About Remote Computers That Connect To A Corporate Network; About Viruses - Symantec 10551441 - AntiVirus Corporate Edition Client Manual

About remote computers that connect to a corporate network

About viruses

Remote computers that connect to a corporate network can receive virus and
security risk definitions, and can be managed by the Symantec System Center
administrator program.
System administrators may require remote computers that connect to a
corporate network to meet some security requirements. For example, the
computer may have to run Symantec AntiVirus with the most up-to-date virus
and security risk definitions before it can connect to the network. The computer
may be denied access to the network until it meets the security requirements.
A virus is a computer program that attaches a copy of itself to another computer
program or document when it runs. Whenever the infected program runs or a
user opens a document containing a macro virus, the attached virus program
activates and attaches itself to other programs and documents.
Viruses generally deliver a payload, such as displaying a message on a particular
date. Some viruses specifically damage data by corrupting programs, deleting
files, or reformatting disks.
A worm is a special type of virus that replicates itself from one computer to
another and can use memory. Worms generally exist inside other files, such as
Microsoft® Word or Excel documents. A worm may release a document that
already has the worm macro inside of it.
A blended threat combines the characteristics of viruses, worms, Trojan horses,
and malicious code with server and Internet vulnerabilities to initiate, transmit,
and spread an attack. Blended threats use multiple methods and techniques to
propagate and attack, and cause widespread damage throughout a network.
In the context of Symantec AntiVirus, the term virus is used to cover all threats
that work in a virus-like manner. Symantec AntiVirus can detect, delete, and
quarantine viruses, and repair the side effects of viruses.
A security risk is a known program, in a category such as adware or spyware,
that may or may not present a risk to the security of a computer. Symantec
AntiVirus can detect, quarantine, and repair the side effects of risks in these
security risk categories.
See "About security risks" on page 14.
Introducing Symantec AntiVirus
About viruses
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