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Home > CTC > CTC HelpDesk > Computer Use & Care 101Please Note: Virus cleaning services are not provided by the University, as it is the user's responsibility to maintain a virus-free computer. Computer repair referral information may be obtained at the CTC HelpDesk. To minimize potential damage and spread of viruses via Fort Hays State University's network, the FHSU Computing and Telecommunication Center has implemented the following policy:
If your computer is the target or source of activity that threatens the local network, or if its connectivity to our network threatens a remote network, administrators may disable your connection and/or any user privileges without notice until the program is resolved.
If your FHSU Internet connection is disabled more than twice due to unsuccessful attempts to remove a virus from your computer, at the discretion of the Computing and Telecommunication Center, service may be permanently disabled for the remainder of the current semester.
How to Protect Your Computer from Virus Attacks
Where can I get free anti-virus software?
Basic Steps for Cleaning an Infected Computer
Spyware and Adware - Is your computer protected?
Spyware/Adware/Malware --- What is it and what can you do to protect yourself?
FHSU’s Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy
Where can I get free anti-virus software?
If you think your computer is already infected with a virus, do NOT connect it to the Internet!
Free virus protection software can be downloaded from the following links using a computer that is not infected*:
For Windows Vista, XP, NT, and 2000:
AVG Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs: www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?tag=pop.software&cdlPid=10834624
Avira AntiVir Anti-Virus programs:
www.free-av.com/en/download/1/avira_antvir_personal_free_antivirus.html
avast! Virus Cleaner and Anti-Virus programs: www.avast.com/eng/avast-virus-cleaner.html
For Macintosh:
ClamXav Anti-Virus: clamxav.com/index.php?page=dl
For instructions, see Basic Steps for Cleaning an Infected Computer.
Note: These programs will help detect and remove most currently identifed viruses, but it is still necessary to update your anti-virus software and perform operating system updates regularly, as recommended by the developer of your operating system. For details, see How to Protect Your Computer from Virus Attacks.
*FHSU does not endorse any particular anti-virus solution, and other companies not mentioned here may provide comparable programs. Third-party programs listed here are not affiliated with Fort Hays State University or the CTC HelpDesk, and while we feel it is very important to use anti-virus and anti-spyware programs, we cannot make any guarantees regarding their use.
Basic Steps for Cleaning an Infected Computer:
Do NOT connect an infected computer to the Internet. Where can I get free anti-virus software?
Download your preferred virus cleaning or anti-virus program using a computer that is not infected. Refer to the program's Help function or Web site for installation and usage instructions.
Close all open applications on the infected computer. Transfer the downloaded file(s) to the infected computer using a portable storage device, such as a USB drive or disk. (We recommend using an empty USB drive or disk, so it can be reformatted immediately after completing these steps, without losing other data. This will ensure that it is not used to transmit viruses from the infected computer.)
Install the virus cleaning or anti-virus program on the infected computer.
Scan the computer for viruses. Follow the program instructions to remove the infected files from your computer. If you are prompted to restart, DO NOT RESTART at this time. In addition to scanning the main hard drive of the computer, it is recommended that you also scan your portable storage device. Repeat this step to run the virus detection program again until your computer is clean twice in a row. After the scans are clean twice in a row, you may then restart the computer.
As an additional precautionary step, you may wish to reformat your portable storage device. WARNING: Reformatting will permanently delete all files contained on the device.
If you are unable to remove all viruses from your computer using these steps, we recommend contacting a computer repair business for further assistance. A Technical Assistance Referral List of businesses and individuals providing technical services in the local area (Hays, KS) may be obtained by contacting the CTC HelpDesk.
If your FHSU Internet connection has been disabled due to virus or spyware activity, you must complete ALL of the above steps successfully - in the order presented - before service can be restored. To reestablish your service, contact the CTC HelpDesk at (785) 628-5276 or 1-800-628-FHSU.
NOTE: If your FHSU Internet connection is disabled more than twice due to unsuccessful attempts to remove a virus from your computer, at the discretion of the Computing and Telecommunication Center, service may be permanently disabled for the remainder of the current semester.
Remember, it is necessary to update your anti-virus/anti-spyware protection software regularly and perform regular operating system updates. For details, see How to Protect Your Computer from Virus Attacks
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