Free computer protection, just a few clicks away

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Frozen computers, slow moving functions or even worse -- the blue screen of death -- all of these problems may be avoided by simply taking a few minutes to download free anti-virus software.

The Defense Information Systems Agency offers government employees and armed forces personnel access to the latest generation of anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software for installation on their home computers. The software, which is licensed for home use, even automatically updates itself.

"Because people e-mail between their home and work computers and use thumb drives on both systems, it is just as important for their home system to be safeguarded as their work system," said Staff Sgt. Cedric Lacy, 52nd Communications Squadron network operations technician. "Since these programs are available at no cost, there is no reason not to protect your home system."

This free software includes products from McAfee and Symantec. To download a program, visit one of the following Web sites from a government computer:

https://infosec.navy.mil/ps/?t=av/av.tag&bc=av/bc_av.html,
https://www.jtfgno.mil/antivirus/home_use.htm or
https://33ios.lackland.af.mil/ -- click on Virus Team then Virus Home

"Once a users logs on to the Web site, they need to save the software to a local hard drive so it can be written to a CD-ROM or onto a portable media device," Sergeant Lacy said. "Don't download the unmanaged client option unless you operate a server from your home. Users who want to install advanced versions of these programs will have to pay a fee; however, the cost is still cheaper than buying the software at a store. The DoD has negotiated special prices for qualifying users."

People also have the option of downloading McAfee directly to their home computer at http://us.mcafee.com/root/landingpages/afflandpage.asp?affid=106-01&lpname=default&cid=7236.

"When deciding which program will work best for you, keep in mind that the McAfee program comes with technical support," Sergeant Lacy said. "Also, remember that software programs from different companies may not be compatable. For example, if you download Symantec's firewall software and McAfee's anti-virus software you may encounter system errors."

For more information, e-mail virus@cert.mil.