Symantec virus check- strange result

Okay - we have a big PC with broadband and Norton anti-virus software. We also have a laptop wirelessly networked, with its own Panda anti-virus software, newly updated this year.

Just for interest I did a Symantec security check on the laptop and it couldn't find any anti-virus software. But I know it's there because it updates regularly and I can see the Panda face.

Is this to do with the networking at all?

sorry lucky if i knew i would help you Graeme is the specialist you will get more and better information from him he does a lot of networking

Since the security scan runs on the local computer it's not a network issue

There is one ultimate method to check... Download and run a virus (stay with me here ) The eicar virus is used solely to test anti-virus software. It's completely safe.

Virus (save and run): http://www.eicar.org/download/eicar.com

Information: http://www.eicar.org/anti_virus_test_file.htm

If you don't get an alert when you run it from your anti-virus software then your software is not doing anything useful.

BTW I wont be offended if you choose not to do it this way

Graeme

Download a virus???
(Just had palpitations there - )
Thanks Graeme - I might give that a try when I've had a couple of drinks. I do believe you

me to graeme wanted to try it and my computer started moving VIRUS ALERT we live and learn Lucky

I think Greame means if you get the alert from your security, i.e. Nortons (I got a red High Risk one) then that will tell you that your security is working? No? Needless to say I didn't bother downloading it after seeing that!

Snap-that excally what i got and i use Norton!

Well at least you know it does something now And also if it happens in the future you'll know what to look for

Graeme

Reading this thread has got me thinking, I have Norton and it is continually telling me it has blocked something or other (usually Trojan Horse or some such) I thought this meant it was working but now I wonder if it means it is a problem.

Okay - thick alert, so you'll have to speak V E R Y S L O W L Y to me. I'm confused now.

If your anti-virus tells you it's blocked something, that's good, yes?

But if you run a Symantec security check and you get the red cross, that's bad?

So if I run this virus from Graeme I hope my anti-virus will block it. What happens if it doesn't?