Earlier this evening a seemingly harmless half-sheet of orange paper flew through the gap beneath my door, informing me that Computer Services, in an effort to stop the further spread of the "Blaster and/or Welchia virus," would be invading the dorm rooms.

You might think this sounds ridiculous, but the paper clearly states, "[Computer Services] will begin the process of checking, disinfecting, and protecting each student owned computer in the residence halls."

The letter goes on to state that Computer Services will install their antivirus software and "any previously installed antivirus software will be removed."

I fail to see how people can be allowed, seemingly whenever they desire, to install and delete software on/from my computer.

Furthermore, the letter strongly encouraged that I "must leave [my] login and password available so appropriate access can be gained by computer services personnel."

The letter stated this would begin less than 12 hours from the time I got it, giving me little time to discuss it with anyone. The worst portion of the letter explained that the antivirus software Computer Services installed "will be a requirement to use the UTM network," at which point I was strongly urged not to remove the software from my computer.

The contents of the letter are controversial, needless to say, so in response my roommate, another friend, and I contacted Computer Services.

They informed us there were no options to what was installed (McAfee). My anger lies in my $40 investment in my current antivirus software which will now be, in effect, worthless as a result of this invasion of my privacy.

The only other option my friends and I considered involved denying Computer Services access to our computers.

Unfortunately this would result in a termination of our Internet access, with no refund to be had in regards to our technology fees.

Though the individuals contacted at Computer Services were very sympathetic, they seemed to be unaware of some of the aspects of this tampering with our property. We talked to two separate individuals and got two separate, conflicting, sets of answers.

This seems similar to strangers coming in my room, whether I'm present or not, picking clothes out of my closet to discard, and afterwards placing clothes they decide are better into my drawers.

Shouldn't we at least be given slightly more time to react to this drastic measure before it happens?

Bryan Sandor is a Senior Computer Science major from Milan.