CSI: UW Short Subject

But I HAVE antivirus software
(so he thought)

The Scenario

Joe got a laptop several months ago. It came with a preinstalled trial version of antivirus software. Over the past few weeks, Joe has noticed that he can’t connect to the Internet consistently any more, and his machine is running incredibly slow. When he takes his laptop in for a checkup, he is shocked to learn that his machine has no current virus protection and is infested with viruses, worms, and spyware. What happened?

The Symptoms

You have poor or no connection to the Internet
Your computer is running very slowly
Your homepage in your browser is set to something else
Your files are corrupt

The Knowledge

Antivirus software expires! Even though antivirus software may come with your computer, it is usually a trial version. It may work and be updated for a time (usually 60 days), but at the end of the trial period it expires. If you do not sign up and pay for a subscription, you will not receive updates. This leaves your computer vulnerable to attack.

Viruses, worms, and spyware constantly change. These malware are constantly being created and changed to bypass antivirus software. If your antivirus software is not up to date with the latest virus definitions, there is a good chance you will be infected.

The Solution

IT provides FREE antivirus software. Get yours today at www.uwyo.edu/antivirus/. Free antivirus protection provided by IT and the Central Student Technology Committee is available to all students, faculty, and staff (for personal machines) running Windows operating systems (XP and above). Announcements are sent out across campus when updated versions are available for download or on CD. Assistance can also be found in staffed labs across campus, contact the IT Help Desk at 307-766-4357 option 1, or email userhelp@uwyo.edu for more information.