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PC Virus Help

There are several, common-sense ways to protect your PC from virus attacks:

Do not open email attachments if you do not know the sender. This is the #1 cause of computer virus infections on campus.
Install an antivirus software package on your PC. SAU can provide students, faculty, and staff with a licensed copy of McAffee Anti-Virus for $15.
Keep your antivirus software current. The #2 cause of of computer virus infections on campus is antivirus software that is not kept current.

If the SAU antivirus systems identifes virus activity originating from your computer, your access to the SAU network will be suspended until the virus is removed.
You are responsible for maintaining a virus-free PC.

Computer Virus Info

Spyware Info

1.	How do I protect my computer against viruses?	8.	What is spyware?
2.	How much does McAffee cost?	9.	Where does spyware come from?
3.	How do I get McAfee installed on my computer?	10.	How do I know if I have spyware on my PC?
4.	Can I use another antivrus program in place of McAfee?	11.	How do I remove spyware from my PC?
5.	What are virus definitions?	12.	How often should I run a spyware scan on my PC?
6.	How do I get the most current virus definitions installed on my computer?
7.	How often do I need to update my virus definitions?

Q1: How do I protect my computer against viruses?
A1: Install an antivirus program. ResNet recommends and supports McAfee 4.5.1.

Q2: How much does McAfee cost?
A2: McAfee 4.5.1 can be installed free of charge on any ResNet computer.

Q3: How do I get McAfee installed on my computer?
A3: You can call one of the TAs and make an appointment for them to come to your room and install McAfee. Or you can call Valerie Pauken (ext. 1675) and she will make an appointment for a TA to come to your room and install McAfee. In the very near future you will be able to download a copy of McAfee 4.5.1 from the ResNet web page.

Q4: Can I use another antivirus program besides McAfee?
A4: Yes, however ResNet only supports McAfee. It is up to you to make sure you are using the most current virus definitions for the antivirus software program you are using.

Q5: What are virus definitions?
A5: Virus definitions are how your antivirus program identifies viruses and deletes them from your computer. New viruses come out all the time so there needs to be a way for your antivirus program to scan and identify them and delete them from your computer. This is done by installing the most current virus definitions on your computer for your antivirus program to use.

Q6: How do I get the most current virus definitions installed on my computer?
A6: If you are using the McAfee antivirus program provided free by ResNet, you can make an appointment with a TA to have the most current virus definitions installed on your computer. In the near future you will be able to download the most current virus definitions from the ResNet page.

If you are using an antivirus program other than McAfee you will need to go to their website and download the virus definitions there.

Q7: How often do I need to update my virus definitions?
A7: You need to update your virus definitions before you run a virus scan. ResNet recommends you run a virus scan at least twice a month. Once a week is preferable.

Q8: What is spyware?
A8: Spyware, often called adware, is usually free software that secretly collects information about your computing habits and delivers it to the maker of the program.

Q9: Where does spyware come from?
A9: Spyware is installed on your computer when you visit certain websites. It can also get in if you click on a popup ad. Another way it gains access to your computer is when you download free software like screensavers, games, and the like.

However, the most common way spyware gets installed on your computer is by downloading P2P file sharing programs like KaZaa, iMesh, BearShare, Gnutella, and LimeWire. By downloading these P2P file sharing programs you are giving them the right to install their spyware on your computer so make sure you read the fine print before you press the download button.

Q10: How do I know if I have spyware on my PC?
A10: Suspect spyware if:

You get a lot of popup ads
A new toolbar appears that wasn't there before
Your home page mysteriously changes
Your computer has slowed down considerably
You get firewalled without visiting an off-limit site
Your Internet connection stops working

Q11: How do I remove spyware from my PC?
A11: We recommend you install Ad-aware. To install Ad-Aware, click on the link below and follow the instructions.
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,7423,00.asp

Please note, programs that include spyware in their program might stop working after you remove the spyware.

Q12: How often should I run a spyware scan on my PC?
A12: At least once a week. You will probably want to visit the Ad-Aware site once a month and download the newest version of their free software.


	ResNet - A Division of Technology Services - Spring Arbor University Help Desk: off-campus (517) 750-1234 on-campus x1234 Spring Arbor University • 106 E. Main • Spring Arbor, MI 49283