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Mac users: start up, immediately update Sophos
Filed under Technology Alerts
Posted by Technology, February 21, 2006
View all posts for February 2006
This is an alert from Technology at Simmons College. The information in this message only applies to Macintosh users.
There are two things we need to tell you in this message:
- There are new Macintosh-specific viruses on the Internet.
- The problems earlier today were not caused by them.
Problems with computers running Sophos Antivirus
Earlier today, Technology advised all Macintosh users to shut down their computers. Today’s problems were caused by a faulty Sophos updated, which has been corrected. We now advise all Macintosh users to start up, and immediately go to the blue Sophos shield (top right of your screen), and choose Update Now. The update will take several minutes.
Unfortunately, while Sophos Antivirus was malfunctioning, it may have “broken” some of the software on your computer. Once the Sophos update is done, please try to use the software on your computer that you normally use. You may find that one or more applications no longer work. For example, Microsoft Word may tell you that a component of the software is missing and you have to reinstall.
If you use a Simmons computer, please compile a list of the software that is not working, and email (helpdesk@simmons.edu) or call the Help Desk (617-521-2222 option 8). A technician will make an appointment to come work on your computer.
If your own computer was affected, you may have to reinstall one or more of your applications. You can call the Help Desk for advice on what to do.
New Macintosh Viruses
We believe that only Macintosh computers running Sophos Antivirus were affected by the apparent virus outbreak earlier today. If you have not yet downloaded and installed the free Sophos Antivirus software provided by Simmons, your Macintosh was unaffected by today's problems. However, you should know that there are Macintosh viruses on the Internet now, and other colleges using other antivirus applications have experienced outbreaks. It is important that you install and keep up-to-date antivirus software on your computer, even if you use a Macintosh.