Update once per week

AntiVirus Software Updates

There are two kinds of updates for AntiVirus software. 

1. Virus definition updates which tell the antivirus program what viruses to look for.

2. Program updates which update the program itself and make it more effective in combating viruses.

If you get a message that it is time to renew your subscription follow the onscreen instructions or visit Symantec Subscription Services for help.

Norton AntiVirus (Version 2001 and newer)

Version 2001 introduced automatic updates.  Whenever you connect to the Internet Norton AntiVirus will check to see if there is a virus definition update, and if so, automatically download it.  Program updates still have to be done manually.  Follow the steps for version 2000 and older below to update the program.

Norton Anti Virus (Version 2000 and older)

If you are in the market for a new AntiVirus program I recommend Symantec’s Norton AntiVirus or better yet, Norton Internet Security which adds a firewall.

Once per week, follow the instructions below:

1. First, connect to the Internet. The way you connect is different depending on the type of Internet service you have. If you have America Online start the program and click Sign On and wait until you are connected.
   
2. Once you are connected to the Internet double click on the LiveUpdate button on your Desktop.
   
1. (If you don't have one then click on the Start button in the lower left-hand corner, click Programs or All Programs (in XP), click Norton Anti Virus or Norton Internet Security (it may be in the Utilities folder), click Norton Anti Virus again, and right-click on the LiveUpdate button, click on Send To, click on Desktop.)
   
3. The software will connect to the Symantec web site.
   
4. Follow the on screen instructions, for most the software will download and install any available updates automatically. Repeat until it tells you that "All of your Symantec products are up-to-date".

If Live Update does not work correctly you can manually download updates at:

http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/defs.download.html.

McAfee VirusScan (version 4 or higher only)

If your computer came with McAfee VirusScan check the version number you are using.  McAfee is no longer providing updates for versions 2 through 5.  They want you to upgrade to version 8, but I recommend you switch to Norton AntiVirus instead.

How to check what version of McAfee you have

1. Click on the Start button in the lower left-hand corner.
2. Click on Programs or All Programs.
3. Click on McAfee VirusScan.
4. Click on McAfee VirusScan again.
5. Click on the Help menu.
6. Click on About.

How to update McAfee VirusScan version 6 or higher

1. First, connect to the Internet. The way you connect is different depending on the type of Internet service you have. If you have America Online start the program and click Sign On and wait until you are connected.
2. Once you are connected to the Internet click on the Start button in the lower left-hand corner.
3. Click Programs or All Programs.
4. Click on McAfee VirusScan.
5. Click on McAfee VirusScan again.
6. Click on the Update button and wait. The software will connect to the McAfee web site.
7. Follow the on screen instructions to download the free DAT files.

If the online update does not work correctly you can manually download the update at http://download.mcafee.com/updates/updates.asp