Q: How can I tell if I have any antivirus software installed on my computer?
A: It really depends on the specific software your computer may be running. Most antivirus programs have icons that sit in the system tray of your computer's desktop (for Microsoft Windows) to indicate thier activity.
Looking there is a good way to tell if you have antivirus software, and which software package it is. Also, most antivirus software will display a "splash screen" when the software starts (usually, automatically when your computer has just been turned on).

Q: Why should I use Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition instead of TrendMicro OfficeScan, McAfee, or Norton?
A: There are a few advantages of using Symantec AntiVirus.

• Symantec AntiVirus has already been paid for
• Symantec AntiVirus updates itself automatically without any action required by the user
• Symantec AntiVirus is what iTech supports. If you have problems related to another antivirus product, iTech may not be able to help resolve them.

Q: I am using an Apple Macintosh computer, can I get virus protection?
A: Yes. With the move to Symantec AntiVirus, we are now able to offer a client for Apple Macintosh computers running OSX. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a client for any version of the Macintosh OS older than OSX.

Q: May I continue to use OfficeScan if I already have it installed?
A: OfficeScan will continue to be supported on a limited basis. Automatic updates will eventually be decommisioned at a date yet to be determined.
iTech highly recommends that users switch to Symantec as soon as possible.

Q: I have a Windows 95 machine? What should I do.
A: It is highly recommended that the system itself is upgraded, either to a newer operating system, or a new system altogether.

Q: I am a student, can I get antivirus protection.
A: Soon. With the move to Symantec AntiVirus, we will be able to offer antivirus clients to students for their protection.

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Q: I already have TrendMicro OfficeScan installed. Why do I need to install Symantec AntiVirus?
A: iTech has opted to migrate from OfficeScan to Symantec. As such, iTech will discontinue support, including the maintenance of virus patterns, for OfficeScan September 13th, 2004.
Reasons for the decision to change from OfficeScan to Symantec include:

• Enhanced definition management.
• Proper support for newer operating systems.
• Better performance.
• The ability to provide students with virus protection.
• The ability to provide Macintosh users with virus protection.

Q: Do I need to uninstall other antivirus products first?
A: Yes. It is imperative to uninstall other antivirus products first, as these different products don't generally react well to each other. Problems that may arise, include:

• Broken Symantec Installation.
• System instability.
• Operating system failure.

Q: My computer has already been infected by a virus, will installing Symantec remove the virus?
A: Generally, no. If you have already been infected by a virus, it is best to have the virus removed before antivirus software is installed. Please contact the iTech HelpDesk and arrange for assistance.

Q: I need to install Symantec AntiVirus. How can I do that?
A: Installing Symantec AntiVirus is a simple and quick thing to do. The package and instructions for installation can be found at the AntiVirus page of the Southern Miss InfoSec website.

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Q: What is a "Virus Definition file"?
A: When Symantec AntiVirus scans a file for a viral infection, it references a file containing definitions of viruses to detect whether or not the file it is scanning is infected with a virus. This reference file is the "Virus Definition File".
New viruses surface regularly, so it is important that the "Virus Definition File" is current.

Q: How can I tell if Symantec AntiVirus is using the current "Virus Definition File" ?
A: The quickest way to determine what "Virus Definition File" your installation of Symantec AntiVirus is using, is to locate the Symantec icon in the "System Tray", and double-click it. This will launch the Symantec AntiVirus console, which contains an area on the right that describes what version of the "Virus Definition File" is being used.
The Southern Miss AntiVirus website will list the most current "Virus Definition File" version available for reference.

Q: How can I find out the newest available "Virus Definition File" version.
A: The current "Virus Definition File" version number will be listed on the Southern Miss AntiVirus website.

Q: What do I need to do to update my "Virus Definition File"?
A: No action is needed on your part. Normally, Symantec AntiVirus will automatically install new definitions as they become available. The update may not happen immediately.
If your installation of Symantec AntiVirus goes for more than a week without updating itself, please refer to the troubleshooting section of this FAQ.
Additionally, you may manually update the virus definitions by opening the Symantec AntiVirus client and clicking the "LiveUpdate..." button.

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Q: Is there a good resource to check for troubleshooting Symantec AntiVirus?
A: Lots of questions can be answered at the support pages of Symantec's website. Note that this is an external link, please check the disclaimer before proceeding.

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