Personal Computer repair and virus removal

Information Technology (IT) will attempt to repair personally owned computers for students if it is software related. However, we will not perform any hardware repair due to liability issues. If your computer is still under warranty, you should make arrangements with the manufacturer for repairs. If your computer is no longer under warranty, you should take it to a reputable dealer. IT has made arrangements with Lightning PC (704) 913-6339 of Charlotte to provide students with a discount.

In the event your computer requires virus removal or other software support, contact us at (704) 461-6247 to schedule an appointment. We are located in the Haid Mezzanine. Please print off the following equipment repair release form and bring it with your tower. Please do not bring your monitor, keyboard or other peripheral devices.

Equipment Repair Release Form

Methods to Protect a Personal Computer

Personal Firewalls

Make sure you have a firwall installed and activated to help protect your computer against infections.

The latest windows operating systems come standard with a firewall. Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista users should print or save the following instructions for how to enable their firewall.

Follow the instructions provided for your operating system, and then reconnect to the Internet. (See Important Information Below)

• Windows XP users: Windows Firewall
• Windows Server 2003 users: Internet Connection Firewall
• Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 users: You will need to install a third-party firewall. Most firewall software for home users are available for free or have trial versions. Check the following resources for more information on personal firewalls:
• McAfee
• Symantic
• Zone Alarm Pro
• Outpost Firewall
• Kerio Personal Firewall
• Windows 2000 users:Alternatively, you can take steps to block the affected ports so that your computer can be patched. Here are some modified instructions from the TechNet article HOW TO: Change TCP/IP Filtering in Windows 2000.

AntiVirus

Use antivirus software and make sure you have the latest updates installed. Up-to-date information about antivirus protection can be found at your antivirus vendor's web site.

If you already have antivirus software installed, go to your antivirus vendor's web site to get the latest updates, also known as virus definitions. If you do not have antivirus software installed, get it as soon as possible. Below are links to antivirus vendors.

McAfee

Trend Micro

Symantec

Computer Associates

Windows Update

Use Microsoft's Windows Update to keep your system up-to-date with security patches and updates. Windows XP can be set to automatically install these updates. All versions of windows can be updated by manually performing the updates.

Click here to go to the Windows Update Web Site

Important Information:

Free Web Based Antivirus Scan and Clean
Computer Associates also provides a free web-based AntiVirus tool that allows you to scan your computer system for infection and clean the computer of all infections detected. While this is no substitution for a full time AntiVirus tool, it can be helpful in cleaning "problem" infections.

Last Update :   Date - by Erik LaRuffa