Virus Information

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself (and others) from virus infection is to use and maintain your anti-virus software. Every Hartwick computer issued to students, faculty or staff is configured with virus software installed and pre-subscribed to Symantec for live updates.*  We require that any user who connects to Hartwick's network and Internet resources, whether using a Hartwick issued computer or a personally owned computer, must have antivirus software installed and working   It is the responsibility of the person who uses or who owns the computer to: 

1. Run "live update" at least once a day to make sure you keep your virus definitions current and
2. Run a virus scan at least once a month

* Windows Crtical Updates - As of the Fall of 2004 Hartwick is automatically downloading and installing Windows critical updates to any Hartwick issued computer attached to the campus network  

Personally Owned Computers

It is a violation of College policies to connect any computer (personally owned or Hartwick issued) to Hartwick's network without a licensed, working antivirus program which is subscribed to get virus definition updates. There are generally two components to antivirus software you will need to have running on your personal computer in order to attach to Hartwick's network. 

1. The antivirus software itself, which is used to scan your computer for viruses.  The software may have been installed on your personal computer when you purchased it.  If not, or if it was a demo version that has expired, the software will need to be purchased.  Personal purchases of antivirus software can be done online (see links below) or through the College Bookstore.
2. Your personal computer must be subscribed to an antivirus company such as Symantec or McAfee, to receive new virus definition updates so new viruses can be detected. When you buy antivirus software you generally get a period of time, typically 1 year,  when you can receive virus definition updates for free.  After this period you will need to subscribe to their service to continue to get the updates.

Note: Expired versions of antivirus software or old virus definitions will not protect your computer from viruses!