Critical Software Updates - T61p

NOTE: Make sure you are connected to the network before doing any of the updates described below.

1. Virus Updates
Computer viruses pose a constant threat to the security and safety of the data stored on your laptop, and it is your responsibility to keep your laptop virus-free. The Symantec AntiVirus package has been installed on your laptop. You need to keep it up-to-date to provide the protection for which it has been designed. Symantec continually publishes updates to the virus signature databases used to detect or clean a new virus, should it find its way to your system.

The default configuration is set to automatically update the virus signature database daily provided your laptop is connected to the network.

If you disable this setting, you must follow the steps below at least once a week.

Either right-click the shield on the quick-launch toolbar (bottom right of your screen) and select Open Symantec AntiVirus... or left-click on the Start menu (Windows icon,) select All Programs, scroll to and left click on Symantec Client Security, and then left click on Symantec AntiVirus.
In the window that appears, click the LiveUpdate… button.
A LiveUpdate window appears. Click the Next button to begin downloading the anti-virus software files.
When the downloading is finished, click the Finish button. Wait for the update process to complete.
Finally, click Exit to close Symantec AntiVirus.

2. Automatic Windows and Office Updates

Microsoft periodically issues updates for Windows and Microsoft Office. Some of these updates increase the security of your computer. Other updates fix bugs, improve performance, and add functionality.

Windows Vista recognizes when you are on line and searches for these high priority Windows updates from the Microsoft Update web site. They will be installed automatically.

The first time you run a Microsoft Office produce, you will be asked if you want to enable automatic updates for Office. We suggest you do this.

Periodically, we suggest you check for non-critical updates which can improve the performance of your system, update drivers, etc. You can find them by going to the Start menu and selecting Start -> All Programs -> Windows Update.

3. Windows Defender Updates

At the recommendation of Symantec, Windows Defender has been disabled because Symantec now provides similar functionality. However, Windows Updates will still continue to keep Windows Defender current on your laptop.

Last modified: September 5, 2008