Anti-Virus Software

Protecting Your Computer

Please Note: All Vassar-owned PCs are running Windows XP

About your Vassar-owned computer

Is my Vassar-owned computer safe from viruses?
The target for most computer viruses are computers running Windows XP and Widows Vista. Mac OS users are usually safe. If you are using a Vassar-owned computer, are running Symantec virus protection provided by the College, and have allowed your software to do the regular updates it is supposed to do, then you are covered. You ensure your software is up-to-date by following the steps outlined below for XP and Vista users.

What if my computer already has a virus?
If you believe your computer has become infected, shut it down, turn the power off, unplug it contact the CIS Help Desk at helpdesk@vassar.edu or 845-437-7224 (x7224 from a campus phone).



Steps To Update Anti-Virus Software for WINDOWS XP USERS:

  1. Right-click the shield in your task bar and choose Open Symantec Anti virus.
    right-click
  2. Click Live Update.

    liveupdate
  3. Click Next if asked. Live Update will run automatically. You don't need to click anything else. This window will close when live update is complete. You can then click Exit on the Symantec Anti virus window.

    liveupdaterun

Steps To Update Anti-Virus Software for WINDOWS VISTA USERS:

  1. Right-click the shield in your task bar and choose Open Symantec Endpoint Protection.
    right-click
  2. Click Live Update.

    liveupdate
  3. Live Update will run automatically. You don't need to click anything. This window will close when live update is complete. You can then close the Symantec Endpoint Protection window.

    liveupdaterun

How can I protect my personal (not college-owned) computer?

  1. Install and use a good security suite (such as Norton Internet Security and Norton 360) and make sure the virus definitions are up-to-date.
  2. Keep your computer updated with the latest patches.
  3. Never use free security scans that pop up on many web sites. All too often these are fake, using scare tactics to try to get you to purchase their full service. In many cases these are actually infecting you while they run.
  4. Be smart with your passwords. This includes changing your passwords periodically, using complex passwords and using a separate, longer password for each site that has sensitive personal information or access to your bank accounts or credit cards.