How to Protect Your Computer From Viruses

How Viruses are Spread

Viruses can be spread through e-mail, swapping files, or from security vulnerabilities within an operating system or application.

Removal and Protection Instructions

If you have a Microsoft Windows operating system (e.g. Windows XP), download and install the Windows security patch(es) for the version of Microsoft Windows that you are running. Click on this link to install the patch(es): Update Windows. If you have a Macintosh, see www.apple.com/support/downloads.
If you have a Microsoft Windows operating system, install and run McAfee's Stinger.exe program to clean/remove infected files. To install Stinger, click on the following link: Stinger Virus Removal Tool.
To protect yourself against future viruses, keep your Windows system updated by visiting windowsupdate.microsoft.com or your Macintosh at www.apple.com/support/downloads. Additionally, download and install McAfee antivirus software which is available to all current students, faculty, and staff. Download the McAfee virus scanning software from the UCCS Utilities and Tools page at: www.csus.edu/uccs/prodserv/pcsupport/tools_weblink.htm. Keep the scan engine and virus signature files up-to-date. McAfee can be configured to automatically update itself or you can download the latest scan engine and virus signature files from the UCCS Utilities and Tools page: www.csus.edu/uccs/prodserv/pcsupport/tools_weblink.htm.

Other Virus Removal Tools and Windows Updates

Additional virus removal tools and links to Windows updates can be found at: www.csus.edu/uccs/prodserv/pcsupport/tools_weblink.htm.

New Viruses

There has been a recent outbreak of the W32/Polybot.l!irc worm and its variants. Running McAfee anti-virus software may not remove the virus. Instructions for removing this are located at securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.hllw.polybot.html.

Last Updated: February 3, 2006