The new "Capture Osama" computer game is causing a rampant spread of unwanted pop-ups, promotions and advertisements through computers across campus that anti-virus software cannot detect.

America Online (AOL) confirmed it is not a virus but adware that allows pop-up advertisements and promotions to appear on a users' computer and be sent to others on their buddy lists.

"This is an issue we continue to investigate, and we are considering our legal options. We're doing everything we can to take necessary legal and technical steps to block its distribution," AOL spokesman Nicholas Graham said in an e-mail message. "This program may be a violation of our terms of service agreement and is nothing more than a malicious, inappropriate and tedious piece of adware that inconveniences users."

The problematic Web sites connect directly to another site that offers a download for a game, which lets the player try to capture Osama bin Laden. If downloaded, secret adware, which can contain spyware, causes unwanted advertisements. The adware can also send the link out to everyone on the user's buddy list. For those who do not know how to rid computers of viruses or adware like this, there are on-campus resources that can help.

Information Technology Services (ITS) offers assistance to everyone on campus through its help desks, computer labs and ResCom offices in every commons area.

Penn State Residence Hall Network Coordinator Clifford Rodack said anti-virus software would not necessarily detect adware. More effective programs for this problem are spyware detectors, such as Spybot, which is used on all computers by ResCom. Rodack also suggests students be pro-active in protecting their computers.

"Students need to maintain their computers because [spyware] is just going to get worse," he said.

He added the firewalls used on student computers cannot prevent outside problems from entering the network.

Kevin Morooney, senior director of academic services and emerging technology in ITS, recommends students visit www.its.psu.edu/virus.html to find hints and links to anti-virus resources, making it "downright easy" for students to find solutions to their problems. "The most important thing an individual can do is have anti-virus software and update it on a daily basis."

Robin Anderson, assistant director of ITS, agreed. As of now, Anderson said ITS has "no indication" of this adware, but she recommended that students who do not know who sent them the link or what it is, "don't open it; don't touch it; just get rid of it."

Some students have already taken Anderson's advice. Mohit Chaudhary (freshman-electrical engineering) received the link but did not download the game. "I got the link, but I didn't click on it. It looked shady," he said.