|
There are many computer viruses designed to attack Windows computers. We recommend you have a virus protection program installed on your computer to avoid these attacks. Symantec AntiVirus is the antivirus software supported by Computing Services. It is available for download to members of the Dartmouth community at no cost from the Windows General Productivity Software downloads Web page.
Instructions for downloading, installing, updating, and configuring Symantec AntiVirus are available; see Using Symantec AntiVirus at Dartmouth.
Once Symantec AntiVirus is installed, you can use the LiveUpdate utility to download and install the latest updates for the various applications and definitions. Configure Symantec AntiVirus to automatically download all available updates on a daily basis, and run full virus scans at least once a week. Daily updates and full virus scans are recommended, as the people who write viruses, worms, and trojans release them every day, and send them out disguised as files that look legitimate. New virus definitions are published as necessary by Symantec (at least every Wednesday afternoon). Be sure to scan all file types and configure your antivirus application so that the File System AutoProtect feature is enabled.
Instructions for protecting your computer from being compromised include:
- Make sure the operating system on your Windows computer is up-to-date. Set the Automatic Update Control Panel to automatically get any available updates. For more information, see Upgrading Your Operating System.
- Install antivirus software, such as Symantec AntiVirus, and keep it up-to-date with the latest updates on at least a daily basis.
- If an infection is found, note the infection's name, file name, and file location, then go to the antivirus manufacturer's Web site and look up that particular infection. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for removing the infection. For Symantec AntiVirus, various infections and their instructions for removing them are available; see Threat Explorer.
- Do not open e-mail enclosures unless you are expecting them, even if they are from someone you know. E-mail enclosures are one of the most popular ways of spreading computer viruses today. If you have to open an enclosure, be sure your antivirus program has the most current definitions. Save the enclosure to your desktop first so that your antivirus real-time scanner can scan the file. While an antivirus program that is installed and configured correctly will protect your computer from most viruses, it is a good idea to use caution when opening enclosures from e-mail, particularly from people you don't know. Even if you know the person sending the enclosure, but you weren't expecting to receive a file from them, verify with them that they sent the attachment. Many viruses mass-mail themselves using hi-jacked e-mail addresses.
- Treat enclosures that you obtain from Web sites just as you would an enclosure in an e-mail message.
- Never close a pop-up window using a button inside of it that says Cancel or Close. Always close the browser window itself by clicking the X in the upper-right corner of the window.
- Avoid file sharing programs; these can open security holes in your computer that can allow viruses and trojans to enter.
If you have questions, please contact the IT Service Desk (Help Desk) at 646-2999 and select from the options provided, send electronic mail to help@dartmouth.edu, or call your department's IT support office.
For additional information related to this topic see:
|
