• A virus is a tiny program that takes advantage of design flaws in a program. It enters and duplicates itself and may also do damage or at least slow down the system.
• Viruses are generally programmed to cause damage to computers, or cause glitches in systems that somehow benefit the programmer. It is a program designed to replicate and spread, generally with the victim being oblivious to its existence. CBe of filesomputer viruses spread by attaching themselves to other programs or to the boot sector of a disk or usb device. When an infected file is activated - or executed - or when the computer is started from an infected disk, the virus itself is also executed. Often, it lurks in computer memory, waiting to infect the next program that is activated, or the next disk that is accessed.
• Viruses that infect computers are often as a result of Email attachments downloaded from friends or strangers. This is called an Email virus, and it is the most common form of virus found today.

What Damage Can Viruses Do To My System?

As mentioned earlier, some viruses are merely annoying, others are disastrous. At the very least, viruses slow real-time interaction and performance of your machine. Many virus writers seek only to infect systems, not to damage them - so their viruses do not inflict intentional harm. However, because viruses are often flawed, even benign viruses can inadvertently interact with other software or hardware and slow or stop the system. Other viruses are more dangerous. They can continually modify or destroy data, intercept input/output devices, overwrite files, reformat hard disks and send private information to people who shouldn't have it.. (From the Symantec web site.)

Sometimes it may attach itself to another program, undetected. When the 'host' program is run, the virus activates and does whatever it was programmed to do (usually malicious in nature). As the virus is run, it usually 'infects' more files. Then, whenever those files are used, the virus does whatever it was programmed to do - again.

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What is Algonquin College doing?

• The College uses ESET NOD32 for virus control. For instructions on modifying email scan settings go here. To confirm that ESET is on your computer, look for the  icon on the lower right taskbar.  If your computer does not have ESET installed, please contact the ITS Service Desk at ext 5555 to arrange for immediate installation.
• All NT servers, this includes all DSP servers, are set up to run a scan for viruses on all n: drives and application folders every night.
• Virus definitions are updated regularly from the program's website. In addition, critical updates will be able to be pushed to the desktop/laptop computers this will ensure that virus outbreaks will be able to be addressed as quickly as possible.  Lab computers will also be updated daily during the maintenance schedule.
• When a hoax inquiry is made to ITS, the network administrators check the Symantec website for more information and take any necessary steps that may be required.
• If during the nightly scan a virus is detected that could not be repaired, the file is deleted by a network administrator. This aids in protecting the College network from any viruses.
• ITS recommends that all PC's purchased for internal or external College use also include the purchase of an anti-Virus software.

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How do I tell if an email warning is a hoax?

Check out the Symantec web site for their hoax information
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html

Here you can search their database to find hoax information on any past hoaxes.

Tell-tale signs of a hoax include the request to forward the email on to everyone or asking for private information. Statements like THIS IS NOT A HOAX. Don't forward the email, just delete it.

• Anti Virus program -The first step in self protection is to obtain some reliable virus protection software. McAffee and Norton Anti-Virus are common ones used. They continually scan your computer and downloads, and monitor for any potential virus. Or a free one like AVG.
• Updates - Ensure that your computer is running an up-to-date virus solution and Windows updates.
• History Information - Delete cookies and temporary internet files. Some virus use this information.
• Scans - Regularly run manual scans on your computer.
• Incoming files - Never download any Email attachment(s) from a source you don't trust. (Though many virus will come from people you know.) Especially programs and executables. (files with an .EXE extension). If you do download a file scan it before you open or run it.
• Portable Media - Scan your USB stick on a regular basis to ensure that it is not infected.
• Passwords - Change your passwords regularly. Some viruses get your passwords.  
• Backups - Do regular backups so that when damage is done you won't lose anything.
• Get Help - If you think that your College owned computer has a virus, please contact the ITS Service Desk immediately (ext 5555).

College Owned Computers - If the computer is College owned and you suspect you have a virus:

• Scan your computer. Then call ITS and report your suspisions with the symptoms and the virus name if you know it. ITS may have to format and reload the software for your computer and then you can reload your backups for your personal files.
• You must have made those backups prior to the virus problem.
   

Personally Owned Computers - For your personal computer:

• Scan it and then try to remove the virus If the option is given.
• If that doesn't work you may need to down load a dedicate removal tool for that virus from the Symantec or other website. Some viruses need to be removed a couple of times to fully get it, usually follwed by reboots.
• If that doesn't work you should get a technician to look at it. It may require that your comuter have the hard drive formatted and reloaded. After this is done use your backups to restore your personal files.