You are here: Home » Education » Services to Schools » ICT in schools » Information & FAQs » Qs & As about Antivirus
Questions and Answers about Antivirus
Q. What is a virus?
A virus is a program that is able to cause serious damage to computer settings and data, making the computer unusable. Data stored on the computers could be lost completely and the cost of work involved in getting the computers working again could run into hundreds of pounds. These programs can spread from computer to computer in a variety of ways e.g. by copying themselves onto discs and across networks, including the Internet.
Q. What is antivirus software?
Anti-Virus software works in the background to prevent computers from becoming infected. They also help users to deal with infections when they occur. Antivirus software is only as good as the latest virus and, as such, need to be regularly updated. These updates are called Virus Definition Files and are simply files that have details of all the latest known viruses. Updates are usually provided via the Internet on a daily/weekly/monthly basis or after a serious outbreak and you need to download these on a regular basis (preferably daily).
Q. I have purchased the antivirus software - that means I am covered, doesn't it?
Only for a short period! When you purchase the software it may come with, for example, 3 months worth of 'free' updates. This means you can download the updates free of charge for 3 months only. After that time you will not be allowed to update the Virus Definition Files anymore and you will not be fully covered against the latest viruses.
You can still use the software, as you have bought that, but it will become increasingly out of date as time goes on and your risk of getting a virus increases. This is the case in many schools with NGfL networks, where the licenses are now out of date.
Q. What do I do after my period of 'free' updates run out?
You then have to pay to allow you to continue to download the latest Virus Definition Files. For Norton, this typically costs in the region of £15-£20 for each computer you are running the software on and will last for 2 years. After the 2 years you would need to pay again for each computer. In effect you are then purchasing, or subscribing to, the update service.
Again, you can still use the software, as you have bought that, but it will become increasingly out of date as time goes on and your risk of getting a virus increases.
Q. Is my school network currently protected?
When the NGFL networks were set up, Norton Antivirus was supplied. Year 4 NGFL networks came with a 1-year update licence. This has now expired for all users. Years 1-3 NGFL networks have also now expired. Schools that have not bought new licences will now have out of date Virus Definition Files. There is no easy answer as to whether your system is still up to date with the latest Virus Definition Files. You will need to get a technician or other knowledgeable person to check this for you.
If you are not up to date you will need to determine how many 'update' licences you need and purchase the required number (at £15-£20 per computer). You will then need to ensure the computers are set up to automatically download the files to keep the system up to date. Your technician or support contractors should be able to do this for you.
Note: To be fully protected ALL your computers need the antivirus software on them. If some of your computers do not currently have the software installed, you will need to install the software on those computers.
Q. Where do I get the licences and software?
Licences and software can be purchased from software companies directly or from 3rd party computer suppliers. Viglen will be able to supply these, but you may have a preferred supplier who may be able to help.
Q. What should I do if I think I have a virus
Firstly ensure that the virus cannot spread. If it is on only one or a few computers isolate them by disconnecting them from the network. Do not use the computers until the virus is removed. You then need to get up-to-date versions of antivirus software and use this to remove the virus from the infected computers. The computer can then be used again safely. If you cannot do this yourself then you will need a technician or a support company to do it for you.
How useful is this page?