Virus Information at SUNY Geneseo

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How can I protect myself from the viruses in my e-mail?
A: Install Norton AntiVirus!
CIT has a "site license" for Norton AntiVirus, so that all computers on our campus can install and run antivirus software.
Download Norton AntiVirus Here: PC | Mac (OSX) | Mac (Classic)
Installation and configuration instructions for Norton AntiVirus can be found at http://software.geneseo.edu.

Q: How does Norton AntiVirus work?
A: Norton Antivirus works by integrating itself into your operating system. Every time the computer accesses any file, Norton anti-virus scans that file for signs of a virus. This is called "Realtime Protection."

Q: Is it that easy? Do I need to do anything else?
A: I'm glad you asked! Yes, you do!
Norton AntiVirus can only protect you from viruses it knows about, in the same way that your doctor can only immunize you against viruses that medical science is aware of. The engineers at Symantec are continually making additions to the virus database that Norton AntiVirus uses to recognize virus-infected files. You need to download the most recent database to your computer each day, so that it can effectively protect you from the growing threat of computer viruses. View the Norton AntiVirus configuration and installation instructions for automating this task at http://software.geneseo.edu for more details.

Q: What can I do if I receive a suspicious looking e-mail message?
A: Don't open any attachments! Instead, forward the message to CIT.
Forward any suspicious e-mail message you receive to virus@geneseo.edu. CIT examines every message sent to this e-mail address and takes appropriate actions based on the virus-infected message.

Q: How do I forward a suspicious message to virus@geneseo.edu?
A: Follow the correct link below for instructions for forwarding a message with headers to CIT.

  • PC users using Outlook Express
  • PC users using Eudora
  • Macintosh users using Outlook Express
  • Macintosh users using Eudora
  • Using Pine (any operating system)
  • Using Webmail (any operating system)
  • Mailman List Moderators
    Please be aware that messages forwarded to CIT without header information will be discarded and no action will be taken. Thank you.

    Q: What does CIT do with a message forwarded to virus@geneseo.edu?
    A: That depends on the origin of the message...

  • If the message originated on campus from a College-Owned computer, the CIT HelpDesk will dispatch a member of the User Services division to insure that the infected computer is cleaned in a timely manner.
  • If the message originated on campus from a privately-owned computer belonging to a student in ResNet, CIT sends e-mail (sample here) to the owner of the computer asking that they clean their machine as soon as possible. If after one week the computer has not yet been cleaned, a member of the CIT staff will call the owner of the computer and ask how CIT can assist in disinfecting the computer.
  • If the message originated from off-campus, CIT contacts the Internet Service Provider (ISP) that provides the dial-up or high-speed Internet connection to the computer that sent you the virus. We ask them to follow their policies and procedures that they have in place for dealing with infected computers.

    Because of the volume of messages sent to virus@geneseo.edu each day, a personal reply may not be possible. Thank you for understanding!