AntiVirus
Protection of desktop computers and file servers from computer viruses is essential to creating a stable computer network.
In order to provide the greatest stability and security on North Dakota's statewide network, STAGENet, we feel it is vitally important that schools implement virus protection. EduTech provides licenses for Symantec Client Security (SCS) and Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) available to all K-12 schools in the state of North Dakota. These licenses provide up-to-date computer virus protection and/or desktop security to all desktop machines and file servers in participating schools.
What does it cost?
- Public Schools
- EduTech is paying the full license cost.
- Private schools
- There is a small fee for each SCS or SEP license. However, because of the great volume EduTech purchases, the cost will be much lower than if you had purchased them by yourself.
Does our school have to participate?
Although participation is not mandatory, we encourage all K-12 schools in North Dakota to join us in this program. Schools which experience a computer virus outbreak or have machines compromised (hacked) may lose access to STAGEnet. The risk of these events occurring is greatly reduced by using desktop security software such as Symantec Client Security and Symantec Endpoint Protection.
Our school uses a different antivirus solution (e.g. disk imaging, drive freezing, etc.) Is this considered computer virus protection?
In this environment it is still possible for computers to become infected with viruses or compromised (hacked), however when they are re-imaged the computer returns to a non-infected/non-compromised state. You are strongly encouraged to take additional steps beyond disk freezing to protect your desktop computers and network from attack.
How does virus protection software work?
When installed and configured properly the software periodically scans your computers hard drive and memory searching for known viruses. The software also monitors files that are accessed to see if they are manipulated in a suspicious way. This allows you to stop viruses even if they are not yet known by the definitions.
What are virus definitions?
Much like most-wanted pictures in a post office, virus definitions allow antivirus software to recognize malicious programs on your computer. As new viruses are discovered, definitions are created by antivirus software companies and made available to their subscribers.
What is a virus definitions server?
Individual computers need to occasionally update their list of virus definitions and intrusion protection signatures. They do this by connecting to a virus definitions server. Although a school may elect to operate their own, EduTech manages multiple servers for the purpose of distributing virus definitions and intrusion protection signatures.
My school already has virus protection software, can we participate in this program too?
We welcome all schools into the program. However, you will need to remove your current virus protection software before installing Symantec Client Security or Symantec Endpoint Protection in your school.
What happens when we buy new and/or retire old computers?
Each year you will report the number of computers licensed in your school using the license request form. If you replace computers, the existing license will transfer to the new one. If you add additional computer, simply install the software and include that computer in your license count when performing your annual report of licenses to EduTech.
Do we have to protect every computer in the school?
You should protect every computer that has a network connection.
Do Macintosh computers need virus protection software?
No platform is immune to malicious computer code. Although Macintosh computers are not popular targets for virus writers, Mac viruses still exist. Computer applications can also be targeted for viruses, regardless of whether you run them on a Mac or PC.
Can we use this software on home computers?
The license does not allow software provided by this plan to be installed on home machines.
Who do I contact with other questions?
Please feel free to contact the EduTech Help Desk with any questions at 1.800.774.1091 or via e-mail at sendit.helpdesk@sendit.nodak.edu.
Last updated on July 28, 2008