English Composition 1
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Avoiding Computer Viruses
In this course, you will be sharing word-processing files with other students and the instructor by attaching those files to WebBoard messages. One of the best ways for computer viruses or other malicious programs to spread from one computer to another is through attached files, so it's important that all students in the course use an anti-virus program to help reduce the possibility of viruses.
Two popular virus-protection programs are Norton Anti-Virus and McAfee Anti-Virus. Both programs are relatively inexpensive and are available at many stores. The links below take you to informational pages for Norton and McAfee anti-virus software:
It's important that anti-virus software is installed on your computer and that you update the program regularly so that it is able to detect the most recent viruses. You should also set your anti-virus program to scan documents for viruses automatically.
If you believe that you have opened a document from the instructor or from another student in the course that contains a virus or other malicious programming, make sure to contact me as soon as possible so that we can prevent the problem from spreading to other computers.
However, be aware that you will probably see a warning of a possible virus threat whenever you open an attached documents in WebBoard. This warning is given by default and does not indicate a virus. It just let's you know that downloading attached files can spread viruses.
As you may know, some viruses spread by automatically sending messages to everyone in your e-mail address book, making it appear that you have sent the e-mail message. Microsoft Outlook seems especially susceptible to these viruses. To help prevent the spread of these kinds of viruses, always put "ENG 1001 Online" in the subject line whenever you send me an e-mail message. "ENG 1001 Online" will always be in the subject line of any e-mail note that you receive from me.
Of course, good general advice to avoid viruses is never to open an e-mail attachment if you do not know who sent you the message.
Of course, Illinois Valley Community College and the instructor cannot be responsible for any damage that viruses may cause, so it's important that all students in the course use an updated virus-protection program.