Critical Information

Windows Vulnerabilities

Please be sure to run Windows Update on a regular basis to combat any vulnerabilities that may surface.

Lastest Virus Information

Below is the most recent information on top threating viruses currently. The virus list opens in a new window, which can be found here. Simply click on the Virus name to view more information about the virus...

Spyware and Virus Removal

If your computer is running slower than normal, and you continue to see popup windows when online, your machine has more than likely been infected with Spyware. Clients who have installed shareware tools such as Kazaa, Morpheus, BearShare, Gnutella, or any other peer-to-peer (P2P) application are susceptible to a host of third-party applications designed to monitor and track personal information, including websites visited, credit card information, and other information that should be kept private.

Solutions? Unfortunately, simply uninstalling these programs will not solve all of your problems. Over the past few months, we've dealt with a number of students who have had to go as far as re-installing their operating systems in order to rectify the havoc created by these applications.

A tool that we have found very useful in determining whether or not machines have been infected with spyware is Spybot Search & Destroy. This tool will not only identifiy applications that are invading your privacy, but also try to clean them. There is also a useful tutorial on how to install and run this tool.

ANTIVIR

Another useful tool for freeing your machine of viruses that impact performance is AntiVir. Download this tool for free if your machine is not currently protected from viruses circulating the internet.

GOT KAZAA?

From Kazaa's Privacy Policy:
"During the process of installing Kazaa Media Desktop, you must install software from third party software vendors pursuant to licences or other arrangements between such vendors and yourself ("Third Party Software"), including without limitation those software components noted in Section 9.4 below. Please note that the Third Party Software may be subject to different licences or other arrangements, which you should read carefully. By installing and using this Third Party Software you accept these Third Party Software licences or other arrangements and acknowledge that you have read them and understand them. Sharman does not sell, resell, or license any of this Third Party Software, and Sharman disclaims to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, any responsibility for or liability related to the Third Party Software. Any questions, complaints or claims related to the Third Party Software should be directed to the appropriate vendor."

ALTNET

The Software includes the Topseach software provided by Altnet. The Topsearch component regularly downloads an index of available Altnet content through your Internet connection. This index contains a list of available rights managed files which can be displayed in your search results.

For information on Altnet and their software, go to http://www.altnet.com. For information on their privacy policy, go to http://www.altnet.com/privacy.

BULLGUARD P2P

The Software comes with a virus protection feature provided by Bullguard Technology, which is designed to guard your computer from virus attacks by quarantining and deleting files downloaded via P2P that may have a virus. The BullGuard P2P component will update its virus definition file through your Internet connection. . For information on Bullguard and their software, go to http://www.bullguard.com.

For information on their privacy policy, go to http://www.bullguard.com/privacypolicy.aspx