Getting rid of computer viruses
Many people often share computer files with one another which help the virus spread. Without our knowledge, we transmit computer viruses that have infected your own files. Depending on the type or design of the virus, when it reaches a computer is can do tons of damage. It can do anything from corrupting your files to deleting them as well as disable your computer security in order to make the computer more vulnerable to a hacker.
Types of viruses
Resident viruses are viruses that like to hide in your computer’s RAM memory, intercepting and controlling operations that are carried out by the computer. This type of virus is usually used to capture credit card numbers and passwords as well as corrupt programs and files.
Direct Action Viruses:
These viruses like to duplicate themselves and are designed to take a particular action when they are activated. When the condition is perfect the virus is activated and duplicates itself. This type of virus likes to attach itself to files on your computer so when a particular file is running the virus is active. Files that are infected with this virus can often be repaired with the use of anti-software.
This type of virus deletes all the information that is contained in a particular file when it’s infected and then it copies itself into the file. Basically when it comes down to it, these viruses will look just like your file but it’s not your file. When your files are infected with this virus, the only way to recover the file is to restore it from a previously saved file.
This type of virus is designed to affect the boot sector of your disk drives. The boot sector is an important part of your computer as it stores the information needed to start your computer. When you try to boot-up your computer these viruses load. This virus is different from other viruses mentioned earlier as it does not affect files. The best way you can protect your computer from these viruses to write-protect your floppy disks and don’t start your computer with unknown discs inserted in the drive. This virus can be detected and removed by most antivirus programs.
Programs such as Excel, Powerpoint, and Microsoft Word can use programs that can automate repetitive tasks and increase functionality. These programs, known as macros and scripts, are not found in the main program rather are they are located in document files. The macro virus lives in these document files and when you open the document the virus then affects your computer.
These viruses infect executable files and programs. When a virus infected program runs, the viruses are classified based on their actions and act as stowaways on your files.
Choosing an Antivirus Software
Antivirus software: It’s very important to have antivirus software on your computer. Computers these days come with this software pre-installed. It’s important to get familiar with this software. Besides the free antivirus software that comes with your computer, there are many other options available. Below you’ll find some of the antivirus software you may find in retail stores.
McAfee Antivirus can be purchased at most retail chains. It provides a reliable service. McAfee is a US based company and is the oldest antivirus company in the world. Experience is very important when it comes to protecting your computer from viruses.
Norton is antivirus software that can be purchased at retail stores as well. Norton is also known as Symantec Antivirus is one of the best programs available. There is a downside though; when it’s installed your computer will run slower especially if you don’t keep it constantly upgraded.
Avast, unlike Norton or McAfee, is a free antivirus program. Even though they are a newer company, they are gaining respect as their software is easy to use and free.
AVG is similar to Avast as it is free and easy to use. It automatically updates itself so you never have to wonder if your computer protection is current. It also provides the best protection than many of it’s competitors.
What to do when you have a virus
If you experience blue screens, your computer running slower than it should, random reboots, errors, or excessive window pop-ups then most likely you have a virus or spyware.
What you should do
- If you suspect your computer is infected, stop what you are doing and close all the programs and files that are open.
- Immediately run your antivirus software. If there are updates for your computer or even the antivirus software, don’t, run the scan first before performing any updates.
- After running the scan, then install any updates then run it again.
- If your computer is still acting up, check for spyware.
Avoid deleting programs and files as this could cause more harm to your computer. If you haven’t backed up your computer, it’s a good time to back it up. If, by chance, your date is infected with a virus most likely you will be able to recover it. That way you won’t lose any important files.
What if the virus won’t let you access your antivirus software?
If a virus is on your computer, you may get an error when you try to open the antivirus software. Below you will find three ways to handle the situation.
- Use a rescues disk. Many antivirus programs will require you to make a rescue disk during the instillation process. If you did make one, put it into your computer and reboot. The purpose of the rescue disk is to load before windows and any other program in order to locate the virus.
- Another option is to use online antivirus software. Many companies offer free online software that you can use to scan your computer. The companies you can get free tools from are:
- Avast Virus Cleaner
- Panda Activescan
- Trend Housecall
- Kapersky online virus scanner
- If you have a network set up, use it to access your files from another computer and use that system to scan the computer and drives. If you don’t have a network, then remove your disk drives carefully and install them on another computer.
If you tried all of these suggestions and your computer is still acting up then it’s time to seek out a professional. Maybe you have a friend or family member who is a computer whiz but if you don’t, there are many companies out there who will fix up your computer and make is new again. You can find local computer repair companies in the phone book under “Computer repair and services.” When finding the right company for your computer problems, make sure you get price quotes. Sometimes places will let you bring your computer in for a free estimate.