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Definition Files

• Why update?
• How do I update my McAfee DATs?
• How do I update my Ad-Aware, Spybot definition files?
• How do I check for Windows Updates?

Windows Updates, Anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-adware programs need to be updated very frequently.

For example, McAfee Anti-Virus provides new updates over once a week. These updates are called DATs, or definition files. You can download a barrel of recent updates from McAfee by downloading the SuperDAT file, which is available at the DATs link at http://www.mcafeesecurity.com/us/downloads/default.asp.

Why update?

Computer threats evolve daily. If you use McAfee, or any other anti-malware scanner programs, and do not update for any period of time, then any of the possibly thousands of viruses, trojans, and other forms of malware created during that period will not be detected nor destroyed by a scan. According to McAfee, between 250-400 new detections are added to the DATs every month. Updating is the only way to ensure worthwhile protection from malware.

How do I update my McAfee DATs?

You can right-click on the V-shield in the bottom of your system tray and choose update now. You can do the same from the Virus Scan Console by going to Start--Console, and choosing update now from the Task menu.

You can also download them manually at http://www.mcafeesecurity.com/us/downloads/default.asp.

How do I update my Ad-Aware, Spybot definition files?

Go to check for updates in Spybot and check for updates now in Ad-Aware.

How do I check for Windows Updates?

Go to Start--Windows Update