Technology Services

Worms and Viruses

Tips for avoiding computer viruses

Computer viruses embed instructions in programs or storage devices and can scramble or even erase computer data. Viruses are hazardous because they can reproduce themselves and spread between systems.

How are computer viruses spread?

The following activities are among the most common ways of getting computer viruses. Minimizing the frequency of these activities will reduce your risk of getting a computer virus:

• Freely sharing computer programs and system disks, or downloading files and software through file-sharing applications such as BitTorrent, eDonkey, and KaZaA
• Clicking links in instant messaging (IM) that have no context or have only general text
• Downloading executable software from web sites
• Opening email attachments from people you don't know or without first scanning them for viruses
• Opening any email attachment that ends in .exe, .vbs, or .lnk on a computer running Microsoft Windows

What are the symptoms of a computer virus?

If your computer begins to act strangely, or if it stops being able to do things it has always done in the past, it may be infected with a virus. Symptoms such as longer-than-normal program load times, unpredictable program behavior, inexplicable changes in file sizes, inability to start up, strange graphics appearing on your screen, or unusual sounds may indicate that a virus is on your system. However, it is important to distinguish between virus symptoms and those that come from corrupted system files, which can look very similar. If you believe your system may be compromised, contact InfoTech immediately at extension 4658.

How can I avoid computer viruses?

Here are some recommendations for safe computing:

• Install anti-virus software. This is the most important action you can take to keep your computer safe. Anti-virus programs scan for and remove viruses in files on disks. They also monitor the operation of your computer for virus-like activity. (InfoTech installs anti-virus on UMHB-owned computers and configures it to run and download updates regularly.) Free anti-virus software is available for home computers through AVG Anti-Virus
• Keep your operating system current with the latest patches and updates. The writers of viruses and worms often exploit bugs and security holes in operating systems and other computer software. Software manufacturers frequently release patches for such holes. (InfoTech configures UMHB-owned computers to regularly download and install the latest patches and updates automatically.) If you don't know how to turn on automatic updates on a home pc or laptop, check out p.4 of the Student Computing Checklist
• Obtain public-domain software (aka "freeware") from reputable sources. If you don't know and trust the vendor, don't download the software.
• Quarantine infected systems. If you discover that a system is infected with a virus, immediately isolate it from other systems. In other words, disconnect it from any network it is on and don't allow anyone to move files from it to another system. Once the system has been disinfected, you can copy or move files.