Safe Computing Practices - Install Symantec AntiVirus
Install Symantec AntiVirus and Keep Virus Definitions Up-to-Date
Viruses are malicious programs that run on your computer. They can take control by being:
- Destructive: compromising computer files; allowing outsiders to access your files; replicate itself through e-mail (using your address book) or through the network; etc.
- Non-destructive: consuming computer resources which drastically slows up your computer; receive annoying pop-ups or error messages; etc.
By installing Symantec AntiVirus and ensuring the virus definitions are kept up-to-date you will be less likely to fall victim to computer viruses.
Students attempting to register their Windows laptop or desktop computers on the Stony Brook Residential Network, should download the Un-Managed for Windows 32 bit or 64 bit depending on what system they have.
To find out what Windows system you have:
- Go to the Start menu in the bottom left corner of your desktop
- Right click on Computer
- Go to Properties
- In Vista, it will tell you whether you’re running 32 bit or 64 bit under System Type. On a Windows XP machine, it will only tell you if you have a 64 bit system type. It will not say anything if you have 32 bit, it will just list the operating system you are running.
Once you log in to Softweb, go to the AntiVirus section. You will come to a page that looks like the one pictured below. If you are a Windows user, select either Un-Managed for Windows 32 bit or 64 bit. Click on the blue download link that corresponds with your operating system. Mac users should scroll down to the Macintosh OS X section and click on the blue download link that corresponds to their operating system.
