You may have heard that there's a new computer worm (virus) going
around and that we've been encouraged to double-check our virus
detection programs and make sure we have the latest virus definitions.
It's a good thing to do anyway, so here is a review of steps you should
take to make sure you're as thoroughly protected from viruses as
possible. These directions are for Butler-issued computers but will be
similar for other computers, depending on what virus protection
software you have.
(
Note: Information Resources
has an excellent page with lots of information and directions,
including how students can download Symantec AntiVirus from My.Butler.)
There are two primary tasks you need to do. One is keeping your virus
definitions current (so the computer knows what to look for), and the
other is actually scanning the computer's hard drive.
To update your virus definitions:
Run your Symantec Anti-Virus program (Start--Programs--Symantec Client
Security--Symantec AntiVirus Client). Click the LiveUpdate button to
get the updates right now. To schedule regular updating
(highly recommended),
click File--Schedule Updates. Check the box to enable automatic updates
and select a time that your computer will be on and logged in.
To scan for viruses: Run your
Symantec Anti-Virus program (Start--Programs--Symantec Client
Security--Symantec AntiVirus Client). Click Scan Computer, check the
box next to "C: Local Disk" and click the Scan button to scan right
now. To schedule regular scanning
(highly recommended),
click Scheduled Scans, then New Scheduled Scan. Click Next, then set a
time and frequency (daily is best, but weekly is okay) that you'll be
logged onto the computer, but preferably when you'll be away from it.
Lunchtime is good, or if you have a regular class or meeting. Click
Next and check the box next to "C: Local Disk" and then click the Save
button. You're all set!
(By the way, if you haven't seen that Windows Update icon in a while, you can visit Microsoft's Update site at: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
(make sure you're using Internet Explorer for this) or visit the I.R.
page (linked above) to make sure you've got the latest of everything.)