One of the best ways to keep your computer free of destructive viruses is to regularly update your anti-virus software. Lab employees who use PCs and Macs can download the latest version of Norton AntiVirus from the Virus Protection section of LBNL software download page. This version of the software has a default option to update the virus signature list (which tells the application what the latest viruses look like) on a weekly basis. While that frequency was sufficient a year ago, it's inadequate today and should be changed to a daily update schedule.

PC users: To change the frequency of updates, go into the Norton AntiVirus program (either by clicking on the small yellow shield icon in the system tray or by going from the Start menu to Programs to Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition. From the File menu, select the "Schedule Updates" option. Make sure the "Enable scheduled automatic updates" box is checked, then click on Schedule. Click on "Daily" and set the time so the update occurs while your computer is running (if you shut down your system each evening, set the update time to your working hours).

Mac users: Go to the Apple Menu, select Norton Antivirus under Control Panels. When it opens, click on the LiveUpdate button on the right. In the live update window, click on "Schedule Future Updates" to set up your automatic updates. Or click on "Update Everything Now" to do a manual update.

If you need help, contact the computer support Help Desk at X4357. For more information about viruses, visit the Computer Protection Program Web site.