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Security!

How do I reduce the chance of getting a computer virus?

Be aware of files you are opening, whether it's on email, floppy disk or CD.
You should treat any file that might contain executable code as carefully as you would any other new files: save the attachment to disk and then check it with an up-to-date virus scanner before opening the file. This applies to word documents, html files, screen savers, pictures, music files, etc. http://www.pepperdine.edu/it/security/virus/default.htm

If an executable file shows up unexpectedly attached to an E-mail, you should delete it unless you can positively verify what it is, who it came from, and why it was sent to you.

The outbreak of the Melissa virus was a vivid demonstration of the need to be extremely careful when you receive E-mail with attached files or documents. Just because an E-mail appears to come from someone you trust, this does NOT mean the file is safe or that the supposed sender had anything to do with it.

It is also very important to keep your computer up-to-date.
Microsoft is constantly putting out more updates and patches and it is important to install these critical updates on a regular basis. Whenever an update has been posted by Microsoft a Microsoft flag icon should be displayed on the bottom right corner of your screen. When you see this icon please double click it and allow it to install the updates.

If you want to manually check if there are updates you can go to Microsoft's website at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Also, be aware that updates must also be done for Microsoft Office products. This can be done at http://office.microsoft.com/productupdates/.

Always make sure Trend is active
Trend is a virus protection software provided to University owned machines by Pepperdine. To make sure that it's active look at the bottom right corner of your screen (a.k.a. the system tray). There should be a blue circular icon with a horizontal squiggly line through it. You may need to click on the arrow in order to view all icons

The Trend OfficeScan Monitor has been configured to automatically check for viruses as you use your computer. You don't need to do anything to keep this protection up to date either! The software will automatically upgrade itself whenever necessary as long as you are connected to the Pepperdine network and the Trend Icon is running in the System Tray.

Manually scan files on your computer
You can manually run a scan on your computer or specific file by right clicking the blue Trend Icon and choosing OfficeScan Main
To find out more information about Trend please go to the Help Desk's website.

Information on this page was taken from faqs.org and from the Help Desk's website