What is a Virus?
A virus is a small program that can attach itself to other software and/or files and replicate itself, spreading the infection to any computer that uses the corrupted software/files. It can spread through floppy diskettes, or even email messages. Every virus is slightly different from the next one in what it does, and they often mutate to worsen the severity of their damage if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are very important.

What are some different types of viruses?
1. Boot sector viruses are usually transmitted when an infected floppy disk is left in the drive and the system is rebooted. The virus is read from the infected boot sector of the floppy disk and written to the master boot record of the system's hard drive.
2. Program or file viruses are pieces of viral code that attach themselves to executable programs. Once the infected program is run, the virus is transferred to your system's memory and may replicate itself further.
3. Macro viruses are currently the most commonly found viruses. They infect files run by applications that use macro languages, like Microsoft Word or Excel.
4. Multipartite viruses have characteristics of both boot sector viruses and file viruses. They may start out in the boot sector and spread to applications, or vice versa.
5. A worm is a program that replicates itself, but does not necessarily infect other programs. Examples of recent worms are Melissa and ILOVEYOU, both of which caused widespread havoc. These worms replicated themselves by e-mail using Outlook address books.

Does Stern offer virus protection?
Yes. Norton AntiVirus software is installed on all Stern computers and servers. Norton automatically scans all inbound and outbound files to and from a computer in the Stern complex and all network drives including users' h: drives. Users can also scan their h: drive or floppy disks on demand (click on the Norton icon on the desktop of the computer).

In addition, Stern has an anti-virus filter on the mail server. The filter removes infected attachments from email messages.

What do I do if I detect a virus?
If a virus is detected, the system will automatically clean or quarantine the infected file and notify the user. As new viruses are created every day, it is possible that a virus would not be recognized by Norton or other anti-virus software. If you have a reason to believe that your files are infected with a virus visit the IT HelpDesk (Tisch UC-49) for assistance. Norton virus definition files (data or .dat files) are updated on the computers in the Stern complex and the Stern network as new data files are released.

You may also consider contacting all the people that you've recently exchanged data with -- via floppy disks, e-mail attachments, Zip disks -- and let them know your system's been infected and theirs may be infected as well. Advise them to check their system for the appropriate virus or symptoms.

Where can I get virus protection for my laptop?
Virus protection software can be purchased from any computer store (the NYU Computer Store is located at 242 Greene Street). On average, virus protection software packages cost anywhere from $40 - $80.

NYU students, including Stern students, have access to download Symantec Anti-Virus for Windows software. To download, login to NYU Home and click on the Files tab, then under the Software section, click on Symantec Anti-Virus for Windows 98/2000/NT/Me/XP Software. Alternatively, click here to download the Symantec Anti-Virus program, you will be required to login with your Stern NetID and password.

What measures can I take to prevent getting a virus?
Always be careful whenever you're installing software or downloading files. Installing virus-scan software is the best option, but it's also extremely important to keep your anti-virus software updated with current anti-virus definitions. Check regularly with the manufacture of the software for updates to their product. This can usually be done at the manufacture’s Web site.

Where can I get more information regarding viruses and anti-virus software?
http://www.symantec.com/norton/security_response/index.jsp