It happens to you all the time but never anyone else, right? Not true. Everyone becomes infected with a computer virus at some point in their tech lifetime. The main problem isn't getting it but how to get rid of it.
How do you ensure your computer is virus, spyware, and malware free? Anyone with good security and antivirus software can use those tools to scan their computer, capture the threat, and remove it safely. Sounds easy, right? Unfortunately, it's sometimes not as easy as it seems and this is why many computer repair and support companies offer virus removal as part of their service offerings.
Some malicious programs are instantly removed by Windows Updates or through antivirus and antispyware software. The key is that this software remains installed properly and always remains up-to-date with updates and threat definitions. When antivirus software and updates fail, it's time to get to work on fixing it. Let's start with the most basic and work through each until we reach the tough stuff.
Download and obtain reliable security software
There's tons of antivirus, antispyware, and other security software available online. Sadly, some of these are actually scams developed to steal credit card numbers and force customers into buying products they don't actually need. As the types and names of these change from time to time, it's impossible to cover them all in this article. The best bet is to stick with what you may already know or ask an expert what they use (at digitalctrl, we always suggest Avast! Home or VIPRE Antivirus).
You can download Avast! Home, a free antivirus application, directly from the Avast website. You can also try Malwarebytes, Spybot, or the Internet's personal favorite, TrendMicro's Housecall. These applications install with ease and even better, they remove known threats automatically when you tell them to scan your computer.
Run A Full System Scan
Remember to tell the program to scan your entire computer. Although it may take a long time, scanning your entire computer can catch threats that are not already active and help you avoid further headaches in the future. Scanning your system for trouble will slow down your speed and can make certain things like browsing the Internet and playing games frustrating. If you're willing to leave your computer on at night, set the antivirus software to scan just before you go to bed and then check its report in the morning to see what viruses and threats have been eliminated.
If you are a Mac user, check out Spyware Sweeper, CounterSpyware, or Spyware Doctor. To remove virus threats, you can rely on BitDefender or Norton AntiVirus to provide reliable and superb protection.
Delete All Recently Downloaded Freebies
Free software from sites you don't know well or don't trust should always be avoided. Every technician has told a customer this on almost every occasion: Avoid the free movies, avoid the free screensavers, and avoid the free games! They often come packaged with malware and spyware and can lead you into a boatload of trouble ranging from just a slow computer to the extreme, identity theft.
When a free application installs something mischievous, your computer can become a hazard to you and your family's personal privacy and security. Some viruses and spyware log any keystorkes made on your keyboard allowing predators to steal your passwords and credit card information. So remember, avoid the free stuff! If you haven't heard of it before or you feel that it's suspicious, trust your intuition and avoid it at all costs.
Use System Restore
System Restore is a built-in utility that comes with Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7. It periodically saves information on your computer's hard drive that allows you to take it back to a time when a virus may not have been on your computer and allows you to restore it when a virus or spyware has damaged it. Keep in mind, however, that a system restore will revert your system's settings to what they were when the system restore information was first saved. You may lose some programs, custom settings, or other information when you perform a system restore. Luckily, your documents, music, videos, and pictures are usually left unaffected by a system restore. Of course, as a precaution, is always recommended that you backup your important files prior to performing a system restore.
Install 'Safe Web Monitoring' Extensions in Your Browser
Although your computer may already be infected, you should take precautions to prevent further threat outbreaks. Safe web monitoring extensions allow you to know whether a website you visit is secure or not. Many companies like McAfee and Google frequently monitor the Internet, digging around and looking for dangerous sites, and alert visitors to avoid them.
Many antivirus software applications come with these extensions built-in and automatically install when you install them. VIPRE, Norton Internet Security, and McAfee are just three of many companies that offer such extensions.
How do you know when a computer is infected?
The easiest sign that a computer is infected is from an alert that pops up by from the computer's antivirus software. Sometimes, these alerts may simply be information stating that the software is functioning properly and that no threat has been posed at all.
The biggest and most tell-tale sign that a computer is infected is when the computer becomes unstable. Sometimes computers will become so unstable that they are simply not usable at all. You may occasionally see the infamous "blue screen of death," the Windows system crash error message, or it may have become painfully slow. Many people assume that because their computer is exhibiting these symptoms that it is time to buy a new one or that it's impossible to fix. This is completely untrue and by using antivirus software, your issue can usually be resolved.
In the end, the moment you suspect your computer is infected, update your antivirus software and perform a full scan. Disconnect the computer from the Internet or the network to prevent the threat from spreading, delete any freebies you may have downloaded, and ensure that your operating system is up-to-date. If you feel stuck or these tips simply aren't resolving your issues, a digitalctrl Expert will happily help and provide a solution that will eliminate your antivirus woes. Done Right. The First Time.
