Protecting Your Computer From Viruses
Problem:
What software protects my computer from viruses, and how do I use it? What should I do if I encouter a virus on my machine?Solution:
Note: if these instructions do not match the Virus Scan on your computer, you may have an older version. Please contact the helpdesk at helpdesk@isye.gatech.edu for an upgrade.
The McAfee Virus Scan software is installed on all computers on the ISyE network. It appears as a small shield with a V in the taskbar:
This program is running in the background the entire time the computer is switched on, conducting continuous scans of the files on the user's machine. DO NOT CLOSE VIRUS SCAN, or the PC will become susceptible to viruses.
Conducting a Manual Scan:
If you wish to run a manual scan, right click on the Virus Scan icon and select On-Demand Scan.
The On-Demand Scan Properties window will open. Be sure that All Local Drives is highlighted, and then click on Scan Now.
Detecting a Virus:
In the event that Virus Scan detects an infected file, it will automatically try to delete the file:
- If the deletion succeeds, Virus Scan will produce a pop-up message informing the user of its actions. Simply close the message.
- If the deletion fails, Virus Scan will inform the user of this failure. Please send a message to helpdesk@isye.gatech.edu in this event.
Upgrading the Virus Definitions:
Virus Scan software updates occur automatically at 9:00 every morning. If you have a laptop or you usually shut down your machine before you leave in the evening, then you can manually update your virus scan by right clicking on the virus scan icon and selecting the Update Now menu.
