Virus Protection and Windows Updates
The first line of defense in protecting your system from Virus' and Malware is keeping your Virus Protection and Operating Systems updated. On this page are basic instructions for updating the Symantec Endpoint Antivirus Software, checking for Windows Vista and XP Updates and Service packs.
Virus Protection - Antivirus Software
Faculty and Staff
Contact your local System Administrator for Antivirus protection of WSU owned computers.
If your department does not have a System Administrator, contact the Help Desk 509-335-HELP
Privately Owned Computers (Students & Employees)
WSU ITS will cease providing AntiVirus Clients for non-University owned computers on Feb. 15th, 2011. Additional information is available in the WSU Today article "WSU's Symantec Antivirus license expires".
Windows Updates
Windows Vista*
- Click Start Icon
- Type “Windows Update”
- Click on “Windows Update” link
- Click “Check for Updates” link on left side menu
- If updates are found, install updates
*Make sure that the computer is plugged into AC power and not running off the battery.
Windows XP*
- Navigate web browser to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
- Windows will check the type of Windows software
- A message may appear on the information bar at the top of the page requesting to download a Microsoft file. Click the information bar and download the file.
- There will be an install pop-up that will ask to install Windows Update. Install the software.
- Click the “Express” button to search for updates
- Install the updates.
*Make sure that the computer is plugged into AC power and not running off the battery.
Need updates but don’t have internet access? Contact your RA!
Windows Vista Service Pack Installation Guide
To check which service pack your computer currently has, right click on "My Computer", click "Properties". A window should appear with tabs across the top. In the middle of the window you should see text describing your computer, like this:
Windows edition
Windows Vista Enterprise
Copyright 2007 Microsoft
Service Pack 1
In the event your computer does not say "Service Pack 1", you need to install the service pack using the disc. If the text does say "Service Pack 1", then you do not need to install anything using this disc.
Double click whichever service pack your computer needs. Follow the on-screen instructions for the installation.
***NOTE***
The service pack installation will require your computer to restart multiple times. Please save any open work before beginning the process.
After the installation is complete, please run windows update at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Windows XP Service Pack(s) Installation Guide
To check which service pack your computer currently has, right click on "My Computer", click "Properties". A window should appear with tabs across the top. In the middle of the window you should see text describing your computer, like this:
System:
Microsoft Windows XP
Professional
Version 2002
Service Pack 3
In the event your computer says "Service Pack 1", you will need to install Service Packs 2 AND 3 from the disc. If your computer says "Service Pack 2", please install just Service Pack 3. And finally, if your computer says "Service Pack 3", you do not need to install anything from this disc.
Double click whichever service pack your computer needs. Follow the on-screen instructions for the installation.
***NOTE***
The service pack installation will require your computer to restart multiple times. Please save any open work before beginning the process.
After the installation is complete, please run windows update at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Any questions? Call 335-HELP (4357)