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Top Tips for Virus Prevention and Removal
There are no silver bullets when it comes to antivirus software. There are far
too many threats created every day for any one company to keep up with them all.
And even if your antivirus software is good at detecting viruses that doesn't
mean it's good at removing them. That's why I don't believe in paying for
antivirus programs like McAfee and Norton.
It is important to have antivirus software installed on your computer but you
must also use common sense and keep your operating system and other software
installed updated.
- Never click a link in your email or on a website unless you're absolutely sure
it's legitimate. Clicking links that go to infected pages is one of the most
common ways to get a virus. If you have any doubts, don't click the link.
- Never download software, games, or files (including mp3 music files) unless you
know they're not infected. This is the second most common way to get infected.
-Don't download free software or games unless you them from
www.download.com. They guarantee the software won't have a virus or spyware
attached.
-Don't use Limewire or other file sharing programs. It's inexpensive to buy
music through amazon.com or walmart.com.
-Be wary of files sent to you in your email. Even people you know can send you
infected files so scan them before you open them.
- Install a free antivirus program. There is no silver bullet that can prevent
every virus infection. Most virus infected computers I fix have either Norton or
McAfee installed so I don't recommend them or any other antivirus program you
have to pay for. Instead choose a free program from my Toolbox page. I recommend
Microsoft Security Essentials, Panda Cloud, AVG or AntiVir. You can find the
links to them on my
Toolbox page.
- Turn on Windows updates and set them to install automatically. You can do this
in Control Panel > Windows Update. Most Windows updates are patches to plug
security holes.
- Turn on the Windows firewall in Control Panel > Windows Firewall.
- Stop using Internet Explorer for web browsing. Use
Google Chrome instead, it's faster and more secure.
- Back up important files on your PC to a flash drive or external hard drive
regularly.
- If you get a pop-up window on your computer that shows a computer virus
scan and it tells you have a virus and that you need to click a link to buy
software to remove it DON'T click any links or buy anything. That is a nasty
virus. Use the free
Malwarebytes to remove it or bring it to someone who can fix
it. The worst thing you can do is continue using your computer on the internet
after being infected. Viruses are like mice you never have just one and the
problem will only get worse, even to the point of corrupting your operating
system.
- If your computer starts showing pop-up windows, gets really slow or
starts acting abnormally the first thing to do is restore your computer to an
earlier time before you had the problem. Click the Windows Start button > All
Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. Choose to restore your
computer and pick a date on the calendar prior to your problem. This will take
approx 15 minutes and your computer will reboot. Next install Malwarebytes, get
current updates and run a quick scan. Remove anything it finds and it may ask
you to reboot. Next run a full scan using your antivirus program (Microsoft
Security Essentials, Panda Cloud, AVG or AntiVir). If your problem persists seek
professional help but avoid companies that do virus removal over the internet
and avoid Geek Squad. Find someone who charges less than $100 and guarantees
their work. If they don’t fix your problem you should not have to pay them.
- Use
CCleaner to speed up your PC and keep it running at optimal
performance. I suggest running CCleaner every 2-4 weeks.
Good luck and happy computing!
Bert Moen
Computer Recovery Services www.bmoen.com
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