Software Requirements
The basics include a word processor, web browser, and an anti-virus program. You may also need spreadsheet and presentation programs. Often, this software is bundled with a new computer when you buy it. The Microstore can help you select the appropriate software packages to meet your need.
Recommended software includes:
- Microsoft Office 2003 (or newer) for Windows
- Microsoft Office 2001 (or newer) for Macs
As a UofC Student you qualify for fantastic student pricing when buying the current Microsoft Office Suite from the Microsoft Website, if you have your IT Account and Webmail set up.
Viewers, Players & Plug-ins
Other software requirements will vary depending on the courses you are taking. In order to be able to view different types of files that may be distributed to you through your course, you may need to download some different viewers, players or plug-in programs. To view available downloads, click here.
Virus FAQ
To protect your computer and files from virus infection, install anti-virus software and keep it current.
- What is a computer virus? Why don't Mac computers get viruses?
- How can my disk or computer get infected?
- What can I do to keep my system safe?
- I always run an anti-virus program, am I safe?
- What is the diagnosis for a viral infection?
- What can computer viruses do?
- I see some weir things hapenning on my computer, is it too late?
- Where can I find more information about computer viruses?
What is a computer virus?
A computer program that is designed to replicate itself by copying itself into the other programs stored in a computer. The predominant negative effect of viruses is their uncontrolled self-reproduction, which wastes or overwhelms computer resources.
For a long time, Macintosh computers did not get viruses. This is because no one was making viruses for them. Like biological viruses, a computer virus can only infect one type of host, either Windows PC or Mac, but not both. There were too few Mac computers being used for it to be 'worth it' for someone to create a virus specifically for Mac computers. Now though, there are mac viruses being created and computers are becoming infected, so Mac users cannot afford to be ignorant. All the following information on viruses applies to both Mac and Windows computers.
How can my disk or computer get infected?
A hypothetical situation would best explain one of the most common forms of viral infection:
- Your online instructor or fellow student was "surfing" the net and found a piece of software that can be used for the class. He or she decided to download the software and put in the course without scanning the software for viruses. Everyone is invited to download and use the software.
- All the students downloaded the software and installed it on their home computer.
- After installing and running the software at home, some of the students typed a spread sheet or report saved it to a disk and to took it to work.
- If the software downloaded by the instructor was infected by any kind of virus, all the students' computers, including the one at work, would be now infected. (Remember that most viruses do not manifest itself until it duplicates itself!).
What can I do to keep my system safe?
Because different types of viruses are continuously being engineered, there is no way of keeping system 100% safe. The good news is that you can take a few easy steps to prevent viruses to a maximum extent.
- Keep backups of all your important data.
- Learn how to set security features on your computer.
- Install a firewall on your system.
- Scan your disk and your system periodically with an efficient anti-virus program. Click here to find out more about anti-virus programs for students.
- Be cautious about visiting unknown or untrusted websites.
- Be suspicious of email attachments and do not automatically open them.
- Before you run a executable program, scan it for viruses. Some viruses manifest themselves as an interactive program.
- Scan all the software you download before putting on your computer.
I always run an anti-virus program, am I safe?
You are taking a preventive approach but keep in mind that new viruses are being continuously created. Therefore, it is possible that you might get a virus that is unknown to the anti-virus program and the program won't be able to alert you.
What is the diagnosis for a viral infection?
This depends on the type of virus you got. There is a broad range of manifestation, including:
- dropping letters you type from the top of the screen to the bottom.
- diversity of colors displayed on the screen.
- weird sounds on your computer.
- weird messages displayed on the screen.
What can computer viruses do?
Usually a virus is assigned to do single tasks, such as:
- deleting non-system dependent files or programs
- deleting system files that your computer needs in order to function as a computer
- renaming files, altering files, displaying graphics
- eat up disk space, CPU time, and memory resources during replication, 'slowing' down your computer
I see some weird things happening on my computer, is it too late?
The first thing you should do is update your current antivirus software and run a complete systems scan. You may have to reinstall any software which was damaged by the infection.
Where can I find more information on computer viruses?
Some excellent virus information can be found at The Symantec Anti-Virus Center.