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Anti-Virus: Spyware

Spyware, also called adware, is hidden software on your computer that gathers information about you and your Web habits, and then relays that information to advertisers or other interested parties. The data collected by spyware can include personal identifying information, where you shop online, what Web sites you visit and how long you stay there, and what files you download. These programs often also result in a large number of unwanted pop-ups or sudden alterations of your normal homepage or search pages. Adware and Spyware can also severely affect the behaviour of your computer, often slowing it down to unacceptable speeds or even preventing you from getting online at all. Practically no one is safe from spyware these days, but there ARE steps you can take to protect yourself.

Recommended Software

We recommend that students install on their laptops at least one form of adware/spyware removal tool. Many current anti-virus products have an anti-spyware component built into them and would be considered sufficient. Should you choose to use something else or want an additional program to use, a free program we recommend is:

This program scans your computer for spyware that has been installed on your computer while surfing the internet or was packaged with a program that you downloaded and installed and removes these files. Usually you immediately notice an improved performance with your internet browser.

File Sharing

Now for those that like to use programs to legally download music and would like to know how to disable the file sharing that is built into those programs to prevent others from downloading music from your computer, visit the following site developed by the University of Chicago, http://security.uchicago.edu/peer-to-peer/no_fileshare.shtml.

VCOM does not condone the use of illegal peer to peer file sharing. See the section below for the policy on the use of copyrighted materials.

Information Technology and Copyright

Students at VCOM must observe the rights and privileges of copyright holders, obey the United States Copyright Act, and honor the integrity of the internal network systems of Virginia Tech and other affiliated network systems. Any intentional misuse of the information technology system will result in loss of privileges and may result in a behavioral sanction.  Student Internet and email access on both campuses is monitored for student downloads of shared files such as music, videos, etc which are in violation of copyright laws is done by federal, state and local agencies.  If a student is reported to VCOM as having performed an illegal download, the student will be issued a warning and be required to present their computer to the IT Department staff who will verify shared/copyright questionable files are removed.   A  second violation will result in an honor code reporting plus temporary loss of computer access privileges up to seven days.  Students need to be diligent to not violate digital and non-digital copyright laws. If a student loses their computer access they may not be able to complete their academic requirements, which could jeopardize their continued progress at VCOM.

Policies on the VCOM Policy on the Use and Misuse of Digital Copyrighted Materials, can be found in the Human Resources section of the VCOM website, and are distributed to all faculty, staff and students annually.

For further information, see more IT links on the navigation bar on the left of this page.