Windows Server 2008 64bit question

[ToddR]

I am installing a new server next week and am not finding any good clear recommendations for an antivirus program to put on it. Anyone here have experience with a low overhead one that doesn't cost an E39?

[M_Six]

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Mark
<img src="http://www.bimmermail.com/boston2.JPG" height=77 width=449>
"Things break; it's scientific." - D. Byrne

[ToddR]

File and SQL

[M_Six]

Will this be general users who store personal files? Or will they be specific types of files? The reason I ask is that if you have a low threat of an infected file getting stored, there may not be a need for anti-virus.____________________________________________ ________________


Mark
<img src="http://www.bimmermail.com/boston2.JPG" height=77 width=449>
"Things break; it's scientific." - D. Byrne

[ToddR]

It will be a low threat set up. This is for a small office. Primarily accounting and word processing files. Emails etc are not going through or stored on the server. However, it is connected to the internet.

[M_Six]

...we have an SQL server that can only be updated via a proprietary client interface. There is no way for the server to become infected or to have infected files stored on it. It sits behind a completely closed firewall, so it's safe there as well. No need for anti-virus.____________________________________________ ________________


Mark
<img src="http://www.bimmermail.com/boston2.JPG" height=77 width=449>
"Things break; it's scientific." - D. Byrne

[M_Six]

What is the exposure to the internet? Just for Windows updates?__________________________________________ __________________


Mark
<img src="http://www.bimmermail.com/boston2.JPG" height=77 width=449>
"Things break; it's scientific." - D. Byrne

[ToddR]

just the windows firewall

[ToddR]

[M_Six]

__________________________________________________ __________


Mark
<img src="http://www.bimmermail.com/boston2.JPG" height=77 width=449>
"Things break; it's scientific." - D. Byrne

[ToddR]

Yes but I believe it is open and not secured for some reason. I think it is for customers to be able to access

[M_Six]

Either directly or indirectly? If not, get a router with a firewall between this server and the other router. Leaving a Windows SQL server, even with Windows Firewall, sitting on the internet is asking for problems._________________________________________ ___________________


Mark
<img src="http://www.bimmermail.com/boston2.JPG" height=77 width=449>
"Things break; it's scientific." - D. Byrne

[ToddR]

[ToddR]

I got head out but will check back later tonight. Thank you for your assistance.

[M_Six]

Even a cheapo Linksys router is better than nothing. Better yet, get a dedicated firewall device. They're not that pricey.

To get back to your original question, if you think you need it, McAfee's a/v program can be set up to run a scan once a week, which may be good enough for your purposes. Even AVG's free version might suffice for a weekly scan. Do the employee machines have anti-virus installed?________________________________________ ____________________


Mark
<img src="http://www.bimmermail.com/boston2.JPG" height=77 width=449>
"Things break; it's scientific." - D. Byrne

[M_Six]

Cisco RVS4000 Easy to set up and use. Otherwise, investigate why the other router is wide open. I doubt it needs to be._______________________________________________ _____________


Mark
<img src="http://www.bimmermail.com/boston2.JPG" height=77 width=449>
"Things break; it's scientific." - D. Byrne

[ToddR]

Avg and most of the free ones do not run on Server 2008. I have a good router that I can close the door on and the server does have a password. The biggest danger I think is from a virus getting on a workstation and jumping across the network. Remote, but a possibility none the less. I run my whole business on this server and it is critical and warrants covering all the bases.

Back to the original question- what anti virus works with a low overhead factor on Server 2008?

[M_Six]

You can set it to scan during off hours or just remember to run manual scans. Even with a network virus, a firewall is your best bet. And if the server is open to the internet with only the built-in Windows firewall protecting it, you have a lot more to worry about than a network-hopping virus. Just sayin'.___________________________________________ _________________


Mark
<img src="http://www.bimmermail.com/boston2.JPG" height=77 width=449>
"Things break; it's scientific." - D. Byrne

[ToddR]

I understand what your saying, thanks. I will get things buttoned down a bit better. Mcafee's website is very confusing and many of their products do not seem to work on 2008. Do you have a more specific recommendation.

[M_Six]

We (as in the Univ. of Illinois) use McAfee's VirusScan Enterprise 8.7. Not sure what that would run for a SOHO. Might be too pricey. We have a site license with them.

Have you looked into Microsoft's Forefront?__________________________________________________ __________


Mark
<img src="http://www.bimmermail.com/boston2.JPG" height=77 width=449>
"Things break; it's scientific." - D. Byrne