Antivirus and Computer Maintenance

Student with blue hair on desktop computer in classroom

Antivirus Software

Active/up-to-date antivirus software should be installed on any computer accessing the Fitchburg State University network.

Windows users should turn on Windows Defender for antivirus protection.

macOS comes with built-in security, however, it is always wise to protect your computer with antivirus software. Check the reviews on techradar to find the best free antivirus software available for macOS.

The Help Desk is available to help you maintain your system and encourages everyone to be safe in the Internet and network environments.

Security Updates

Keep your operating system up-to-date by installing security updates. We recommend you configure your computer update settings to automatically check for and install updates.

macOS

Click on the Apple icon on the upper left of your computer. Choose "App Store..." and click "Updates" to download any available updates.

Windows

Use Windows Update to download and install available updates from Microsoft.

Upgrade Your Operating System

Upgrade your computer operating system to a newer version if the version installed on your computer is old and no longer supported by the manufacturer.

macOS

The latest version of macOS is available for free through the Apple App Store.

Windows

Faculty, staff and students can purchase current versions of Windows at a discount. Visit our software discounts page for more information.

Computer Maintenance Tools

Is your computer in need of a tune up? Check out these tools or visit the Help Desk for assistance.

CCleaner clears your system of temporary internet files, history, cookies, recently viewed documents, and more. CCleaner includes a registry cleaner, a startup program editor, and an advanced uninstall tool.

An alternative to the built-in defragmenting utility in Windows, Defraggler provides an informative visual interpretation of the fragmentation of your hard drive and includes the ability to defragment individual files.

An anti-malware program that removes spyware, adware, viruses, trojans, and some rootkits. Scanning and updates must be started manually. Spybot S&D provides an immunization feature to block known harmful websites and cookies.

Spyware Blaster blocks malware before it enters your computer by using blacklists of known bad websites and cookies to bolster your browser security.