|
Symantec AntiVirus for the Macintosh is available for members of
the Dartmouth community at no cost from the Macintosh
General Productivity Software Web page. Installing it before you have a
problem is a lot less expensive than trying to repair the damage that can be
caused by a virus, worm, or trojan (malware).
Once the program is installed, you can download and install the latest
updates for the antivirus application, LiveUpdate application, and antivirus
definitions by using the LiveUpdate utility. Be sure to configure
Symantec AntiVirus so it automatically downloads all
available updates on a daily schedule,
and runs virus scans on at least a weekly schedule. Daily
updates are recommended, as the people who write viruses, worms, and trojans
release them every day. New virus definitions for the latest Symantec
AntiVirus are published daily by Symantec. Previous versions of
Symantec AntiVirus, called Norton AntiVirus,
have new virus definitions published at least weekly.
Instructions for downloading, installing, and configuring Symantec
AntiVirus can be found on the
Using Symantec AntiVirus at Dartmouth Web page.
Steps for protecting your computer from being compromised by viruses, worms,
or trojans include:
- Ensuring the operating system on your Macintosh is up-to-date (System
Preferences -> Software Update). Configure it to automatically check for
updates at least weekly.
- Install an antivirus software program, such as Symantec AntiVirus,
keep it up-to-date with the latest updates, and scan all files at least
weekly.
- If an infection is found, note the name of the infection, file name, and
file location, then go to the Web site of the manufacturer of the antivirus
software you are using and look up the particular infection. Follow the
manufacturer's recommendation for removing the virus. For Symantec
AntiVirus, various threats and their corresponding removal instructions
are available; see
Threat Explorer.
- Do not open e-mail enclosures unless you are expecting them, even if they
are from someone you know. E-mail enclosures are one of the most popular ways
of spreading computer viruses today. If you have to open enclosures, be
sure your antivirus product has the most current definitions. Save the
enclosure to your desktop first so that your antivirus
real-time scanner has a chance to scan the file.
- Treat enclosures you may get from Web sites as you would an enclosure in an
e-mail message.
- Never close a pop up window using a button inside of it that says
Cancel or Close. Always close the browser
window itself by clicking the X in the upper-right corner of
the window.
If you have questions, please call the Computing Help Desk at 646-2999 and
select from the options provided, send electronic mail to help@dartmouth.edu, or call your department's
computing support office.
For additional information related to this topic see:
|
