What is Symantec/Norton AntiVirus software, and where can I get it?

Note: For information about Symantec's latest antivirus product, see What is Symantec Endpoint Protection?

Symantec/Norton AntiVirus (SAV for Windows, NAV for Mac OS and OS X) is a virus protection program distributed by the Symantec Corporation, offering effective protection features, including infected file quarantine, online virus protection updates, and an automatic scheduler. SAV/NAV is designed to start running as soon as your computer's operating system starts. It runs in the background, checking all vulnerable files for possible infection by mischievous, sometimes malevolent, programs called viruses and worms. SAV/NAV does this by looking for the identifying signatures of these worms and viruses and comparing them to known viruses for which it has files. When it detects an infected file, it notifies you and manages the infection according to your preferences.

SAV/NAV software is available to Indiana University students, faculty, and staff for free via IUware.

In order for your antivirus software to help keep your computer secure, follow these guidelines:

• Always run the latest version of SAV/NAV software for your operating system, being sure to upgrade safely; see In Windows, how do I safely upgrade to the latest Symantec Endpoint or AntiVirus software?
• Update your virus pattern files daily, and scan your computer weekly for viruses. It's easiest to set these to occur automatically; for instructions, click the appropriate link below:
  
  
  • Windows: In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus for Windows, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?
  • Mac OS and OS X: In Norton AntiVirus for Mac OS or Mac OS X, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?

  You can set up SAV/NAV software to automatically update your virus pattern files as often as you choose. Doing this daily helps assure that your software will detect the most recently discovered viruses. You can also schedule SAV/NAV to automatically scan your computer for viruses each week, after LiveUpdate runs.

  SAV/NAV uses a feature called LiveUpdate to update your virus pattern files to the latest version, and then uses these files to scan your computer for viruses. Older versions of SAV/NAV may not be able to use LiveUpdate in Windows. UITS recommends upgrading to a recent version. For other security reasons, UITS also recommends that you upgrade your operating system; see For Windows computers on the IU network, why does UITS recommend Windows 2000, XP Professional, or Vista Enterprise or Ultimate?

Additionally, local support providers (LSPs) can set up a SAV Enterprise server to deploy Automated Virus Definitions to the computers they administer. For more information, see At IU, how do I set up a SAV server so that my departmental workstations can update virus definitions automatically?

Also see:

• In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus, how do I check the version number of the program and the age of the virus pattern update?
• For Symantec products at IU, where can I find help online?
• What is security software?