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Beginning in the Fall of 2005, all student-owned computers on the residential
network must obtain and run the latest OVAX CD from IT Services at the beginning of
each semester. In particular, students must install Oglethorpe's
official anti-virus software (Symantic) from the CD. Information on how to obtain and run the OVAX
CD can be found on PetrelNet at: petrelnet.oglethorpe.edu.
Any student computer that is found to be infected with a virus will be removed
from the Oglethorpe network for a period of two weeks. During that
time, the student will be expected to obtain the most recent OVAX CD and use it to clean the computer of all viruses. If your
computer becomes infected a second time during the semester, it will
be removed from the network for the remainder of the semester.
Please note: If we are forced to remove your computer
from the network, you will still be able to use your network login
to check email and use all of Oglethorpe's
computer resources from the computer labs. These are located in Goodman
Hall, Goslin Hall, and the library.
Why is this necessary?
Computers that are infected with viruses continue
to be a major problem on the Oglethorpe network. Many times, IT Services
only becomes aware of an infected computer when it begins to attack
servers and/or staff, faculty or classroom workstations. By
then, it is often too late to stop other computers from being
affected or having our services interrupted.
Further, when a machine is found to be infected, it often takes
four to five hours to identify the computer that is the source of
the virus attack, determine the owner of that computer, and then
actually take steps to stop the computer from spreading the virus on
our network.
If you allow your computer to become infected, you put your
files, your computer, and the university's infrastructure at risk.
While many viruses are more annoying than damaging, some are
designed to erase all of the contents of your hard drive or damage
it such that the machine cannot be used. Using the Oglethorpe
anti-virus software from the OVAX CD will do more than anything else
to help stop these attacks before they begin.
And, even better, the software is free!
Where can you obtain anti-virus software?
Oglethorpe's anti-virus software is free and is installed
automatically from the OVAX CD. This software will work anywhere, on
or off campus, and while it is required for our on-campus residents,
it is also recommended for our off campus students as well.
For
more information regarding this free antivirus software and the OVAX
CD, please
contact the Helpdesk office at ext. 8518 or
help@oglethorpe.edu.
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