I T'lnii'irrr ^'J Or\f\/Z O • t x» -wtww. t . ' . ' j - ^|l Thursday | January 12, 2006 Serving UNC Wilmington since 1948 Volume LVIII Number 12 Microsoft releases patch for computer virus Amanda Hutcheson Assistant News Editor Two weeks ago, Microsoft discovered a vulnerability that allowed viruses to infect comput ers by viewing pictures. While most viruses have to actually be downloaded, this flaw allowed computers to become infected by simply viewing a website or e-mail containing an infected graphic. The problem got worse the next weekend when hackers discovered the flaw and posted instructions for infecting images into graphics on the web. The flaw can also allow hack ers access to the computer’s files. Programs can be deleted or added, and even private files can be viewed and shared. Users with restricted access are less impacted in this situation than users with adminis trative access. On Jan. 6, Microsoft released a patch to fix the vulnerability. Computers set to automatically download updates should have it downloaded. Students whose computers do not download auto matically can get the patch at http;// www.microsoft.com/technet/secu- rity/bulletin/ms06-001 .mspx. While almost all versions of Windows are at risk, Windows 2000, 2003, and XP are at the greatest risk. Windows 98, 98 Second Edition, and Millennium Edition are not at risk. Students using computers in campus labs do not need to worry. These computers should be updat ed, and in addition are set each night to automatically reverse any changes or new programs made during the day. Students are encouraged to keep anti-virus software and com puter patches up to date to gener ally avoid viruses. This applies to all operating systems, including Linux and Macintosh. Starting this see VIRUS page 2 A waterfall in the union: 2006 class gift unveiled % Courtesy Aaron Whitesell This graphic illustrates what the "Infinity fountain" will look like. The fountain will serve as the 2006 senior class gift and will be located inside the glass cafe area of the new University Union. Past senior class gifts include the school seal and the clock tower, both located in front of Randall Library. Amy Fasoli Correspondent An “infinity fountain” for the new student union will be the senior gift from UNCW’s class of2006. Aaron Whitesell, senior class president, is in the process of cre ating a committee and starting to collect donations for the fountain. Whitesell is working side-by-side with Shane Fernando, senior class adviser, who was responsible for the erecting of the clock tower in front of Randall Library when he was class president in 2000. No small undertaking, this foun tain will be will be 10-feet in height with water cascading down 6-feet. The bottom will have a l-foot-6- inch tall pool roughly 18-feet wide. The cost of the infinity fountain is estimated at $125,000. This money will be raised through student dona tions, alumni and corporate spon sors. Depending on the amount, donors will either have their names inscribed in a commemorative book located in the library or on a name plate plaque next to the fountain. “The tentative title of the foun tain is ‘Rebirth’,” Whitesell said. “It’s a new foimtain, a new union and for those of us graduating, a new life or new start so, in a sense, a rebirth.” Femando is enthusiastic about the project and its appropriateness for the senior class. As the class that has seen the complete con struction of the University Union addition, scheduled to open in May of 2006, it is fitting for this class to create and dedicate the focal point for future generations. The fountain will be placed in the glass cafe area of the new union. The waterfall is planned to face the north side of the building that features the ampi-theater and clock tower. At night, the fountain will be lighted so it can be seen throughout the commons. “Simply put, the fountain will be a gorgeous piece of art work, and a centerpiece to our new union,” Femando said, “It will surely be a great rallying point for our gradu ates now and in the future.” “1 wanted our class gift to be something tangible that 1 could bring my children or grandchildren back to campus someday to show them how my class contributed to campus,” said Stevie Loudermilk, a senior committee member “It would be an awesome experience for children to visit UNCW 20 or 30 years from now and find their parent’s name fixed permanently at an important campus feature.” see WATERFALL page 2 Noise violations become a misdemeanor offense yet again Ben Wimmer News Editor The Wilmington City Council voted to make noise violations a misdemeanor offense which could result in a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail. In the past, noise violations were punishable by a $250 fine for first time offenders and a fine of $500 for second and multiple-offenders. As of Jan. 3, noise violators can now be iharged criminally. The city council voted on the measure unanimously. Reportedly, first-time offenders will receive a warning and second time offenders will face citations and fines. Repeat offenders could be charged criminally. According to the Star-News, 4,131 noise calls were responded to by police from January through October of 2005; among the calls only 779 citations were issued. According to Chief David Donaldson of the University Police, a noise violation was previously a criminal offense, which was later recodified as a civil offense, only to be made a criminal offense again. Chief Donaldson replied: “1 support the city’s effort to provide additional tools to the police officers to assist with addressing community concerns. I also applaud their willingness to reconsider the effectiveness of their ordi nances.” LlnrteSarah Helpeni I THE SEAHAWK Multiple noise violations could cost of fenders $500 in fines and even jail time.

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