Tip #96
Learn how to check the status of your antivirus software and how to force a manual update.

This book is not designed to be a replacement for traditional computer books or software manuals. Rather, this book shows you opportunities for small business computer support cost savings, while warning you of common potential pitfalls that can cost your company dearly if ignored.

 

When Being Wrong is Really Dangerous

Over the years, I've met a great many small business owners who thought their antivirus software was up to date. But very few of them actually knew how to verify the date of the last update.

You usually can find this last updated information on various antivirus software programs by going to the Help pull-down menu and choosing the About command. If your antivirus software program is active or enabled, as well it should be, you probably also can right click on its icon in the Microsoft Windows Taskbar, at the bottom of your screen, and choose the About or Properties command.

 

But Our Sales Rep Said the Software Automatically Updates

Just as important, you cannot always depend on the software vendor's claim that the antivirus software will update itself automatically. Many antivirus software programs promise automated updates but frankly do not deliver.

This means you need to know how to force or download a manual update to the antivirus software program. Again, my goal here is not to overlap with your included software documentation, but rather to rein-force the critical necessity of keeping your antivirus software current. In most cases, you'll find easy-to-navigate file download links on the software vendor's Web site, so you can update your antivirus software.

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