Antivirus and Firewall: Overview
All computers connected to the Internet are continually probed and scanned for vulnerabilities that allow a virus, worm, or hacker to install malicious software and damage or take control of the system.
Antivirus and firewall software protects your Windows or Macintosh computer from malicious Internet software including viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.
Antivirus
Antivirus software scans your computer for viruses and other malicious software and can help remove or contain threats.
CIT supports Symantec Endpoint Security antivirus software (Windows) and Norton AntiVirus software (Macintosh). This software is free to faculty, students, Cornell University employees, and affiliates who use computer equipment owned by the university.
Caution: Uninstall any previous versions of antivirus software before installing the latest version. Failing to uninstall before upgrading may result in serious problems.
Firewall
In addition to antivirus software, everyone should run a firewall. A firewall monitors network traffic into and out of your system and attempts to block connections that appear to be hostile.
CIT recommends using the Firewall built into the Windows XP, Vista, and Macintosh operating systems.
License
Symantec Endpoint Protection and Norton AntiVirus can be installed on any university-owned computer, and on home computers owned by registered students or by currently employed staff and faculty. Use these programs while you are a registered student or current faculty or staff member. If your affiliation with Cornell ends, you must remove this software from any computers you own.