Computer virus to delay report cards for Altus students

<br>ALTUS, Okla. (AP) _ A computer virus will delay Altus schoolchildren from getting report cards on time this spring, a schools spokeswoman said Monday. <br><br>Officials had to shut down computers,

Tuesday, March 12th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ALTUS, Okla. (AP) _ A computer virus will delay Altus schoolchildren from getting report cards on time this spring, a schools spokeswoman said Monday.

Officials had to shut down computers, clean them out, make repairs and install a new protection system after a virus got into the system, Valarie Roberts said.

``Grades are recorded electronically, so report cards will not be given out this week as planned,'' Roberts said. ``They will be given out the Wednesday after spring break, March 27.''

The virus was inadvertently downloaded from the Internet because of a flaw in computer software.

``We are currently clearing our computers at each school of corrupted files, restoring data and installing a new virus protection program,'' she said. ``As each school site's computers are cleared, they will be able to use them, but will be blocked from the Internet and the school system's network until all computers are cleared and installed with the new virus protection.''

All systems should be operational when school resumes after spring break March 25, Roberts said.