To all students utilizing the University of Hartford network:

 

- - - DON’T LOSE YOUR ACCESS TO THE INTERNET - - -

 

A virus turns an infected computer into a weapon that attacks the network, slowing down or halting the University’s connection to the Internet as it tries to spread itself.  You have, no doubt, heard about the many computer viruses as they are reported in the news.  You have certainly felt the effects of numerous virus-infected computers on campus if you have accessed the Internet and found the performance to be slow.  It is your responsibility, and a condition of connecting to the network, to maintain your computer in such a manner that it does not harm the network.

 

As a condition of being connected to the University’s network:

 

1.         Your computer must be kept up-to-date with the latest software security updates provided by the software vendor (for example, by using “Windows Update” on Windows computers, or “Software Update” on Mac OSX computers).

 

2.         Your computer must have up-to-date antivirus software installed and running as a condition of connection to the network.

 

The University can provide you with antivirus software for Windows and Apple Macintosh computers at no cost to you.

 

 

YOU MUST DO THE FOLLOWING NOW

 

1.         Run the Windows Update feature to download and install all “critical updates” for your computer (“Software Update” on a Macintosh).  These updates typically make your computer more secure against attacks from intruders or virus-infected computers on the Internet.  On most newer Windows computers, Windows Update can be found by simply clicking the “Start” button.  Or you can start Internet Explorer and go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.

 

2.         Install antivirus software if you do not already have up-to-date antivirus protection on your computer.  You can get antivirus software at no cost to you by pointing your web browser to http://studentav.hartford.edu and logging in with your Hartford email username (without the @hartford.edu part) and email password.  Follow the prompts.  Once installed, the University’s antivirus system will automatically keep your Windows computer’s antivirus protection up-to-date any time your computer is connected to the network (if your computer is a Macintosh, you must manually run “Live Update” weekly).

 

If you need help performing these tasks, call or visit the Computer Support Center at x5999, located in CC113.

 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOUR COMPUTER IS INFECTED WITH A VIRUS

 

  • Your network port will be turned off to prevent your computer from further harming the network or other computers.  DO NOT MOVE YOUR COMPUTER TO ANOTHER PORT IF YOURS STOPS WORKING.  Call the Computer Support Center at x5999.

 

  • Your network port may remain off for several days after you have your computer cleaned, updated, or rebuilt if it’s over a weekend, otherwise most often network connectivity is restored within 24hrs.

 

  • You will have to take your computer to the Computer Support Center to show that you have successfully cleaned, updated, and protected it, or to get assistance performing the process.  This is required for your port to be scheduled to be turned on.

 

BE AWARE THAT

 

  • It is far easier to prevent a virus infection than it is to recover from one.  SAVE YOURSELF THE HASSLE – UPDATE AND PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER NOW.

 

  • It is inconvenient to be without your network connection in your dorm room. 

 

  • It is far more work to fix a computer once it has been disconnected from the network. 

 

  • Once a computer is infected, it can take as long as 8 hours to disinfect, update, and protect it.  If you take your computer to the Computer Support Center for help, you must stay with your computer as the Support Center staff assists you with the repair process.  This is a long, boring process

 

  • Not all viruses can be detected or removed.  There is no guarantee that the computer will be completely virus free after repairing it.  If your computer shows signs of still being infected by harming the network, your network port will be turned off again.  Generally, at this point, the computer must be completely rebuilt using the vendor’s “system recovery” CDs. 

 

  • Some viruses damage or destroy data on your computer.  Your professor will not accept the “a computer virus ate my homework” excuse.  SAVE YOUR GRADE – UPDATE AND PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER NOW.

 

  • The Computer Support Center is NOT a computer repair depot where you can drop off your computer to be fixed.  The Computer Support Center can assist you in repairing your own computer.  You can opt to take your computer to a local computer store to have it repaired.  Virus cleaning services typically start at about $100 plus the cost of the antivirus software (about $50).  SAVE YOURSELF THE EXPENSE  – UPDATE AND PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER NOW.

 

  • If you dial in or use the wireless network system, there is no “port” to turn off if your computer is attacking the network – we must disable your University of Hartford account, which means that you can’t even access your data from a computer lab.

 

  • All computers, including those owned by the University are disconnected from the network if found to be attacking it with a virus – this procedure does not just apply to students.

 

  • No antivirus system is 100% perfect – there is still a remote chance that your computer could be infected by a fast acting virus that spreads before the antivirus vendors have updated definitions to stop it.  However, the University’s experience with its faculty/staff antivirus system shows that such incidences are very rare to date.

 

  • You do not have to use the University’s antivirus system if you already have a good antivirus product on your machine and keep it updated.  Any reputable up-to-date antivirus software is acceptable.  But the University’s software, Norton Antivirus Corporate Edition, is widely recognized as the best available, and as long as you are a registered student at the University, and are connected to the University network, your antivirus software will be kept up-to-date automatically, at no extra cost to you, so why not use it?

YOURSELF THE HASSLE – UPDATE AND PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER NOW.

 

Thank you in advance for your attention and cooperation.

 

George Brophy

Chief Information Officer

University of Hartford Information Technology Services