Stanford offers free anti-virus software for its users through a site license-- Symantec Anti-virus for PCs and Norton Antivirus for Macs. To download and install, visit:

Essential Stanford Software

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Of course, there is one caveat: anti-virus software must be kept up-to-date to be effective. Anti-virus software relies on virus definitions to recognize viruses and when new viruses come out, security companies like Symantec rush to write and release those definitions to their customers. Fortunately, you can set up your anti-virus software to automatically check for and download updated virus definitions on a regular basis. With so many new viruses coming out these days, you should probably configure your software to check for updates everyday. For directions on how to do this (as well as download and install virus definitions manually):

For instructions on how to download the latest virus definitions and schedule automatic updates:

• For PC
• For Mac

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If you are unlucky enough to be running anti-virus software, but get a virus before the virus definitions are released, you can still get help. As soon as they are released, download and install the latest virus definitions and then scan your computer. Your anti-virus software should now be able to recognize the virus as well as any infected files and quarantine them. Then, you can either try to repair or delete those files.

Of course, some viruses do more than just infect files-- they can change registry settings (on Windows computers), open backdoor ports on your computer and more. For more complicated viruses, you may have to manually fix the damage or use a special virus removal tool. You can find out how to do both of these things at the Symantec Web site. If you need help or have questions, you should talk to your RCC.

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