How do I install or update my Symantec Antivirus Software?
Installation Instructions for Symantec Antivirus
Updating Instructions for Symantec Antivirus

What is the University doing to stop viruses?
The UI has an e-mail virus scanning gateway on the @uidaho.edu servers. All messages with viruses attached are automatically dropped by the system and not delivered. We also block messages from being delivered that have un-common extensions potentially sent as viruses. These include: 386 3gr add ade asp bas bat chm com cmd cpl crt dbx dll fon hlp hta inf ins isp js jse lnk mdb mde msc msi msp mst ocx pcd pif reg scr sct shs shb url vb vbe vbs vxd wsc wsf wsh

What are computer viruses?
Simply speaking, computer viruses are self-replicating programs usually created to propagate to as many machines as possible and/or try to destroy data on the "host" computer. If not protected against, they can cause organizations to lose time, money and their reputation.

How are viruses spread?
Viruses can be spread by many means. They can be spread on any type of removable media (floppies, CDs, Zip Disks), network drives and shares, and most commonly, through e-mail.

What are email viruses?
Email viruses are the viruses sent via email attachments and are very common. The reason for this is that many email programs make it very easy to run attached files, or "attachments", that include a virus. Many of these viruses are also "address book" aware, meaning they will use an email address book to send messages, causing the message to appear valid since most people know each other in their address books.

Why is knowing about email viruses so important?
It is important to understand that, in most cases, email viruses are voluntarily executed on "host" computers. This means that you can easily stop the spread of a virus, or a virus infecting your computer, by paying special attention to email attachments. If you receive a message containing an attachment make sure that you are expecting that attachment from that person. Don't assume that because it has your name, a note specifically to you, or is concerning your work; it is safe to open.

How do I know if a virus threat is real or a hoax?
One of the true problems when protecting yourself against viruses is trying to determine which viruses are real and which ones are not. Virus hoaxes are notices sent out about viruses that don't actually exist. They are created usually in the hopes the message will be propagated, via email, between "good Samaritans" wanting to make sure their co-workers, friends, and family know about the potential virus threat. In some cases, these email messages can be detrimental, like a real virus, since they may overload servers with useless messages and cause questions for technical support centers. To determine if a virus is real or a hoax you should visit an Antivirus software vendor's web page, like http://www.symantec.com/, and search the virus library for information on the virus.

What additional security resources are available?
Click here for additional information on UI Network Security