Set McAfee to Auto Update .DAT files Auto

Security
Checklist
Set McAfee to
Auto Update .DAT files
(McAfee is a product of Network Associates)
What is auto update?
Auto update is a process in McAfee’s VirusScan that
automatically updates your virus definition files,
called .DAT files, so your computer will be protected
from the latest viruses. Using auto update makes
it easy for you to keep your computer’s anti-virus
program up to date. Your anti-virus software is only
as good as your last update.
Why should I use auto update?
Your anti-virus software is only as good as your last
update. Network Associates (McAfee) releases new
.DAT files regularly to provide protection against
the approximately 300 new viruses that appear each
month. Be sure to download and install the latest
.DAT files at least weekly.
2
Click VirusScan Console from the list.
3
Double-click on AutoUpdate.
4
Click on the Schedule button.
How to activate auto update.
To automate the process of having your .DAT files
downloaded and installed on your computer directly
from McAfee, follow these steps:
!
This document was created using Windows XP
screenshots. Your computer configuration may be
different so the screen images may look different.
The instructions should be similar, but may not be
exactly the same.
Instructions for other operating systems are
available. For more information, contact
itap-securityhelp@purdue.edu
!
1
Right click the VirusScan icon
that
appears in the lower right hand corner of your
screen.
5
Select the Task tab and verify that the Enable
check box is selected. If it is not checked
select it.
Schedule the virus definition (.DAT and
SuperDAT) updates to run at a time of your
choice. By default, Virus Scan 7.1 is scheduled
to update on Fridays at 5 pm. If you would
like to change this time or the frequency of
updates, you may do so here. ITaP Security
Services strongly recommends that you set
your computer to auto-update at least once a
week.
NOTE: If your computer is turned off during a scheduled
virus definition update, your computer will begin the
update process once your computer is turned on and
re-connected to the network.
6
7
Click on the Schedule tab.
You can manually scan your computer for
viruses or update your virus definitions at any
time by right clicking on the Virus Scan icon
that appears in the lower right hand corner
of your screen and selecting from the options
available.
Questions?
If you have questions, or need assistance, please see
the ITaP Security & Policy web site at
http://www.itap.purdue.edu/security/
or send email to itap-securityhelp@purdue.edu.
ITaP Security Services
Phone: 49-44000
Email: itap-securityhelp@purdue.edu
Web: http://www.itap.purdue.edu/security
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