Adelphi University

Office of Information Technology and Resources

News and Alerts

About Virus Alerts: Students

In recent years, virus warnings have become commonplace, as today's advanced mail clients are more easily exploited to transmit viruses. It is therefore recommended that students refrain from using Outlook or Outlook Express on their PCs, since the default settings for both programs make it easier for viruses to spread. Also, students should purchase antivirus software, such as Norton Antivirus or McAfee VirusScan, and update the program's virus definitions regularly. This software can be purchased at any computer store.

Macintosh users should be aware that while most e-mail viruses are PC-only, it is still a good idea to invest in an antivirus software package.

Virus information websites

McAfee's Virus Information Library

Symantec's Antivirus Research Center (SARC)

Updates

To get the latest updates available for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware:

  1. Click on the start menu and scroll up to Windows Update, or go to http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp in Internet Explorer.
    (Windows Update will NOT work in Netscape.)
  2. Click the green arrow marked scan updates
  3. A message will appear:
    Example:
    Pick updates to install.
    Windows Update has found 5 critical updates for your computer.
    Review and install updates.
  4. Click the green arrow next to "Review and install updates"
  5. A message will appear:
    Example:
    Review and install your selected updates.
    Review the list of items you have chosen to download and install on your computer. You can remove any item you don't want. Critical updates are the most important to keep updated.
  6. Review all of the updates and choose the updates you want by selecting "Install Now".
    However, you must download the Security Updates for your Windows Machine to prevent infection and stay connected to the University Network.
  7. Windows Update - Web Page dialog will appear and show the progress of the Download and Install of the updates.
  8. You will then be prompted to restart your computer in order for the updates to be effective.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Customer Services ext. 3340.

**This is the only site that windows patches should be downloaded from.
ANY OTHER SOLICITATIONS TO DOWNLOAD WINDOWS CRITICAL PATCHES FOR SECURITY REASONS ARE NOT LEGITIMATE AND ONLY THIS OFFICIAL MICROSOFT WEBSITE SHOULD BE USED.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.