They're back! Outbreak of viruses plagues campus computers


by Debra L. Dexter - Computer Trainer

Little Red has found a way to back to our hearts and homes. Little Red infected the Higgins server on Tuesday, January 9. This particular compressed virus attaches itself to *.exe, *.com and *.dll files and stays dormant until those files are activated. When these files are opened the virus becomes active and attacks other files on the hard drive. It renders programs like Windows or even the automenu inoperable. The server has been "cleaned" of Little Red. Infected computers/floppies that have not been "cleaned" can still spread Little Red from computer to computer.

How do you know if you have a virus on your computer and if so how do you get rid of it? Well, if you didn't log in to Higgins on Tuesday, January 9, then you survived. This doesn't mean you don't have any viruses on your computer, it simply means you didn't get the Little Red virus from the server. When in doubt scan!, scan!, scan!!!! McAfee's VirusScan identifies Little Red. It is available from any of the WPI Novell Servers in the o:\sharewar\scan directory. Copy the files to a clean, bootable floppy disk. If you do find a virus on your computer use the clean command to remove it from your harddrive or disks. If you believe you have a virus but are having problems removing it or are unsure how to remove it, please come to the CCC Shop and they will supply you with a clean, bootable floppy disk with the latest version of McAfee VirusScan program on it.

Please take all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of viruses. Always scan any new disk you introduce to your computer as well as periodically scanning your hard drive. The scan program is constantly updated to find new viruses. Be sure to keep up to date with the newest version. WPI is licensed to distibute the latest version of McAfee VirusScan to all WPI users without a registration fee. We will continue to keep you updated on viruses as well as any other new information from the CCC.

For more detailed information you can refer to the November 7, 1995 issue of Newspeak on the Internet at http://www.wpi.edu/~newspeak.

Here is the January computer training schedule for those of you interested in Windows training. Any comments or suggestions, please e-mail Debbie Dexter, dldexter@wpi.

January Training Schedule

Training Session:

"An Introduction to Windows"

Topics:

Understanding the Components of a - Window

Changing the Settings in Windows

Organizing Windows with the Program

Manager

Using the File Manager

Quick Tips for Windows

"Help" and Reference Guides

When:

***Tuesday, 1/16/96 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tuesday, 1/23/96 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tuesday, 1/30/96 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

***Wednesday, 1/17/96 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Wednesday, 1/31/96 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

***ALREADY BOOKED

Training Session:

"Part 2 - Using Windows with the Novell

Network at WPI"

Topics:

Window Components in an Application

Window

General Differences in Application

Windows

Common Options of the Menu Bar

Cutting and Pasting Concept

Printing a Document

Windows Accessories Group

When:

Thursday, 1/11/96 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Thursday, 1/18/96 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

***Thursday, 1/25/96 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

***Monday, 1/22/96 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

***ALREADY BOOKED

Where:

All sessions will be held in Fuller Labs,Projects Room, Room B27 (base of stairs past the Radio Station)

How do I register?:

Call extension 5888. We'll need your name, e-mail address and the date and time you wish to attend. You will receive confirmation either by phone or e-mail, if you had to leave voicemail.

The Events posting will appear weekly. The February schedule will be posted at the end of January if you cannot attend these times.



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