Where can I obtain anti-virus software?

Anti-virus software should be installed on all of your computers. SUNY Oswego has a site license for McAfee Anti-virus software that can be installed on your home computers.

You can obtain a copy of the latest anti-virus software by visiting our Software Download page.

What is a Virus?

A virus is a computer program or piece software that causes an unexpected, usually negative, event. Viruses are often disguised as software or images with enticing titles such as "Me, nude."

What is a Worm?

Computer Worms are viruses that reside in the active memory of a computer and duplicate themselves. They may send copies of themselves to other computers, such as through email or Internet Relay Chat (IRC).

What is a Trojan Horse?

A Trojan horse program is a malicious program that pretends to be a benign application; a Trojan horse program purposefully does something the user does not expect. Trojans are not viruses since they do not replicate, but Trojan horse programs can be just as destructive.

Many people use the term to refer only to non-replicating malicious programs, thus making a distinction between Trojans and viruses.