A virus is a computer program that runs on your computer and does something annoying or malicious. Some very nasty viruses can destroy data or prevent your computer from working properly.
The most common way of getting a virus is from an email attachment (a file connected to an email message). Attachments can be Word files, Excel files, JPEGs, GIFs, or any type of file, even small computer programs. The virus starts its work when you open and run these attached files. Learn how to prevent getting an email virus.
The other way to get a virus is from a file on a floppy or Zip disk. An infected file used on a "clean" computer infects that computer. Please scan your files or disks for viruses before sharing them with others. Learn how to scan your computer or disks for viruses using:
While Information Technology Services does scan incoming email messages and attachments for viruses, you should be vigilant in protecting your computer from virus infections and you must be responsible for maintaining your individual virus protection software on your computer. Learn how to prevent getting an email virus.
For a useful virus protection resource, go to the Network Associates web site at 
www.nai.com. This site has links to product information about VirusScan & Virex anti-virus software, virus updates, virus descriptions, and worldwide virus alerts.
McAfee anti-virus software for Windows is called "VirusScan" and for Macintosh is called "Virex." Once McAfee anti-virus software is installed, it runs in the background. You do not need to do anything to force it to scan your hard drive. It scans your computer each time you start it and when you save files to the hard drive (as long as you followed the installation instructions and did not change the default configuration).
Important: All student owned Windows Vista, Windows XP®, and Windows 2000® computers on the Boston College network MUST have McAfee VirusScan 8.5i Enterprise edition installed. Failure to comply could result in loss of network access. If you are currently using non-supported Anti-Virus software, such as Norton Home, you must remove it prior to installing McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8.5i.
Help Center in O'Neill 248 next to the Campus Technology Resource Center (CTRC).
