Updating Virus Definitions

UPDATING VIRUS DEFINITIONS

Each time a new virus appears, the anti-virus software program must create a virus definition to detect and eradicate the virus. These new definitions need to be periodically downloaded on each computer. Each faculty computer has been configured to do this automatically on a periodic basis. Since each computer is configured to do this at different times, we do not know if your computer has downloaded the ILOVEYOU definition. As of today, the ILOVEYOU virus has spawned 29 versions.

Please determine the date of the latest update to the virus signatures on your machine by doing the following:

Click on Start, Programs, Norton AntiVirus, Norton AntiVirus.

Figure 1

A box similar to Figure 2 appears. To determine the last time your computer’s definitions were updated, click on the button that reads Virus List.

Figure 2

Figure 3 will display. Look at the Definitions Date at the bottom of the box. If the date is May 8 or later, your computer is inoculated against the ILOVEYOU virus. If it is earlier than May 8, you need to update your virus definitions immediately. If it is earlier than April, your computer is not properly configured to automatically update the definitions and you need to notify me if you are a faculty member. If your computer is maintained by John Sheehy, you should notify him.

Figure 3

To update your virus definitions, click on the Cancel button in the Virus List box above if you haven’t already. You will see the Norton AntiVirus box again.

To download the latest virus definitions, click on the button LiveUpdate.

Figure 4

A new screen similar to Figure 5 appears. Click on the next button.

Figure 5

The program will automatically retrieve and install the updates. When it is done, click the Finish button if it appears. Your computer may automatically reboot. If it tells you to reboot your computer, you can reboot by holding down the Ctrl-Alt-Del buttons at the same time.

After you reboot, you can check to see if you have a more current definitions list by opening the Virus List box again (see instructions on page 2) and checking the date. The list will not be updated until you reboot the computer.

Any time a widespread virus appears you should follow this procedure. Other than those times, your computer has been configured to automatically retrieve the latest definitions and you needn’t be concerned.

Realize that it will be difficult to connect to the Norton AntiVirus website on the same day that the virus warnings have been announced. Wait a day or two before trying to update.