Virus Software
All B-W resident students who have their computer connected to the residence hall network should install Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition the first time they connect. Instructions and the download link are available during the ResNet setup process. Residence hall students can also download Symantec AntiVirus at any time, by going to http://virus.bw.edu and clicking the Install Now button.
In the residence halls, Symantec AntiVirus (also known as Norton) automatically downloads the latest virus definitions to your computer at least once a week; however these definitions do not take effect until your computer is rebooted. Updates come to you, but are not recognized by your computer until the computer is restarted, so shut down your computer nightly or restart it at least once each day.
If you take your computer off-campus for an extended length of time, you can use the Live Update feature to keep your computer virus definitions updated. You can get to this window by double-clicking the yellow shield in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Commuter students are also entitled to receive a copy of this antivirus program for installation on their home computer. Please call the HelpDesk at (440) 826-7000 to reserve a copy that you can borrow for a few days to install at home. For home users, updated virus definitions will come from Symantec’s website through the Live Update feature which must be run manually.
Virus Prevention Tips
Do not open any files attached to an e-mail from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.
Do not open any files attached to an e-mail unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through e-mail. Better to be safe than sorry by confirming the message’s source.
Do not open any files attached to an e-mail if the subject line is questionable or unexpected. If you need to open it, always save the file to your hard drive and scan the file with an antivirus program before doing so.
Delete chain e-mails and junk e-mail. Do not forward or reply to any of them. This type of e-mail is considered Spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.
Do not download any files from unknown sites.
Exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site. If you’re uncertain, don’t download the file at all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own anti-virus software.
Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over 500 viruses are discovered each month, so you’ll want to be protected. Make sure your antivirus program is current and is using the most recent virus definitions. For more information contact the HelpDesk at (440) 826-7000
Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up copy. You should store your backup copy in a separate location from your work files, one that is preferably not on your computer.
Do not click hyperlinks in instant messaging programs. This is becoming an even more-popular method of spreading viruses, often because it can bypass anti-virus scanning programs.
When in doubt, always be cautious and do not open, download, or execute any files or e-mail attachments. Not executing is the more important of these caveats. Check with your product vendors for updates that include those for your operating system, web browser, and e-mail.
Do not click hyperlinks in instant messaging programs. This is becoming an even more-popular method of spreading viruses, often because it can bypass anti-virus scanning programs.
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