Installing and Configuring Norton Anti-Virus Software
All new PCs set up by Helpdesk technicians have Norton Anti-Virus (NAV) installed and configured properly. However, even if your PC is relatively new, it is advisable to check from time to time that your NAV software is functioning correctly. If NAV is not installed – or is not working properly – then you should immediately install or re-install the software (see below). Please contact the IT Helpdesk if you require any assistance.
For full effectiveness, you should have an up-to-date version of NAV on your PC and a ‘managed’ NAV installation.
The latest version number of the antivirus software is 11 and is referred to as Symantec Endpoint Protection. This version requires a reasonably new PC with, in particular, 1Gbyte of RAM. The rule of thumb is that you should install version 10 rather than version 11 if your PC was purchased in 2008 or before.
To check the details of your NAV installation double click on the gold shield icon in the bottom right of your taskbar, beside the clock.
If the icon does not appear on the bottom right of your screen, is greyed out or is locked then please either install a new verson of NAV or contact the IT Helpdesk for advice.
Double clicking the icon opens up the screen below.
To find the version of your antivirus software click “Help and Support” (see the screen below) and then “About...”
For each of the options to the right of the window (Antivirus and Antispyware Protection; Proactive Threat Protection; Network Threat Protection), there should be a tick to the left and the word “On” to the right. Below each option is the word “Definitions” followed by the date of the latest update. The updates should be downloaded automatically and the date shown should be within 2 weeks of the current date. If this is not the case, you can click the LiveUpdate button on the left of the window and get the latest definitions directly from Symantec, who supply the software, and then contact the Helpdesk.
Installing NAV
If you do not have effective anti-virus software on your PC, you should correct this situation immediately.
If your department has a Computing Officer, check what procedures they have in place regarding the installation and upkeep of anti-virus facilities. NAV CDs are available from the Computing Reception (same location as the IT Helpdesk) and will be given to any staff member who requests one. Installation is a simple process and full instructions are contained on the CD. The same CD can be used on any number of PCs with the appropriate version of Windows, so a single CD could be used on all PCs in an office.
(Please note that different versions of the NAV CD are available for home and office use – please ensure that you have the correct version).
What do I do if I have a virus on my PC?
If NAV detects an infected file on your PC then it will typically either repair the file or place it in a quarantine area. If NAV tells you that it has found a virus and has either repaired the file or quarantined it then you should do one of three things:
- If the file has come from outside the University then you should remove any infected media (e.g. if the file came on a USB device such as a memory stick) and – if possible – advise the owner of the source PC (they may not be aware of the problem)
- If the file has come from inside the University then you should contact the IT Helpdesk immediately and inform the owner of the source PC
- If the file has come via email from any source then you should contact the IT Helpdesk.
If you suspect that your PC has been infected with a virus, or that NAV has not properly dealt with a virus, then you may need to remove the virus manually.
If you believe your PC has become infected then you should turn it off or disconnect it from the network (by removing the cable from the wallbox) and call the Helpdesk immediately.
Information Services publishes information on specific virus threats , including fix tools for infected PCs.
Windows Update is a facility to keep your version of the Windows operating system up to date and hence help to protect your PC from viruses. It is not difficult to use and can save you hours, even days, of work in the future. If you have never used it, you may have to spend a little bit of time initially getting up to date but it will be well worth it.
Failure to keep your Windows software up to date can cause difficulties not only for you but also for the entire campus. Many of the recent viruses move surreptitiously from one PC to another, infecting any PC that reveals a vulnerability. The increased network traffic generated by these viruses is itself enough to have a major impact on response times.
How do I use Windows Update?
The way that you use Windows Update depends on the version of Windows on your PC. You can check what version of Windows you have by following the instructions on this link: Checking the Windows version of your PC .
If you have Windows XP or Windows 2000 on your PC, you can use Automatic Updates to receive the latest updates as they are released by Microsoft and have them installed at a pre-set time. Download the guidance notes for Windows XP or Windows 2000 and follow the instructions carefully.
Please note that Windows 2000 will require service pack 3 to be installed before Automatic Updates can be implemented. You can check your service pack level in the same way as you check your Windows version (see Checking the Windows version of your PC ). If you are running Windows 2000 and have not installed service pack 3 or higher then you will need to use the Manual Windows Update (see below) to bring your version of Windows to this level.
For other versions of Windows, you must perform a manual update. Download the guidance notes for Manual Windows Update and follow the instructions carefully.
Please note that you must have administrator (Admin) rights in order to set up Windows Update. You can check if you have these rights by:
- In Windows XP, click Start -> Settings->Control Panel ->User Accounts. Your username will be listed as being a Computer admistrator or a Limited user.
- In Windows 2000, click Start->Settings->Control Panel-> Users and Passwords. Your username will be listed as being in the group of Administrators, Users or Guests.
