Antivirus Software Provided by Lawrence University

Lawrence University gives students, faculty, and staff the option of installing antivirus software provided by the university (free of charge!) on your personal/home computer. This software is installed directly from the ITS website. To begin, visit the Installing Antivirus Software page and log in using your network username and password. Be sure to read each page carefully before continuing with the installation.

FAQ: Viruses and Antivirus Software on Personal/Home Computers

Review the frequently asked questions below for helpful information pertaining to viruses and most antivirus software.

  1. I think I have a virus on my computer - what do I do?
    If you think you know what virus you have, you can first try and find out if there is a virus removal tool for that specific virus. If there is such a tool, we recommend that you use that tool first. Then, you need to install antivirus software to prevent that virus, or some other virus, from re-infecting your computer. If you do not know which virus is on your computer, it is best to obtain and install antivirus software and then run a complete system virus scan.
  2. What software does Lawrence provide?
    Lawrence University has entered into a license agreement with Sophos to provide LU students, faculty, and staff with Sophos antivirus software on Windows and Macintosh systems. This is the same brand of software installed on Lawrence-owned computers.
  3. Does the Lawrence-provided software come with a firewall?
    No. The software provides antivirus protection only.
  4. What happens if I don't install the Lawrence-provided antivirus software and then I get a virus?
    That will depend on the nature of the virus; if the virus is disruptive to the campus network or computer systems, the ability to use your computer on the Lawrence network will be disabled. You will be contacted by ITS and asked to correct the problem.
  5. I already have antivirus software - why do I need new/other software?
    If you have a current, updated version of an antivirus product, then you do not need to install the Lawrence-provided software. Many, many computer users have outdated or expired anti-virus software that provides little or no protection. Please make sure that your software is current and is being updated at least weekly. (Note that brand new computers typically come with a very limited demo version of the antivirus software. If you want to keep using that version, then you must subscribe to the product updates and pay for the software.)
  6. I do not want to use the provided software - what are my options?
    You can choose to install any vendor's antivirus software that you wish on your computer. Just remember that you must keep it current for it to function correctly. Most vendors do require a subscription payment in addition to the original software purchase.
  7. What happens to the Lawrence-provided software when or if I leave Lawrence?
    Per the license agreement with Sophos, you must agree to remove the software when you leave Lawrence (before you will be allowed to install the software).
  8. What are the system requirements for the Lawrence-provided software?
    The software will work with Windows 2000/XP/Vista and most versions of Mac OS X.
  9. I use Linux - what should I do about virus protection?
    At this time Lawrence University does not provide antivirus software for Linux systems. Due to the lower number of users of these systems and the types of viruses found to date, the threat from these systems is relatively low. Nevertheless, if you use Linux, ITS advises you do have some type of protection installed.