3 Step Protect your PC

Step 1: Get computer security updates
Why do I need to get computer security updates?
Computer security updates help shield your computer from vulnerabilities, viruses, worms, and other threats as they are discovered. A past vulnerability in the Windows XP operating system, for example, could allow an unauthorized individual access and use of your computer. Most versions of Windows have an Automatic Update feature that you can use to download the latest security updates automatically on a schedule you choose

Step 2: Use latest version of VirusScan and ePO
Why do I need to use up-to-date anti-virus software?
Anti-virus software helps protect your computer against most viruses, worms, Trojans, and other unwanted invaders that can make your computer "sick." BC provides McAfee anti-virus software free of charge.
Important: All student-owned Windows Vista, Windows XP®, and Windows 2000® computers on the Boston College network MUST have McAfee VirusScan 8.5i Enterprise edition installed. Failure to comply could result in loss of network access. If you are currently using non-supported Anti-Virus software, such as Norton Home, you must uninstall it prior to installing McAfee VirusScan Enterprise.

What is ePO?
ePO is software that you install on your Windows computer that communicates with a central ePO server. ePO insures that you have up-to-the-minute virus protection (as opposed to the daily or weekly updates).
Rather than ITS alerting you to update your virus protection, ITS will be able to push the updates to all Windows computers that have ePO running and that are attached to the BC network. In the event of a new virus attack detected on campus, ePO will be able to prevent the attack from becoming widespread by distributing the necessary anti-virus updates.
Why do I need to get ePO?

-ePO is required for all students on the Boston College network using Windows Vista, XP.
- ePO is recommended for all BC faculty and staff on the Boston College network using Windows Vista, XP, or 2000.

Install McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8.5i and ePO

Step 3: Get software to remove spyware
What is spyware?
What is spyware?
Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent. While the term spyware suggests software that secretly monitors the user's behavior, the functions of spyware extend well beyond simple monitoring. Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party.
Definition from Wikipedia.
How do I remove spyware from my Windows computer?
Learn how to install and use Windows software that can detect and remove spyware and adware from your computer:

- Ad-Aware (free) - for Windows Vista, XP, and 2000
- Spybot – Search & Destroy (free) - for Windows Vista, XP, and 2000
Note: It is recommended that you clean your computer after removing spyware by using one of the following programs:
-CCleaner (free) - for Windows Vista, XP, and 2000
- Disk Cleanup (comes free with Windows)

......OK safe to try