“I can’t believe all the different lines of protection I get for one price.”
At a time when laptop computers are a necessity for almost every college student, effective PC security is an absolute must. Hackers can easily target large groups of students and professors on campuses that access the Internet with wireless connections.
Yet Steve Mayers isn’t panicking. The college lecturer at San Francisco State University, the University of San Francisco, and City College of San Francisco, says McAfee® security software is, and has always been, his first choice for proactive security.
“I started using McAfee products on a friend’s recommendation,” said Steve, “but I knew the McAfee name already—McAfee is everywhere, especially on campus. Plenty of my students rely on them to protect their schoolwork. Imagine losing a term paper because a virus wipes out your hard drive!”
Steve’s computer is an integral tool for teaching. “I don’t know if I could teach without my computer these days. I have a web site for each class where I post assignments and communicate with students, I keep records of grades and attendance, and I’m emailing constantly with students and colleagues,” he explained.
“Each school has faculty list-servs that I use daily, and although the schools’ servers have virus and spam filters, I know that dangerous emails still get through sometimes. That’s my biggest concern, and that’s why I subscribe to McAfee Internet Security Suite—to close that gap.”
Steve admits that he once tried using a free virus scan product instead of renewing his McAfee subscription, and immediately got hit with spyware and adware programs hidden inside an infected email. “I ran back to McAfee and renewed,” he laughed. “That other product just missed the email virus, and I paid the price. I’ve never had that problem with McAfee and I’ll never go without it again! I sometimes store students’ papers on my hard drive, and I can’t risk their work being compromised.”
“I’m also a part-time jazz musician,” Steve said, “and I use my computer to surf the web, download sheet music, and store photos from my gigs. I like McAfee’s automatic backup and restore features so I could get my music and photos back if I had a problem.”
Steve loves the new look of McAfee SecurityCenter, and appreciates that he can view the status of his computer’s security in one click. “Everything I need to do—run scans, check histories, update email safety lists—is right at my fingertips. The status window is like a hospital health monitor constantly showing my PC’s vital statistics.”
“I look forward to upgrading to McAfee Total Protection™,” Steve said. “I’m excited about the Shredder feature so I can digitally shred my sensitive school files when I’m done with them. I’ll also use the enhanced wireless protection when I’m emailing on campus.”
Security risks for new technologies are on Steve’s mind for the future. “Soon, daily communication between cell phones and PCs, and between hand-held devices, cell phones, and laptops, will be commonplace. That opens up some great opportunities, but also very real new risks when it comes to malware and identity theft,” Steve warned. “I’m sure McAfee will rise to the challenge though. I have a friend who uses McAfee VirusScan® Mobile to protect his cell phone because he sends emails and instant messages and downloads from the Internet onto his phone.” VirusScan Mobile also protects from SMS, MMS, Bluetooth, and other entry points.
What is Steve’s final word on McAfee? “They have a great reputation and their products work,” he said. “I also think they’re extremely well priced. I can’t believe all the different lines of protection I get for the one price. Bundled products like McAfee Internet Security Suite replace five or six standalone products from competitors with one easy subscription, and I get free updates for the whole year.”
“That’s why I recommend McAfee—great value, and products that have proven themselves to me again and again,” said Steve with a smile.
Interview Conducted by Contos Dunne Communications LLC: February 2007