How Do I Install Free Antivirus Protection
Antivirus programs help prevent viruses and spyware from infecting a computer and therefore are one of the essential software programs each computer should have running at all times. There are thousands of viruses and spyware on the Internet, and any one of them can cause damage to personal files or the computer's operating system.
If your computer does not have an antivirus program installed and running, we highly recommend you install one today. Follow the steps below for help on how to install and update an antivirus program on your computer.
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TipAll new versions of Microsoft Windows now include Windows Defender to help protect your computer from viruses.
Install the antivirus program
To install an antivirus program on your computer, follow the steps below.
- If you purchased the antivirus program from a retail store, insert the CD or DVD into the computer's disc drive. The installation process should start automatically, with a window opening to help guide you through the install process.
- If you downloaded the antivirus program on the Internet, find the downloaded file on your computer. If the downloaded file is a zip file, unzip the file to extract and access the installation files. Look for a file named setup.exe, install.exe, or something similar, then double-click that file. The installation process should start, with a window opening to help guide you through the install process.
- In the installation process window, follow the steps provided to install the antivirus program. The install process provides recommended options so the antivirus program will function properly, which in most cases can be accepted as is. The one exception is if the install process recommends to install any toolbars for Internet browsers or other helpful programs for your computer. If prompted to install other software with the antivirus program, uncheck all boxes or decline the install of those extra programs. No additional programs should be needed for the antivirus program to install and run successfully on your computer.
- When the install process is complete, close out of the install window.
- If used, remove the CD or DVD from the computer's disc drive.
The antivirus program is now installed and ready to use. While it may not be required, we recommend restarting your computer so that any modified settings in the operating system can take effect correctly.
Update the antivirus program after installation
Out of the box, antivirus programs are not up-to-date and are missing the latest virus and spyware definitions. Without the latest definitions, the antivirus program will not know about the most recently created viruses and spyware, making your computer vulnerable to an infection.
After installing the antivirus program, we highly recommend you update it with the latest virus and spyware definitions. The updates allow the antivirus program to protect your computer from all viruses and spyware.
In many cases, the antivirus program automatically checks for and installs the latest updates. If prompted to do so, select Yes to update the antivirus program. If it does not prompt you to update immediately.
Enable automatic updates for the antivirus program
By default, most antivirus programs enable the automatic update feature. We strongly recommend automatic updates be enabled to keep the antivirus program up-to-date at all times.
To check if automatic updates are enabled in your antivirus program, follow the general steps below.
- Open the antivirus program.
- Look for a Settings or Advanced Settings button or link in the antivirus program window. If you do not see either option, look for an option like Updates or something similar.
- In the Settings or Updates window, look for an option like Automatically download and apply updates. It may also refer to virus definitions instead of updates.
- For the automatic updates option, check the box for that option, if not already checked.
- Click the Save or Apply button to save the settings change.
Additional information
- See our antivirus and virus definitions for further information and related links.
It is important to protect your computer. Look below to see information on products [and websites] that will help you. All of the products on this page are FREE for you.
Antivirus Software:
Antivirus Home Use Program (AV HUP)
The DoD Antivirus Software License Agreement with McAfee allows active DoD employees to utilize the antivirus software for home use. Home use of the antivirus products will not only protect personal PCs, but will also potentially lessen the threat of malicious logic being introduced to the workplace and compromising DoD networks. Contractors are excluded from using the software at home or on any other system not belonging to the DoD.
McAfee Internet Security
As a member of DoD, you can now take advantage of a free one-year subscription to McAfee Internet Security for your PC or MAC.This subscription gives you proactive security for your home PC by preventing malicious attacks and keeping you safe while you surf, search, and download files online. McAfee's security service also continuously delivers the latest software so your protection is never out-of-date.
By installing McAfee software on your home system, you will not only be protecting your PC from malicious threats, but you will also help your organization strengthen its IT security against transferable viruses and spyware.
https://storefront.disa.mil/kinetic/disa/service-catalog#/forms/antivirus-home-use
If you are not an employee of the Department of Defense, here are other FREE options for you (and some handy security programs).
Windows Computers:
Windows Defender is built into Windows 10
Type Defender into the search box to find
Download AVG Anti-Virus (includes Anti-Spyware)
.
Mac Computers:
Please be aware that Macs are also being targeted
This page has some good information on it
How to keep your Mac secure
.
How Do I Install Free Antivirus Protection Windows 10
Opt Out of Behavioral Advertising
The Network Advertising Initiative has a tool that will help you Opt out of some tailored online advertising
Is Avg The Best Free Antivirus
Classes for learning how to be more security minded while using your computer