Computer viruses cause numerous problems both for you and the U-M computing environment. To combat these problems, the University offers a number of safeguards, including providing — at no cost — excellent commercial anti-virus software programs.

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FREE! Anti-Virus Software

FOR WINDOWS: Get McAfee VirusScan from our Blue Disc Windows download site. You'll need to authenticate using your uniqname and UMICH Kerberos password.

FOR MAC OS X: Although there few viruses and malware that can infect Mac OS X, we think you should be prepared. Get Sophos Anti-Virus 7 for Mac OS X from our Blue Disc Mac OS X download site. You'll need to authenticate using your uniqname and UMICH Kerberos password.

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How You're Protected

We've specially configured the anti-virus software we distribute to check for updates every hour and automatically installs them when found. You always have the latest protection, and — should a previously undetected virus gotten to your computer — it gets zapped. You don't have to do anything!

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Simple Steps To Help Yourself

1. Install VirusScan or Sophos Anti-Virus. It's easy — and free — but you'll need to authenticate using your uniqname and UMICH Kerberos password. Please refer to FREE! Anti-Virus Software.
2. Never open any e-mail attachment without directly contacting the "sender" — even if it's your best friend or a relative. Many viruses are distributed through attachments, and it's way too easy for evil virus creators to forge someone's e-mail address.

And don't check by replying to the original e-mail! Send a new message or call.

3. Beware downloading free items from the Internet, including those from peer-to-peer file sharing sites like Kazaa. This is another favorite way to distribute viruses.
4. Subscribe to our virus alert messages so you'll know right away if there's a severe virus outbreak within the U-M computing environment and when new protection is available.

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What If You Forgot?

• contact the U-M Virus Busters to receive free customized help for your computer's infection.
• call 764-HELP [4357] for free advice from an ITS consultant.
• take your computer to the ITS Computer Support & Repair Service where — for a charge — they will disinfect it and install the correct anti-virus program.

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How the University Helps You

1. Provides — at no cost — excellent commercial anti-virus software specially configured for U-M.
2. Supports the reknowned U-M Virus Busters team.
3. Offers free telephone (764-HELP [4357]) and online support through ITS consultants and departmental consultants.
4. Offers — for a fee — a virus scanning and removal service.
5. Electronically scans e-mail attachments that pass through the ITS e-mail servers for viruses. Of course, neither your e-mail nor the attachment is ever opened or read.
6. Provides a variety of online resources concerning computer security issues, including
   • IT User Advocate
   
   
   • Identity Theft
   
   
   • IT Security @ U-M

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Additional Resources

A list of relevant documents follows:

Installing and Using Sophos Anti-Virus 7 for Mac OS X (S4366)

We welcome your comments; please send e-mail.

ITS's Online Help Desk provides a variety of computing help resources.

For further help with the anti-virus software provided by the University, send e-mail or
phone (734) 764-HELP.

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Information and Technology Services