, virus scan. Now choose the drive you want to scan by using the browse button. Make sure the Include subfolders are checked before you click Scan Now.

¨ If the McAffe program fails to disinfect the affected drive, turn off the computer; insert the Emergency Boot Disk (available at the Helpdesk) in drive A, and switch on computer power. When menu appears, press the Y key to remove viruses (this will require several passes of the hard disk, so be patient).

¨ Virus scanning Information and software is available at the following site: http://www.itd.umich.edu/virusbusters/

¨ To download VirusScan or Virex. Click on the link then choose an operating system and a program to download. Then the directory will come up with the files you need for download to disk. Make sure the computer is not infected with a virus prior to downloading the software.

How to Protect Yourself from Viruses

If your computer is infected:

¨ Remove the virus by running virus protection software.

¨ Be sure to scan all of your diskettes before reusing them to prevent further contamination. (If this doesn't work, you'll most likely have to delete the files from your system.)

¨ If you suspect you have received a virus via email, do not open the attachment, but instead delete the mail message and inform the person you received it from.

¨ As a general rule, never open an attachment from an untrusted source, and

¨ Always be careful when opening attachments from a trusted source.

For more information on Antivirus software, please see Quicknote #26.