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New Campus and Home Anti-Virus Protection Introduced

During fall semester 2011, Sacramento State is replacing its McAfee anti-virus software previously used on all university-owned PC computers with Microsoft Forefront anti-virus protection. Users of university-owned Macintosh computers will continue to use McAfee anti-virus, but that software must still be updated to ensure continued protection.

At the same time, employees who are using university-licensed McAfee software on home or personal laptop computers must remove that software and convert to free Microsoft Security Essentials software (PC) or Sophos software (Apple) no later than December 31, 2011. All faculty, staff, and students are also encouraged to ensure that all home and personal computers are protected with up-to-date anti-virus software; cost is not an issue, since the free anti-virus software noted above is available to all.

How do I get the new anti-virus on my university computer?

For most users, there’s nothing you need to do to make this change happen. Our new patch management system should update your university computer automatically. If you want to check to see if your university PC computer has been updated to Forefront, press Start on your desktop, click on All Programs, and look for Microsoft Forefront EndPoint Protection 2010 on the program listing. If you don’t see this, or are not sure, please call the Service-Desk at 278-7337 or your local IT support for assistance. Any required campus anti-virus updates can be done remotely and without user intervention.

What if I have university licensed McAfee anti-virus on my home or personal laptop computer?

Since our license for McAfee home use also expires on December 31, 2011 and will no longer update your critical anti-virus protection, it’s important that you replace that software before the end of this year. It’s a simple process that takes just a few minutes to ensure continued protection of your home computer(s) from attack. Instructions for removing the McAfee software and replacing it with Microsoft Security Essentials (PC) or Sophos (Apple) are found below under: How do I replace my home anti-virus software?

Can I use the free anti-virus software at home even if I'm not currently using McAfee?

Yes. If you are currently using other paid anti-virus software on your home computer or personal laptop computer, you might consider replacing it with the free software that’s now available.

How do I replace my home anti-virus software?

It’s a simple two-step process: 1) You must remove your current anti-virus software using the instructions below and 2) You download and install the Security Essentials (PC) or Sophos software from the links also provided below.

1. Instructions to remove McAfee or other anti-virus from your home computer or personal laptop. Caution: Plan to load the new anti-virus protection as soon as you remove the old. Do not leave your computer unprotected!

- Windows XP:

• Click Start.
• Click Run.
• Type appwiz.cpl.
• Press Enter.
• Find McAfee Security Scan Plus in the program list.
• Click Change/Remove.
• Click Uninstall.

- Windows Vista:

• Click Start.
• Type appwiz.cpl in the Start Search box.
• Press Enter.
• Find McAfee Security Scan plus in the program list.
• Click Change/Remove.
• Click Uninstall.

- Windows 7:

• Click Start.
• Type appwiz.cpl in the Search programs/files box and press Enter.
• Uninstall any other Internet security programs in the list of installed programs.
• Restart your computer.

- Macintosh: Uninstall McAfee Instructions

2.  Instructions to download and install Security Essentials or Sophos anti-virus:

• Microsoft Security Essentials (PC): Download Microsoft Security Essentials. Follow on-screen instructions and be sure to set up the new software to automatically scan and update your computer.
• Sophos (For Apple): Download Sophos. Follow on-screen instructions and be sure to set up the new software to automatically scan and update your computer.
• ClamAV (Linux) - Download ClamAV. Follow the on-screen instructions.