Tracking Viral Contamination through User Habits and IT Practices

This study looks into the attributes of common viral infections, how these viral transmissions happen and its effects on Personal Computer systems in an academic environment and working atmosphere. Both student and staff respondents were asked about their experiences with computer viruses, along with their localized and internet-related activities that they do in a routine format. Data were also extracted from a storage scanning module designed for this study over a definite period of eighteen (18) days. This module contained anti-virus scanning software that was up-dated daily to capture definitions that identify and quarantine malicious codes and programs stored in drives from the respondents. Complimentary data from person’s in-charge of the IT support teams assigned to heavy computer-related usage were also used to validate machine breakdowns arising from viral activities. Findings were collated and used as a basis for a policy framework designed to address the transmission of infection in a broader scope. The policies gen-erated were then distributed to IT-related businesses (Internet/Surfing and LAN gaming cafes) in Cagayan de Oro City, which were then subjected to another study on the effect of contamination on users outside the academic environment as reminders and cues prior to computer use