Beware
of Computer Virus
By Annie Yu
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During the last two months or so, the
CSC Help Desk service has recorded a marked increase in the number
of calls on virus problems and anti-virus related matters. Virus
infection on computers has indeed become a big concern in the CityU
community.
Many users on campus only heard how
vicious computer viruses can be while other unfortunate ones had
actually experienced the power of viruses and the damage they had
caused on their computers. If precautions are not taken, one can
easily become the victim of computer viruses. In order to control
the situation, the Computing Services Centre (CSC) has installed
protections on the central E-mail servers such that all incoming
mail must first be scanned for possible viruses before reaching
individual mailboxes. In the event of a virus/worm being identified
in an attachment of an incoming mail, the message concerned will
be returned to the sender, with the infected attachment being replaced
by CSC's notification. Furthermore, so long as your computer is
connected to the CityU Campus Network, you will be protected from
virus attack because the CSC constantly upgrades the anti-virus
software that is provided centrally for each and every machine on
the network. To initiate this central protection, you must first
of all install the software onto your computer by clicking the "Utilities
& Tools" submenu on the Intranet home page followed by
"Virus Scan (McAfee)". The software is upgraded regularly
to straighten out even the newest strain of viruses.
Although the CSC had done its part,
it is entirely up to the users whether they would take computer
viruses seriously or not. It is strongly recommended that users
should make use of what is already provided and the following is
some general guidance on how to avoid being attacked by viruses:
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As good user practice, please ensure
that the centrally provided anti-virus software is installed
and reboot your PC daily to get the latest virus definition
and engine. Besides, do not open any file or email attachment
from unknown sources and remove any infected file/mail immediately
once detected.
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Think carefully before un-installing
the anti-virus software on your PC. Although activating the
anti-virus program on your PC may slow down your computer, if
you think about the amount of time that is required to restore
your data and the damage inflicted should there be a virus attack,
you will find a minor degradation in speed is a lot more tolerable
than the potential consequences.
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Avoid enabling both file &
print services and the sharing of your resources with others
on the network on a permanent basis. It has been found that
the virus named FunLove.4099 will scan through your shared resources
(disk, directory, files, etc.) and attempt to infect them one
by one if you happen to have your file & print services
enabled.
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If your home PC is not protected
from virus attack i.e. anti-virus software not installed, refrain
from downloading programs from unknown sources and then bringing
them back to work. This will minimise the chance of your office
PC from getting infected.
As the holiday seasons are drawing
near, people tend to send electronic greeting cards, pictures or
even executable programs to one another. This offers yet another
opportunity for viruses to spread around. Extra cautions must be
taken during these high-risk periods. If your computer unfortunately
gets infected, please contact our Help Desk at ext. 7658 without
delay.
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