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What is a computer virus, trojan or adware?

A virus is computer program whose purpose is to propagate itself by traveling from file to file and from computer to computer, often destroying files in the process. Computer viruses spread by several means, including floppy and zip disks, e-mail attachments, web pages, and file-sharing. The best way to prevent viruses from infecting your computer files is to ensure that you have adequate virus-protection software installed on your computer.

A trojan is a computer program whose purpose is to leave the infected computer open for hackers to gain access and install software, look at personal files, or use the computer for illegal purposes. Some trojans are not as harmful as others, but if you do find a trojan on your computer please strongly consider backing up, formatting, and reinstalling Windows. Trojans usually infect computers through unpatched security holes in Windows and Internet Explorer.

Adware and spyware are computer programs that can do a wide range of things. Two of the main purposes are to collect data from your computer and report it back to the company, and to display popup windows of ads whether or not you are viewing websites at the time. These programs can get onto the computer any number of ways. The most common ways are as part of freeware programs such as file sharing programs, by displaying confusing dialog boxes on websites to confuse people into clicking Yes to install them, or through security holes in Internet Explorer while you browse websites.

Because of these dangers, Wellesley College provides McAfee VirusScan to protect against viruses and trojans, and McAfee AntiSpyware to protect against adware and spyware..

How do I install or update my anti-virus software?

Wellesley College provides anti-virus software and virus-definition updates free of charge for all College-owned computers and for all computers owned by Wellesley College students, faculty, and staff. Since new viruses are constantly being discovered, you must keep both your anti-virus software package (McAfee VirusScan or Virex) and your virus definitions (the library of virus descriptions which VirusScan or Virex uses to recognize and remove viruses) up to date and scan your hard drive regularly. To learn how to install or update your anti-virus software or to scan your hard drive for viruses, click the appropriate link below.

How else can I protect my computer against viruses?

You can dramatically reduce your computer's chances of being attacked by viruses by Securing your Computer.

How do I check for and remove Adware and Spyware from my computer?

Anyone who browses the web, uses instant messaging software, or file sharing software with a Windows computer is very likely to have software installed on their computer without their knowledge. Such software, called Spyware and Adware, will slow down the computer or even, in some cases, cause the computer to stop working. In an attempt to help combat this problem, the College has purchased a site license for a plugin to McAfee VirusScan 8.5 called the McAfee AntiSpyware Module. More information is available on the McAfee AntiSpyware website.

What else is Information Services doing to protect the campus against computer viruses?

Every IS-maintained public computer on campus is equipped with the latest version of VirusScan or Virex, and receives regular virus-definition updates. NTM and other public file servers are also running McAfee VirusScan, and receive regular virus-definition updates.

For additional protection against email viruses, Information Services is using Sophos PureMessage software to scan all email entering Wellesley College's FirstClass email system from the Internet.

What if I think my computer is infected with a virus?

If you have reason to suspect your computer is infected with a virus (you have opened a suspicious e-mail attachment, your computer is suddenly crashing or running slowly, you receive error messages whenever you start up your computer or try to launch an application, a friend or colleague has warned you that they have received an infected e-mail attachment from you), then:

1. Immediately disconnect your computer from the network to prevent the virus from spreading further or e-mailing out copies of your personal documents. If you have a wireless network adapter, you will need to both unplug your network cord and disable your wireless connection. Most notebooks with wireless have a physical button or switch to power off the wireless card.
   
   
2. Check to see if your virus protection is up-to-date and scan your hard drive for viruses. Instructions are available at:
   • What if my PC gets a virus?
   • What if my Macintosh gets a virus?

Where can I learn more about computer viruses?

Searchable libraries of information on known computer viruses, including symptoms and removal instructions:

McAfee Virus Information Library
Symantec Anti-Virus Research Center

Information on virus hoaxes such as "SULFNBK.EXE," "AOL4Free," and "Good Times":