Recommended Applications and Downloads for MSU Computing

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Overview

The following files and links are provided as a courtesy for IT Services supported users.

Many of the recommended programs can be downloaded on a "one-stop" basis at https://ninite.com/ (link).

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System Optimization software

System optimization software can greatly improve a computer's response times and performance by deleting unneeded temp files, cache files, and repairing registry information, etc. It is advisable to periodically run optimization software as well as to optimize before performing a manual virus or malware scan.

Recommended software includes:

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Virus Prevention and Removal

Windows

  • Microsoft Security Essentials (link)
  • AVG (link) for basic on-demand scans as well as continuing real-time protection against many viruses and versions of spyware

MAC OSX

  • MacOS is not currently prone to becoming virus-infected, and beginning with MacOS 10.6 a "safe download" aka basic malware protection is built in to the operating system. However, Mac computers can pass on infected files to other (Windows) users and, as Mac computers increase market share, there may be more malicious targeting of MacOS.
  • Free software available for additional malware protection include:

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Spyware and Adware Removal Downloads

For continuing basic real-time scanning and protection install anti-virus software.

  • Malwarebytes (link) is highly recommended for an on-demand comprehensive scan and removal of malware including viruses, spyware and adware

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FTP utilities

To connect to the some administrative services via FTP, you need to have FTP software that supports the use of SSL installed on your PC.

  • Filezilla is an open-source cross-platform ftp client that can handle secure ftp (sftp). It will work on Mac OS Catalina.
  • Fetch (link) is a popular licensed MacOS ftp client that can handle secure ftp (sftp). An educational license (link) is free for those users who meet the stated criteria.

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Compression Software

  • Winzip (link) is a popular unzip utility.

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Workstation Management Services (WMS) offers hardware support to academic and administrative units. WMS partners with each unit to find the right level of support based on different environments and needs. WMS provides front line in-person and remote support to keep MSU-owned devices running smoothly throughout its the entire life cycle.