Student Computing Requirements

All student computers running a computer on the Fairfield University network are expected to have the following:
  1. University-supplied antivirus software must be installed. If you are unsure if you have this installed, click here for Windows or click here (Mac OS X).
  2. Updated virus definition files
  3. All Windows Critical Updates & Service Packs or Mac OS X operating system & security updates must be installed and up-to-date

How do you ensure that you meet these expectations? Follow these steps:

  1. Determine if the appropriate antivirus software is installed on your computer:
    Click Start, Programs, and if you see either Symantec Client Security or Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition listed then proceed to Step 2. If you do not have either of these, then you need to install it. Click here to find out how for PC or click here to find out for Mac.
  2. Update your currently installed antivirus program:
    Open your antivirus program and click the 'Live Update' button. Follow the installation instructions provided.
  3. Scan your computer for viruses (Windows):
    Click here for instructions.
  4. Scan your computer for viruses (Mac OS X):
    Click here for instructions.
  5. Update your operating system (Windows):
    Go to the Windows Update web site located below and scan for and install all Critical Updates and Service Packs. (www.windowsupdate.com) Note: If you are prompted to restart your computer, you MUST do so. After your computer reboots, go back to Windows Update and continue scanning and installing until there are zero critical updates remaining.
  6. Windows XP and Vista users MUST set Automatic Windows Update:
    This should be done ONLY for users with Windows XP or Vista. This setting will set your Automatic Windows Update settings to auto download and install all Critical Updates and Services Packs from Microsoft. Click here for help.
  7. Update your operating system (Mac OS X):
    Go to the Apple menu in the upper left-hand corner of the screen and choose Software Update.
  8. Check any Mac OS X and Security updates and click Install in the lower right-hand corner.

Please note that C&NS does not monitor content being transmitted to or from your computer. We do, however, monitor and scan for possible viruses and needed updates. Understand that each computer needs to be updated and scanned regularly to ensure that viruses do not spread throughout the campus network.