To do this, you can use the functionality provided in the program itself. However, I prefer to schedule it myself using Windows Task Scheduler. Actually, you can schedule it using practically any scheduler program. Just use the path to the program file, which might be:

"C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NAVW32.EXE"

If you want to have Norton only scan certain directories, just indicate those directories on the command line. Something like this:

"C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NAVW32.EXE" "c:\temp" "c:\program files\email\attach"

You can indicate as many directories as you need using the above syntax.

This is so important! This is so important! Did I mention that this is an important step? If you do not keep your virus definitions updated, it's almost like not being protected at all. The worst thing you can do is to just use the definitions that came installed with the program; those are probably pretty old.

Norton allows you to update your virus definitions online for a year after you purchase the software. After that, they charge only a few dollars per year for regular virus definition updates. A small price to pay.

So, again, this is a step that you can do from within the Norton AntiVirus program. However, as I mentioned above, I like scheduling this myself using Windows Task Scheduler. If you want to schedule it yourself, using your favorite scheduling program, use the following command line:

"C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\LUAll.exe" -s

I should say that I never really got this step to work right until I upgraded to Norton AntiVirus 2001. If you have a different version, you may want to try the above command line anyway, but I don't know if it will work or not.

This is a step that most people don't use. Here's why I to it. I scan ALL e-mail attachments before I open them. ALL OF THEM. You should too. Some tips on the internet say "never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know". Well, the problem with that statement is that it assumes that people you do know will never send you a virus. If your friend gets hit by a virus, and that virus e-mails itself to everyone in his/her address book, then you're gonna get a virus from your friend.

So, setup a shortcut icon on your desktop to scan your e-mail attachments. Most e-mail programs store all attachments in a specific directory. You need to find out where that is. Once you have that location, use a command line like this to have NAV scan that directory:

"C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NAVW32.EXE" "c:\program files\email\attach"

Now, the next time you receive an e-mail attachment, click that icon and scan your attachments before you open the attachment.

If you do get a virus, you may be interested in my info on how to handle a virus.