Introduction
The University of Edinburgh provides windows anti-virus software to entitled users to protect their home and non-supported desktop PCs from being infected with malware.
AV software on non-Uni-owned machines
Microsoft Security Essentials is our recommended anti-virus software for non-University-owned computers (i.e. home use machines, personal laptops / desktops etc) running the operating systems Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.
AV software on Uni-owned machines
Kaspersky is currently licensed for use on University-owned computers only (supported desktop machines, departmental laptops etc). Its license will continue through to May 2014.
The software is already installed automatically on all supported desktop machines in the University, but users are able to download, install, configure or renew Kaspersky on their separate Uni-owned computer (e.g. laptop or non-managed desktop) via the following link:
Removing previous anti-virus software
Before installing Microsoft Security Essentials, you will need to uninstall the current antivirus program that is on your computer. Please go through the following instructions to assist you in doing so:
What is malware?
The term malware comes from blending the words malicious and software together.
Malware covers items, such as viruses, keyloggers, trojan horses, root kits and worms. It also covers less sinister items such as spyware and adware which can be used to monitor your web surfing.
What does anti-virus software do?
Anti-virus software scans a computer's memory and disk drives for viruses. If a virus is found the anti-virus software will notify the user and can clean, delete, or quarantine any infected files.
This article was published on Jul 26, 2012