NIAMH BARRETT COMPUTERS - FREE ONLINE TUTORIALS

(List of Tutorials)

How to use Nortons antivirus software

• Two-pronged attack on viruses: Updating and Scanning
• Step 1: How to update
• Find out when you last updated
• What to do if your subscription has run out
• LiveUpdate - the update itself
• Step 2: How to scan
• What about Spyware?
• Tips on Securing your Personal Computer

Two-pronged attack on viruses: Updating and Scanning

You need an anti-virus software program such as Nortons because it can detect and repair the viruses that cause damage to your computer. The first step is to purchase Nortons anti-virus and install it onto your computer. Then you must regularly update and then scan.

UPDATING Antivirus software will only help protect you from viruses if you update it regularly. Antivirus programs work by comparing your machine against known viruses. When you update your software you download information about all the latest viruses. This information is referred to as virus definitions. As virus writers are always coming up with new ways to infect your computer, we recommend that you UPDATE all the new virus definitions monthly, if not weekly.

SCANNING is when you actually run Nortons on your computer so that it can check whether or not you are infected with any new viruses. That's why it's important to update first, and then scan! You should SCAN your computer at least once a week.

Step 1. How to Update

• Find out when you last updated

Launch Nortons by clicking on:
Start < Programs < Nortons
The window that comes up will look like the one in Diagram 1. Can you see where it says Virus Definitions? The date beside it is the last time you updated. If it has been more than a month since you updated, then run LiveUpdate to ensure your safety.

• What to do if your subscription has run out

You must have a current subscription in order to perform an update (LiveUpdate). If you do not have a current subscription then you can renew it by clicking on the
Subscription Service link as shown in Diagram 1. You will need a connection to the internet and your credit card details handy.

• Using LiveUpdate to update virus definitions

To update, launch Nortons by clicking on:
Start < Programs < Nortons
and clicking on the LiveUpdate button as shown in Diagram 2. Simply follow the steps, as instructed, clicking Next on each new screen.

Step 2. How to Scan

Open the Nortons window by choosing:
Start < Programs < Nortons

When the Nortons window opens, click on Full System Scan. That will bring up the Scan Now button on the right hand side of the window as you can see in Diagram 3. Click on the Scan Now button to begin scanning.

Depending on how much you store on your computer, the scan may take anywhere from 10 - 40 minutes.

It is recommended that you scan at least once a week.

What about Spyware?

• You will NOT be able to protect yourself against spyware by using Nortons.
• Nortons will only protect you against viruses.

In order to protect against spyware, you can download and install a free product
AdAwareSE by Lavasoft which you can update and scan just as you do with Nortons. Find out how.

Tips for Securing your Personal Computer

• Enable the Windows XP Firewall on all your internet connections
• To secure against viruses and spyware:
• First, use Disk Cleanup
• Then update AdAware and Nortons
• Scan first with AdAware
• Then scan with Nortons
• DO THIS ONCE A WEEK!