Scanning Your Computer with Symantec Endpoint Protection

All users should update their system to help prevent virus attacks.

Updates for Windows operating systems are found at windowsupdate.microsoft.com. At this site, click EXPRESS, and allow your machine to be scanned for updates. When the scan is finished click INSTALL UPDATES. Allow all High-priority updates to be installed.
Apple users can click on the Apple menu, then click System Updates.

Scanning Your Windows PC

1.On the Start Menu, point to All Programs, Symantec Endpoint Protection, and then click the Symantec Endpoint Protection shortcut.

2. The Symantec Endpoint Status window will appear. (Figure 1)

Important: Check the Virus Definitions dates displayed. If the displayed file date is older than one week, call the Help Desk at extension 2828.


Figure 1- Symantec Endpoint Protection main window

If recent updates are displayed you are ready to scan:

3. Click Scan for threats. (Figure 2)
It is recommended you do a Run Full Scan weekly. A good time to run a full scan is during your lunch break. A full scan can take up to an hour.
You can continue working as Symantec scans your computer. Your other choices are Run Active Scan (which only scans the most commonly infected areas) or Create a New Scan (or custom scan).

Figure 2 - Scan for Threats window

3. To scan a specific folder or file navigate to the folder using My Computer. Right-click the folder or file, then click Scan for Viruses. (Figure 3)

Besides your local C drive you may see other drives displayed. These are network, CD and other external drives. Scan only your local or personal external drives. Do not scan network drives. (As of this date, network drives use letters: I, K, O, S, T, Y and Z)

Figure 3 - Navigate and Scan

4. Symantec will immediately begin to scan the files. The results window appears when the scan is completed. Any viruses found will be displayed in this window.

Figure 4 - Scan Results Window

Scanning Your Macintosh for Viruses

1. Run Symantec AntiVirus: Open a new Finder Window. Go to Applications. Click the Symantec Antivirus app. (Figure 5)

Figure 5 - Finder window

Or click the Symantec icon on the Dock. Figure 6

The Symantec main window appears.

Figure 7 LiveUpdate and Scan

Important: Before scanning, update the Virus Definitions by following the steps below:

2. In the Symantec AntiVirus main window, click on the LiveUpdate button (Figure 7).
The LiveUpdate window will appear (Figure 8).

Figure 8 - LiveUpdate window

Click on the Update Everything Now button. (Figure 8) Symantec will attempt to download the latest virus definitions. The LiveUpdate Summary window will then appear (Figure 9).  Symantec has verified that you have the latest update, or it has installed a new definition file if one is available.
Make sure the NAV for Macintosh Virus Defs version reads "Latest."

Note: If your virus definitions are not properly updated, call the Help Desk at extension 2828.

Figure 9 - LiveUpdate Summary window

3. After finishing the update, run Symantec AntiVirus: Open a new Finder Window. Go to Applications. Click the Symantec Antivirus app. (Figure 5)
Or click the AntiVirus shield in the Dock (Figure 6)

4. In the Symantec AntiVirus Main window, click Scan.

5. The drives that can be scanned will be listed; highlight your Mac hard drive or any external drives you wish to scan. Do not scan network drives.

6. Click Select to start the scanning process.

The scanning process may take up to an hour.

Q&A: Virus and AntiVirus

What can I do to make my computer more secure against virus attacks?
It is very important to update your system frequently.
Windows updates are often issued to improve security, and fix virus related vulnerabilities. When your Windows XP computer asks if you would like to install a new update say YES. You can also obtain updates for all Windows operating systems at windowsupdate.microsoft.com. At this site, click the Express button, and allow your machine to be scanned for updates. When the scan is finished click the Install Updates button. Allow all High-priority updates to be installed.
For Apple computer users, go to the Apple menu and click System Updates.

Should I have an antivirus program installed on my personal computer?
Yes. There are a variety available, such as Symantec and McAfee.
Staff and faculty can download Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition software for free. (Login to MyNewSchool. Go to Employee tab, Academic Technology channel. Under Deals, Get Free Symantec Antivirus Software)

Where can I get the latest information and computer virus alerts?
Two of the most trusted sources of information and virus protection tools:
Symantec Security Response web site and the McAfee Security web site.

What is a computer virus?
A virus is a program that replicates itself. This is usually done by attaching itself to other files and programs (example: email attachments, Usenet news groups, floppy diskettes, Internet downloads). All viruses are different; some activate on a certain day, but remain dormant until then, others begin the attack as soon as the machine has been infected. Some viruses can be very damaging, some are just annoying.

In addition to viruses, there are a growing number of Trojan horse programs, some of which allow others access to your computer. AntiVirus software will also protect you from many of these, but if you already have the Trojan on your computer, you may need to manually remove it.

What is an antivirus program?
Most viruses are designed to operate in the background in a way that the user will not notice. Antivirus programs search for, and remove virus code. Antivirus programs must be kept up-to-date in order for them to provide adequate protection. The reason for this is that new viruses are being created everyday, and your antivirus program needs updated virus identification files to detect and disable these new virus codes.

How do I protect my New School computer from viruses?
At the New School the recommended antivirus program is Symantec AntiVirus. This is installed on every workstation. Symantec AntiVirus automatically updates its virus recognition file whenever a new virus is identified. Symantec AntiVirus starts when you boot-up your machine and checks for virus at regular intervals, and you can initiate scanning at any time on Windows PC and Mac workstation local hard drives and external drives. If a virus is found on your computer, contact the Help Desk at extension 2828.

It is very important to update your system frequently.
Windows updates are often issued to improve security, and fix virus related vulnerabilities. When your Windows computer prompts you to install a new update say YES. You can also obtain updates for Windows operating systems at windowsupdate.microsoft.com. At this site, click the Express button, and allow your machine to be scanned for updates. When the scan is finished click the Install Updates button. Allow all High-priority updates to be installed.
For Apple computer users, go to the Apple menu and click System Updates.

Last updated: May 21, 2010