Two weeks ago, Microsoft discovered a vulnerability that allowed viruses to infect computers by viewing pictures. While most viruses have to actually be downloaded, this flaw allowed computers to become infected by simply viewing a website or e-mail containing an infected graphic.

The problem got worse the next weekend when hackers discovered the flaw and posted instructions for infecting images into graphics on the web.

The flaw can also allow hackers access to the computer’s files. Programs can be deleted or added, and even private files can be viewed and shared. Users with restricted access are less impacted in this situation than users with administrative access.

On Jan. 6, Microsoft released a patch to fix the vulnerability. Computers set to automatically download updates should have it downloaded. Students whose computers do not download automatically can get the patch at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-001.mspx.

While almost all versions of Windows are at risk, Windows 2000, 2003, and XP are at the greatest risk. Windows 98, 98 Second Edition, and Millennium Edition are not at risk.

Students using computers in campus labs do not need to worry. These computers should be updated, and in addition are set each night to automatically reverse any changes or new programs made during the day.

Students are encouraged to keep anti-virus software and computer patches up to date to generally avoid viruses. This applies to all operating systems, including Linux and Macintosh. Starting this semester, the UNCW Information Technology Systems Division (ITSD) will also be offering students Norton Anti-Virus free of charge. Microcomputer Support Manager Chet Harvey confirmed that on-campus computers are updated with the patch. Harvey also said that regarding the Norton Anti-Virus, the university is setting up a website where graduate and undergraduate students can download it using their student ID number. The Norton Anti-Virus subscription will be good for one year and it can be renewed the following year, free of charge.

“The most important thing is to keep your Windows updated and your virus definitions updated. Your Windows and virus definitions are very important; you can resolve 99 percent of your problems if you keep them updated,” said Harvey.

“The Norton is something we’ve been pushing for for years to get the university to do, and its something great for the university to do. it wasn’t cheap for 11,000 students. We’re trying to push that as heavily as possible to get students to use it.”