Differences between LiveUpdate and the Intelligent Updater
Situation:
The two most common ways to update virus definitions are LiveUpdate and the Intelligent Updater. This document describes these two methods, how they differ, and how they can help you decide whether you should use LiveUpdate (recommended for most users) or download definitions by using the Intelligent Updater.
Solution:
How often are virus definitions posted?
During "non-alert" situations, Symantec Security Response posts virus definitions to the LiveUpdate servers once per week (usually Wednesdays). However, during "alert" situations, virus definitions are posted to the LiveUpdate servers as soon as they have completed full quality assurance testing.
In addition to the weekly definitions that are distributed by LiveUpdate, virus definitions are made available for (optional) manual download on a daily (Monday through Friday) basis using the Intelligent Updater.
The following information will help you determine whether you should obtain the optional (manually downloaded) Intelligent Updater updates or whether you should wait until the next release of definitions by LiveUpdate.
LiveUpdate
LiveUpdate is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions. These virus definitions have undergone full quality assurance testing by Symantec Security Response and are posted to the LiveUpdate servers once each week (usually Wednesdays) unless there is a major virus outbreak. This is the easiest option for most home and small business users, and it provides a very high level of protection along with ease of use.
Intelligent Updater
Intelligent Updater virus definitions have undergone full quality assurance testing by Symantec Security Response. They are posted on U.S. business days (Monday through Friday). They must be downloaded from the Symantec Security Response download virus definitions page ( securityresponse.symantec.com ) and installed manually.
For additional information, read the document "How to update virus definition files using the Intelligent Updater." ( service1.symantec.com )
Which one should you use?
LiveUpdate
In most cases, if you are a home or small business customer who practices safe computing, LiveUpdate's weekly (except during a major outbreak) definitions provide an excellent balance of protection, coupled with ease of use. It is not necessary for you to download and install Intelligent Updater definitions daily.
Symantec receives samples of new viruses every day, and each day we build new definitions for these viruses. In many cases, these viruses are not in the wild, or if they are, they have a very low incidence of infection.
If Symantec Security Response detects a virus in the wild that is spreading rapidly, we release LiveUpdate packages immediately to fully protect our customers.
Intelligent Updater
Users who benefit most from downloading and installing Intelligent Updater virus definitions on a daily (Monday through Friday) basis are:
Corporate network administrators who manage a large number of computers
Home or small business customers who practice potentially risky computer practices, such as opening email attachments from unknown senders or downloading files from newsgroups or unknown Web sites
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