IT News Bytes
Malware Protection for Personal Computers
October 08, 2009
In an effort to cope with budget reductions and to leverage SOU's investment in Microsoft solutions there are some changes coming in campus malware protection. We've selected Microsoft's Forefront product to provide the campus with superior protection against computer viruses and malware. Forefront is significantly less expensive than our current McAfee software and since it is a Microsoft product it integrates seamlessly with our new management systems resulting in even further long-term savings.
Sometime this academic year, probably before Winter Term, campus computers with Microsoft Windows will be updated to Forefront. Last year we updated Macintosh campus computers to use ClamXav software.
Due to this change, we will no longer offer McAfee Home Edition for students and employees to use on their home and personal computers. Under the terms of SOU's agreement with McAfee the software should be removed from your home and personal computers no later than 6/30/2010. However, for some of you, the license may expire sooner depending on the date you first installed the products. You will know the software has expired when you are prompted to put in a code to continue using the product. At that point you will need to uninstall McAfee Home Edition.
It is very important for you to keep your anti-virus/anti-spyware software current and up-to-date. When you uninstall McAfee Home Edition you will need to either purchase commercial anti-virus/anti-spyware software, or use one of the recommended "free for home use" programs that are listed below. We highly recommend the free solutions, Security Essentials, AVG, Avast, and ClamXav which are comparable in protection to McAfee and use fewer resources (memory, processor) so your computer may actually perform better.
For information on obtaining the software:
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Note also that you should not install more than one anti-virus program on your home computer. If you have questions please contact the Student Help Desk at 552-6969 or the Faculty & Staff Help Desk at 552-6900.
