Antivirus
It is very difficult to distinguish between a computer Virus and Spyware (or Malware). The antivirus software companies and the antispyware companies know the difference. There is no difference to an end user. They get installed either by tricking you into installing or by taking advantage of some vulnerability on your computer. There are many, many methods of infection and it is nearly impossible to determine the source.
Installing Antivirus software is essential. Auburn University requires that you install Sophos Antivirus on your University computer. No other antivirus software may be installed on University computers. Auburn University has also obtained enough licenses to allow faculty and staff to install Sophos Antivirus on their home computers.
More information (including downloads) of Sophos Antivirus can be found at the following URL:
http://www.auburn.edu/oit/security_center/virus/index.php
