Virus Protection and Prevention
Hampshire uses ESET anti-virus software for our Windows computers, and we recommend the free version of Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) for student and personal machines.
Hampshire-owned PCs should all have ESET installed on them already, but feel free to contact the help desk if you think you don't have it or need help.
Anti-Virus for Personal, Home, and Student Computers
PC users can install the free version of Microsoft Security Essentials from Microsoft's website.
If Mac users would like antivirus software, we recommend ClamAV. ClamAV is no longer free, but is still a good product, now offering a free 30-day trial.
We have seen malware infections on Macs and Windows computers. We recommend using free Malwarebytes (MBAM). Malwarebytes is an application that scans, finds, and removes malware. Choose Mac or PC at the bottom of the linked page.
How to Avoid Viruses in the First Place
In addition to having active and up-to-date anti-virus software installed on your computer and running spyware detection software, there are other habits you can develop to minimize the risk of getting infected. Think of it as defensive driving.
- Run software updates regularly.
- Use extreme caution around email attachments. Don't open an attachment simply because it looks as though it is coming from someone you know; it could be a fake return address.
- Read license agreements before downloading and installing any software on your computer, unless you are certain that it is from a trusted source. This will often tell you what other software installs, advertising, or data collection you are agreeing to by installing the intended software.
- Don't fall for offers of "free" things on the internet.
- Free screensavers are also notorious for distributing viruses, adware, or spyware.
- When you are surfing the Internet, if a window pops up offering services or software, close the window using the X in the upper right corner. Clicking ANY other button. Even "No" or "Cancel" can trigger a virus or spyware installation.
Still using AVG?
Please follow the instructions below to uninstall AVG and install ESET on your Hampshire-owned, Windows computer only.
- Quit all programs on your computer.
- Download our program to uninstall AVG and install ESET (note: faculty/staff login required). Hampshire computers only please!
- Save the file to your computer (it's called "eset.exe").
- Double-click it to run.
- If you're warned that the publisher is unknown, just click "Run."
- As the program runs it will flash windows up on the screen a couple of times, which you can ignore. The process can take up to 10 minutes to run, during which it is mostly unnoticeable.
- When the program is complete you can confirm that it has been installed by going to your Start Menu-->Programs, and looking for an ESET folder.
That's it. Your computer is now protected by ESET antivirus.