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The IT Services
recommends the following set of guidelines to help users deal
with computer viruses:
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[1]
Install an anti-virus program in your computer system.
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F-Secure anti-virus software
is available for use by members of staff, departments and students.
F-Secure is able to detect and in most cases remove viruses in the computer
system.
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[2]
Update F-Secure anti-virus software regularly.
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Unfortunately, new viruses are
being developed all the time. Thus, if F-Secure is not updated on a regular
basis it will not be able to detect new virus types and variants. When you
install an update, new entries are added to the software's virus definitions
database so that suspect files can be recognised and dealt with. F-Secure
can be updated via the Internet.
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[3]
Make regular backup copies of all data files present in your computer.
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Viruses can damage or destroy
data stored in the hard disk. Backups enable retrieval of lost data.
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[4]
Treat all files attached to e-mails with caution - scan these files before opening.
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Some file types particularly those
carrying the extension .EXE, .COM, .PIF, .JS, .VBS, .SHS, .SCR, .DOT are potential
viral infections. Double file extensions e.g. "readme.txt.vbs", should always be
treated with suspicion.
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Just because an e-mail appears to
come from someone you trust, this does not mean the file is safe or that the supposed
sender has anything to do with it.
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[5]
Scan shared floppy disks, CDs, zip disks etc.
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Some computer users may unknowingly
transmit viruses via disks.
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[6]
Be careful with program or file downloads from the Web.
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Avoid downloading files from
bulletin boards or public newsgroups. These are potential sources of viral infections.
Software updates e.g. drivers, multimedia players, should be downloaded from the
manufacturer's official website.
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[7]
If your anti-virus software reports a suspect file, take all possible
action before shutting down your computer system.
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Typically viruses transmit
information to your operating system and into the system registry during computer
startup (i.e. when Windows is being loaded). Accordingly you should disinfect,
rename or remove the suspect file before shutting down your system.
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Occasionally your anti-virus software
detects a suspect file that cannot be disinfected. If this happens you will be told
that the suspect file can't be disinfected, and offered the choice to rename or delete
it. If you cannot rename the file, delete it unless you have valid reasons not
to do so.
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[8]
Make sure you have a system start-up disk to use in emergencies.
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Some viral infections prevent Windows
from being loaded during computer startup. In such cases, a start-up disk
(which will be different for different operating systems) will be required to load
your operating system. You can prepare a start-up disk by following the appropriate
link: Windows 98,
Windows Me,
Windows 2000.
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[9]
When using Microsoft software, always make sure that you keep macro virus protection enabled.
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Macros are stored sets of instructions
which are used within Microsoft Office applications to automate complex or repetitive
tasks. Some viruses may infect computer system through these macros.
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By default, macros are always enabled
in Microsoft applications. Do not disable! If you receive a macro warning when you
open a Microsoft Office file, always select the "disable macros" option unless you
expect the file to contain a macro and know that you can trust it.
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[10]
Never pass on a virus warning without checking first that it isn't a hoax.
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Hoax e-mail messages often warn recipients
about non-existent viruses. Such hoaxes can be dangerous especially if recipients are
instructed to delete essential system files from their computers to prevent viral infections.
Hoax e-mail messages should be deleted.
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