Symantec readies central console for Macs
IT administrators can use it to automatically update Macintosh systems with Norton Antivirus software.
Symantec Corp. officials are coming to the rescue of organizations that have a mixed Microsoft Corp. Windows and Apple Computer Inc. Macintosh environment with a Web-based console that information technology administrators can use to automatically update each Macintosh system with Symantec's Norton Antivirus software.
Similar consoles have long been available for Windows PCs, but this is the first time that such central oversight will also be provided for Mac OS X clients.
Using the console, IT administrators will be able to isolate every Mac client on the network down to machine name, location, software version installed and the latest virus definition update without involving any users. They also will be able to push any necessary configuration changes to each client.
The console will provide a view of the most recent viruses found on each Mac system along with the 10 most prevalent viruses, Symantec officials said.
Administrators also will be able to lock down security settings for each client so users can't change preferences, cancel a virus scan or uninstall the antivirus software.
Company officials said they plan to make the console available in November.
Robinson is a freelance journalist based in Portland, Ore. He can be reached at hullite@mindspring.com.
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