VIRUSES & SPYWARE

Computer viruses are software programs that installs themselves on your computer without your knowledge or consent, and have the capability to make copies of themselves. Most viruses also have other effects, ranging from mildly annoying to highly destructive. Viruses are typically transmitted via email or shared document files.

Smith provides all students, faculty, and staff with free, continuously-updated virus-protection software. All users of the Smith network are expected to install McAfee VirusScan for Windows or Macintosh on their computer and to ensure their virus definitions are kept up to date.

To download VirusScan, go to the Smith software download page.


Protecting Your Files from Viruses
New computer viruses crop up every day, but luckily most are fairly easy to detect and remove. This document explains how to protect yourself from virus infections through safe computing practices and routine use of McAfee VirusScan. It also provides information about virus hoaxes and virus-information websites.

Parasiteware on Windows Computers 
Parasiteware (also called "spyware," "adware," or "malware") is unwanted software that installs itself on your computer without your knowledge or consent. Although not typically destructive, it can still dramatically slow your computer's performance. This document explains how to avoid and remove it.

Note: If your computer is bogged down and running very slowly, the following rapid-removal tools do an excellent job of clearing all parasiteware out of your system:

• MalwareBytes Anti-Malware
• Spybot Search & Destroy
• CCleaner

To download any of these programs, visit the Smith software page.