2008 Woodie Awards
Computer viruses plague student computers
Michelle Sartor
Issue date: 12/2/04 Section: News
Computers have become an integral part of college students' education whether they are writing papers, conducting internet research or emailing professors with questions.
Computer viruses can impede upon students' learning experiences, cost them money and cause unnecessary aggravation.
Harold Miller, Director of Information Technology, said, "Viruses in computers are very similar to viruses in people." He said just as people get vaccinated, computers need anti-virus software to prevent infection.
Miller said most student computers that get viruses do not have anti-virus software or do not have the most recent updates. He does not understand why students neglect this, saying, "The software is free, automatic and easy to use."
As proof that anti-virus software works, Miller said of the approximately 1,000 college-owned computers, less than one percent get viruses.
He said they use the same network and resources that students use. The only difference is that all college-owned computers run updated versions of anti-virus software.
Miller emphasized that students need to maintain their anti-virus software with constant updates. He said students can set up their computers so that the updates are done automatically.
Running Windows updates is also an important way students can prevent viruses from attacking their computers.
One common way viruses are spread is through email. Students may notice that suspicious emails have been arriving in their inboxes but from familiar senders.
Miller explained that many viruses spread through email by using valid account names, creating fake messages and sending them to valid email addresses.
He said oftentimes the "senders" of these viruses are not involved in the process and know nothing about the messages being sent with their email addresses.
According to Miller, "The College has purchased software that will block a high percentage of email-borne viruses starting in the spring semester." He said the software is being tested and will continue to be until the beginning of next semester.
Computer viruses can impede upon students' learning experiences, cost them money and cause unnecessary aggravation.
Harold Miller, Director of Information Technology, said, "Viruses in computers are very similar to viruses in people." He said just as people get vaccinated, computers need anti-virus software to prevent infection.
Miller said most student computers that get viruses do not have anti-virus software or do not have the most recent updates. He does not understand why students neglect this, saying, "The software is free, automatic and easy to use."
As proof that anti-virus software works, Miller said of the approximately 1,000 college-owned computers, less than one percent get viruses.
He said they use the same network and resources that students use. The only difference is that all college-owned computers run updated versions of anti-virus software.
Miller emphasized that students need to maintain their anti-virus software with constant updates. He said students can set up their computers so that the updates are done automatically.
Running Windows updates is also an important way students can prevent viruses from attacking their computers.
One common way viruses are spread is through email. Students may notice that suspicious emails have been arriving in their inboxes but from familiar senders.
Miller explained that many viruses spread through email by using valid account names, creating fake messages and sending them to valid email addresses.
He said oftentimes the "senders" of these viruses are not involved in the process and know nothing about the messages being sent with their email addresses.
According to Miller, "The College has purchased software that will block a high percentage of email-borne viruses starting in the spring semester." He said the software is being tested and will continue to be until the beginning of next semester.