FAQ - AntiVirus Software

 What is Antivirus?
Antivirus software protects e-mail, instant messages, and other files by removing viruses and worms. It may also quarantine infected files to keep a virus from spreading on your computer and can repair infected files so you can use them without fear of damaging your computer or spreading a virus to others.

What risks are involved?
If your computer isn't fortified against the most recent viruses, you leave your system wide open for every bug, worm, and virus floating around the Internet. These debilitating bugs and viruses can cause your computer to malfunction. They may also make your computer vulnerable to identity thieves and hackers.

What can I do to protect myself?
Install antivirus software on your computer and run daily updates. The campus provides free antivirus for staff and faculty work computers, and recommends free antivirus software for student and home computers.

How do I know if I have antivirus software on my computer?
A computer with a properly installed antivirus software will generally prompt you to update the program every once and a while. If your computer doesn't ask you to update virus definitions, you may not have virus software properly installed.