Questions You May Have About Infecting Other Computers

What’s this all about?
Typically, when a computer becomes infected, it will subsequently try to infect other computers.  This is a common characteristic of viruses known as worms.  Not only do we require you to have a firewall and strongly recommend the use of anti-virus software, but we also insist that your computer not exhibit any of the behaviors associated with being infected.  Simply put, your computer may not try to infect other computers.

How do I avoid this situation?
The college requires you to operate firewall software.  We also strongly encourage the use of anti-virus software.  In addition, you should use caution with any files you receive from others via email, floppies, CD’s, etc.  If you take these three measures and keep your system current, then you’re pretty much doing what needs done.  However, we find users often disable anti-virus software because it slows down computer games.  The same may be true for firewall software.  We simply don’t know the characteristics of all of the offerings.

How will we know if your computer is trying to infect others?
We will be monitoring network traffic in the residence halls for signs of infected computers or other unacceptable behavior.  If we detect activity that is inappropriate, your computer will be quarantined from normal network access.  

What are the consequences if I don’t comply?
Your network privilege will be terminated temporarily or permanently as determined by Information Services in conjunction with Student Affairs.