How to Install and Use Virex for the Macintosh
Virex is a virus scanner made for the Macintosh. Like MacAfee Virusscan for Windows, it can be updated by downloading and installing new virus data files from the OSU SLS Software Downloads web page. It is recommended that the virus definitions be updated at least every month.
Why should I use Virex?
- Does you computer send out e-mail that you don't know about but your friends say you sent?
- Do you have problems with Word always wanting to run macros?
- Do you ever download anything from the Internet?
- Do you ever open attachments from someone else?
- Do you ever look at another person's disk on your computer?
If you can answer "yes" to any of those questions, you should be using a virus scanner. (You should use a virus scanner in any case, but especially so in those instances.)
How do I get Virex?
Virex can be downloaded from the OSU SLS web page.
- Establish a connection to the Internet.
- Open Netscape or Internet Explorer.
- Go to the OSU SLS Web page.
- Click on "Macintosh."
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "Get Virex."
- Read the license agreement and then click on "I Agree."
- Enter your username and password.
- Click on "Click here to begin download of Virex for mac."
How do I install Virex?
Once Virex has completed downloading, it must be installed. You will need StuffIt Expander and Disk Copy.
- Virex should have already expanded; if it didn't, just double-click on virex.hqx (the icon will look like a blank piece of paper)
- Next, the image of Virex needs expanded, so double-click on the virex.img file.
- Disk Copy will mount the image file and an icon of a CD will appear on your desktop.
- Open the CD "Virex."
- Double click on "Install Virex."
- A new window will appear indicating three options: Scan, Install, or Quit.
- It is recommended that you scan the hard drive before installing Virex. If you don't, Virex will prompt you to do so; just click on "Scan" and let it run.
- After the scan is completed, click on "Install."
- Virex will ask where you wish to install it. Click on the hard drive where you want it installed.
- Virex will install, and then prompt you to restart.
- Upon restarting, go to the Apple Menu, click on Control Panels, and then click on the Virex Control Panel.
- Turn Virex on.
- You can also tell Virex when and how you want it to scan your hard drive under preferences.
- Close the control panel windows.
How to update the virus definitions for Virex:
Remember: This procedure should be done at least monthly!
- Establish a connection to the Internet.
- Open Netscape or internet Explorer
- Go to the OSU SLS Web page.
- Click on "Macintosh."
- Now, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "Get Virex definition files" (you will need Virex version 5.9 or later to use these files).
- Click on "Download definition file update now."
- Save the Virex definitions on your desktop.
- The file should have automatically expanded. If it didn't, double click on the definition file.
- Open the definitions folder and then double-click on the definitions file.
- Virex will open and and ask you if you want to update the files. Click "Yes."
- Restart and then re-scan your system with Virex.
Note: As of Sept 1, 2004 Virex 7.5 has been removed from the Site License Software web site due to problems. Users who have installed Virex 7.5 should use the uninstall script included with 7.5 to remove it from their system, download 7.2.1 from the Software To Go web site and install that version.
Current Record: 127
Create Date: 04-02-1999
Last Reviewed: 01-11-2008
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