Any diskette, server, or file obtained via download has the potential for carrying a virus even shrink-wrapped software direct from the manufacturer. The most common sources of viruses, however, tend to be shareware software obtained from an Internet site that is not diligent about testing all software, or from shareware software or diskettes obtained from a friend. Macro viruses have become a threat via word processing and e-mail attachments. MCIS is looking into software to address these macro viruses. MCIS most often is requested to provide help in recovering from virus damage in connection with the use of lab computers or in connection with student use of departmental computers.
Infection is almost never intentional.
Usually, someone unknowingly infects a departmental or lab computer, and everyone who comes into contact with that computer thereafter runs the risk of infecting other diskettes and other computers. A virus can remain hidden for an extended time, which allows it to proliferate and hampers efforts to determine the source of the virus. Therefore, MCIS strongly recommends that all computers have virus protection software installed, and that automatic scanning be enabled so that any diskette inserted into the system is checked for known viruses. Please be aware that virus protection software generally works only for known viruses. Unknown viruses are not detected.