As in many universities across the country, the Blaster Worm and several other new viruses have crippled UB's computer network, compromising machines and clogging network access. Now, as students across campus connect their computers to the Resnet, UB network, Computing and Information Technology is scrambling to try to do something about it.
With the release of a new CD to scan infected computers, remove the worm and patch the Windows glitch, CIT is hopeful that the worm can be stopped before it infects more computers.
"At this point it's not a question of prevention, it's a question of ways to curtail spreading," said Raymond Volpe, associate director of UB Micro.
Volpe said UB Micro has seen about 800 computers since Thursday, 95 percent of which were infected with the Blaster Worm.
When the glitch in Windows was originally discovered in early August, the university downloaded the patch for its computers within a day, but not before 100 administrative computers had been compromised, said Mark Ferguson, CIT Help Desk manager.
A team from CIT set to work to create the CD, which was not distributed until Friday, after most freshmen had arrived and plugged their computers into Resnet.
"If you brought a computer to campus that wasn't patched and plugged it in, it would be infected within a few minutes," said Ferguson.
Due to the rush to prepare the CD, Ferguson said, CIT has found that many users have experienced glitches sending hundreds more computers to the repair shop.
"If improperly used, it can result in even more problems to the user and the computer," Ferguson said.
Users have complained that they were not aware the CD was installing something and inadvertently rebooted the machine, which could cause the machine more damage.
However, if used properly, Ferguson said, the CD should cause no problems. More detailed instructions for CD use are located on the CIT Web site, http://www.cit.buffalo.edu.
Located at that site will also be information about the Nachi virus, the so-called "good worm." Natchi was created to patch unpatched computers, but due to the method of transmission, it has dramatically clogged the network, said Ferguson.
For more information, visit the CIT Web site or stop into UB Micro, located at 109 The Commons.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
