Virus Support (for Windows)

ResNet requires all network users to have up-to-date anti-virus software. If you are currently not protected, you can download McAfee anti-virus software FREE from our McAfee Anti-Virus Download.

Windows users are supported with FREE security updates. This is the best line of defense against viruses, spyware, and hackers. You can download the updates from www.windowsupdate.com.

To protect yourself from viruses you must scan your computer regularly with anti-viruses scanners. Scanning your computer protects your computer from virus symptoms and from spreading the infection to ResNet users.

Spyware Support (for Windows)

Spyware installs itself silently and without warning. Spyware can cause harm to your computer and can be used to track your Internet use. The best line of defense against spyware is to scan your computer regularly and immunize your system from known sources of spyware.

Spybot scans and immunizes your systems of spyware. You can download it FREE here, Spybot - Search & Destroy.

• After installing Spybot, it asks you to make a registry back-up. Make sure to complete this step in case you delete a critical system file.

Ad-aware can scan your entire system for spyware. You can download a FREE version here, Ad-Aware 2007 Free.

Mac OS X Information

If you are currently using Mac OS X, you have a bit less to worry about, but you should still be wary. At this time there are currently no known viruses or spyware for Mac OS X, but there have been a few proof-of-concept programs that are now harmless as their exploits have been patched. No free Anti-Virus application are supplied by this school for Mac OS systems, but if you already have some sort of protection installed, it will only help, if not, at this point it is not totally necessary. If you believe that your Mac OS X system is displaying signs of a virus or anything like it, you should bring your computer into ResNet so that we can track down the source of the problem.

Keeping any operating system up-to-date is always beneficial and it would be good to make sure that you have automatic update checking turned on in your System Preferences, or by regularly checking for updates manually. To check for Mac OS X system updates and anytime, select "Software Update..." from the Apple Menu at the top left of your screen.

Advanced Note: If you have a new Mac using Intel processors and are running Windows on your Apple computer, your Windows install is completely vulnerable to all forms of malware and you should refer to the information in the above sections to help protect your system.