1. How do I uninstall my old version?
2. Which version should I download?
3. How do I download the software?
4. How do I install the software?
5. What are "virus definitions" and how do I configure the software to automatically update them?
6. How often should the program itself be updated to a newer version?
7. Where can I get additional help?
8. Can I get the McAfee anti-virus software on CD to install on my home computer?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. How do I uninstall my old version?
The exact steps vary depending on the operating system you have, but in general:
For Windows PCs, use the "Add or Remove Programs" icon in the Control Panel. Find McAfee in the alphabetical listing of installed programs, select it by clicking on it, and click the "Remove" button to uninstall. Although not always necessary, it is a good practice to reboot the machine after uninstalling before installing the newer version.
Macintosh users can simply drag the Virex or Viruscan folders (in the Applications folder) to the trash.
The McAfee support web site can provide additional help, if needed.
2. Which version should I download?
The current versions recommended for each Windows and Macintosh operating system are:
Windows Vista, XP, 2000 -- VirusScan 8.5i
Windows 98, ME -- VirusScan 10.02.1
Windows NT -- VirusScan 8.0i
Macintosh OS 10.4 (Tiger) -- VirusScan 8.5
Macintosh OS 10.0 to 10.3 -- Virex 7.7
Macintosh OS 9 and earlier -- Virex 6
3. How do I download the software?
Students: go to this page
Faculty/Staff: go to this page
4. How do I install the software?
When you go to the links provided in #3 above and approve the license agreement, you will be given detailed installation instructions for the version you download. You should print the instructions so you can follow them during the install.
If you need further help in installing/configuring the software, go to the McAfee Support website .
5. What are "virus definitions" and how do I configure the software to automatically update them?
Anti-virus software identifies viruses by checking files against a profile of each known virus. This collection of virus profiles is called its virus definitions.
It is important to keep the definitions up-to-date as many new viruses appear daily and the anti-virus software cannot detect any that are not in in the virus definitions list.
Upon installation, the anti-virus software will automatically be configured to check for new virus definitions and to download them and update your system. You should not have to configure anything, as long as your PC is typically on at the 5 p.m. default time of the update. You can change the frequency and/or time this occurs by right-clicking on the McAfee icon in the System Tray (lower right corner of your screen), choosing VirusScan Console, right-clicking on AutoUpdate and choosing Properties.
6. How often should the program itself be updated to a newer version?
The download page accessed through the links in #3 above is updated when new versions of the programs are available, typically on an annual basis. The most important thing is to make sure you are using the most current definitions as described in #5 above.
7. Where can I get additional help?
This home use software is not supported by the CIT Help Desk.
8. Can I get the McAfee anti-virus software on CD to install on my home computer?
Some people with a slow Internet connection (i.e. dial-up) or no Internet access at all would like to install McAfee anti-virus. If you contact the CIT Help Desk, we will provide the anti-virus software to you on a CD or flash drive.
The McAfee support web site can provide additional help, if needed.