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Download and install Sophos Anti-virus
Learn to use Sophos Anti-virus
Learn about and remove Spyware
Learn more about our anti-virus policy

In recent years computer virus related problems have been responsible for millions of dollars in damage as well as disrupting countless college campus networks. Here at Eckerd we are taking a proactive approach to managing virus threats by providing all current students with free virus protection software. The security of our network, and more importantly your data, is of utmost importance. Our anti-virus policy indicates that you MUST be running anti-virus software on campus and now you can do so for free. In addition to being free, our anti-virus software updates itself automatically so that you never have to worry about being protected from the most current computer virus.

Installing Sophos Anti-Virus for Windows 2000/XP/VISTA

NOTE: It is highly suggested that you uninstall any anti-virus programs and related software you may currently be running (i.e. McAfee, Norton, etc). These can prevent Sophos from working correctly. Related software which must be removed includes Live Update from Symantec, McAfee Security Center, and Computer Associates EZ Armor Suite. If you currently have an older version of Sophos Antivirus, it will be automatically upgraded.

Click the above Free Download button.

Depending on your browser you will be prompted to either run or save the file called SophosAV.exe. Save the file to your desktop and then run it. At the initial screen click OK, and wait for completion of the installation. Your system may require a reboot.

Immediate Update to Sophos Anti-Virus

To run an update of Sophos products manually, do as follows.

1. In the Windows taskbar, right-click the Sophos Anti-Virus icon.

2. On the menu, select Update Now.

3. The Sophos Anti-Virus icon is animated while updating takes place.

Spyware Information

Spyware is any software that installs itself and runs in the background of a computer while using an internet connection without the knowledge and/or permission from the user. Other related software which can do harm to your computer are known as Datamining, aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, Keyloggers, selected traditional Trojans, Dialers, Malware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components.

Some very common spyware programs to watch out for are:
Ezula - ATTune - Comet Cursor - Alexa - nCase - and many more.

Spyware can be removed by downloading, installing, and using spyware removal programs available from the internet such as Ad-aware or Spybot. Just like antivirus software, in order for a spyware removal tool to be effective the user must regularly check for and update the spyware definition files. Simply running the un-install program or removing known spyware from Add/Remove programs in Control Panel isn't enough.

ITS strongly recommends the use of several programs for removing spyware. Ad-Aware(www.lavasoftusa.com), SpyBot, or Windows Defender are 3 spyware utilities that can be downloaded for free on either www.download.com or www.majorgeeks.com.