People who create and send computer viruses work hard with the sole purpose to infect as many machines as possible. As an antidote for these invaders, the industry offers an array of Anti-virus software with varying features and price tags.
Once an anti-virus software package is installed on a computer, it scans the machine and files stored on it for patterns based on signatures of known viruses. The response to the discovery of a virus may depend on the type of anti-virus used. Generally the software will either remove the virus automatically, or a box will appear asking if you want to clean the file. Because the makers of viruses always come up with new ones, it’s very important to install updates to the anti-virus software whenever they are offered. The updates simply consist of the latest virus definitions/signatures. At home, this usually happens through a pop-up box announcement at the bottom right of your screen. In a work environment, like UWG, the update installations happen automatically.
- You should scan your entire computer periodically.
- Depending on the package you use, you may be able to set up to scan certain files or directories automatically.
- Manual scans are also a good idea, in particular when you receive email attachments. You can also scan media (cd’s, dvd’s) before running them. Simply save the file to your hard drive or a disk, and scan it using your anti-virus software.
- Beware of email messages that claim to include anti-virus software. The attachment itself may be a virus.
- Install updates to the anti-virus software!! Though having anti-virus increases the level of protection to a machine, be aware that before the vendor has had a chance to add the signatures for the newest viruses to their product ... you are still vulnerable!
At UWG, the primary virus and spyware protection is Symantec. We also offer the Symantec anti-virus software for at home use to our students, faculty & staff for free. To download the home edition of Symantec simply follow these instructions http://www.westga.edu/its/index_5250.php and for a Symantec FAQ follow this link.