Virus Updates
How do you know if you should update?
Go to your taskbar on the lower right corner of your windows desktop and find
the icon that looks like a shield. Right click on the icon and left click on
"About" in the drop-down menu. You will see a dialog box that will tell you what
version of VirusScan/NetShield, Scan engine, and DAT files you have.
This shows that I am using McAfee Virus Scan version 4.5.1 with the
Service Pack (/SP). My DAT file is version 4.0.4204 created on 22 May 2002.
My scan engine is version 4.1.60. These are all the latest versions as of
May 22, 2002. The Service Pack corrects a lot of problems with the original
release and I would encourage every one to update immediately. The Service Pack
is only valid for version 4.5.1, so if you are still using version 4.0X, you
should first update to version 4.5.1.
How often should you update?
IT recommends that you update your DAT files daily and your scan
engine at least once a month. New full version upgrades only need to be done as
they are released, which has been running at about a one-year interval. If you
hear about a new, potentially dangerous virus that has been released I recommend
that you manually upgrade at that time. IT should have your PC configured so
that your software automatically updates sometime during the day when your PC
is not being used heavily.
If you suspect an e-mail contains a virus.
If you have an e-mail that you suspect contains a virus, call IT.
A virus can come from people you know. They may be unaware that they are
sending you a virus. If you are unsure, check it out. Call the person that you received the e-mail from to see if they sent you
that particular message.
Virus Detection and Prevention Tips
Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or
untrustworthy source.
Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is,
even if it appears to come from a dear friend or someone you know. Some viruses
can replicate themselves and spread through email. Better be safe than sorry and
confirm that they really sent it.
Do not open any files attached to an email if the subject line is
questionable or unexpected. If the need to do so is there always save the file
to your hard drive before doing so.
Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any to them.
These types of email are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail
that clogs up the network.
Do not download any files from strangers.
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. These updates should be
at the least the products virus signature files. You may also need to update the
product's scanning engine as well.
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.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and do not open,
download, or execute any files or email attachments. Not executing is the more
important of these caveats. Check with your product vendors for updates which
include those for your operating system web browser, and email .
If you are in doubt about any potential virus related situation you find
yourself in, contact the HelpDesk at 5700.
Scanning your pc for viruses. To scan your pc for
viruses first make sure that you have no other programs open. Go to Start |
Programs | Network Associates | Virus Scan.
On the Where & What tab where it says Scan in: C:\ should
be listed (where C:\ is your hard drive.) Make sure that All files is checked
and that Compressed files is checked.
Click on the Action tab.
When virus is found: Make sure to select Clean infected
files automatically. Click on the Scan Now button. The scan will now take
place. If McAfee is able to clean the files, it will. If it is unable to clean
the files, you must delete them. You will probably want to note the filename
and path and restore these files from backup after the scan has been complete.
NOTE: You may have to repeat this procedure for any of
your other hard drive letters.
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