What are viruses?
Computer viruses are programs designed to maliciously change the way your computer operates. Once active, viruses may cause a variety of problems, including:
corrupt files and documents display prank messages, graphics or sounds
crash your system regularly use up excessive memory (RAM) or even erase your entire hard drive.

How do they spread?
Viruses are often contracted from:
attachment files from e-mail Internet downloads files from removable media (Zip disks, CD-ROMs, floppy disks) files from your local server.

Please note there are several virus hoaxes, often publicized by well-meaning users via e-mail.

How can I protect my computer?
See our Virus Protection Tips or visit Microsoft's Protect Your PC site.

Additional Resources can be found at the following sites:

CERT Coordination Center
Microsoft Security
NIST Computer Security Division
SANS Institute

The best way to prevent the spread of viruses is to use antivirus software. Information Technology has acquired a license for students, faculty and staff.