Generally speaking, the version of Symantec Antivirus installed on University-owned machines is set to update automatically off of the University's Symantec Antivirus server. For Privately-owned machines we recommend users set Symantec Antivirus to automatically check for virus definitions at a scheduled time.

PC | Mac

PC

Checking Virus Definitions

1. Go to Start Menu --> Programs --> Symantec Antivirus and select the Symantec Antivirus Application to launch the program.
2. On the right hand side of Symantec's main window is a section called Virus Definition File. In that section is the current version of the Virus Definition installed on your computer. It should be a recent date.
3. To check and see if there are any more current updates, click the Live Update button.
4. If any new definitions are installed, that should be reflected in the version of the Virus Definition File.

Scanning for Viruses

1. In the main Symantec window, from the list on the left, click the + sign next to Scan to expand the Scan Menu. Once expanded, select Scan Computer.
2. From the choices on the right, check the box for Local Disk (C:)
3. Click the Scan button.
4. Follow any instructions that appear regarding found viruses. Usually Symantec can either clean or Quarantine found viruses. If Symantec informs you it cannot clean or Quarantine a found virus, contact the ITS Help Desk for guidance on how to proceed. Be sure to note what virus Symantec found but was unable to handle.

Mac (OSX)

Checking Virus Definitions

1. Symantec Antivirus should be located in your Applications folder. Locate the application and open it.
2. In the main Symantec window you should see a Virus Definition Date. It should be a recent date.
3. To check and see if there are any more current updates, click the Live Update button on the left and choose Update Everything Now (in addition to updating your Virus Definitions this will also check to see if there are any updates for the application itself). Once the update process is complete, Quit Live Update.
4. If a more recent virus definition was installed, you should see the new date displayed in the Virus Definition Date field.

Scanning for Viruses

1. From the main Symantec window, click the Scan/Repair button.
2. Follow any instructions that appear regarding found viruses. Usually Symantec can either clean or Quarantine found viruses. If Symantec informs you it cannot clean or Quarantine a found virus, contact the ITS Help Desk for guidance on how to proceed. Be sure to note what virus Symantec found but was unable to handle.

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