5 Ways To Find, Remove, And Prevent Computer Viruses

protect your self from virus

1. INSTALL A RELIABLE ANTI-VIRUS PROGRAM.

This is the core of your computer protection. Without standard virus protection software, nothing you do will keep viruses from flooding your system. We've had clients bring in computers that wouldn't even turn on because they had ZERO virus protection in place. The way these people were using their computers was pretty normal: surfing the web, sending email, maybe a game of solitaire, but because they didn't have at least one virus protection program, they rolled out the "digital welcome mat".

Having said that, you don't need to go out and purchase the top software for a high annual fee. There are plenty of free anti-virus programs out there, and even more "free trial versions". You can go with one of the more recognizable programs, but with the "big guys" there are very few truly "free" versions. You'll likely get a thirty-day trial, but at the end of that trial you'll have to toss them your credit card number or else they'll completely remove their protection, leaving your computer vulnerable until you can find that next "trial program" (which is all the time a virus needs to sneak in and start wreaking havoc). So if you want to go with popular software, but they don't have a free version, either pay up front or pay attention to your trial date so you don't leave your "computer door" open to infection. There are plenty of awesome free anti-virus programs out there and depending on what you use your desktop or laptop for, a paid version might not be necessary. I use my computer a lot and for a wide-range of activity, but I've kept my laptop squeaky-clean using only FREE anti-virus software. No virus program will catch everything, so it's a good idea to have backup.

2. INSTALL AN ANTI-MALWARE OR ANTI-SPYWARE PROGRAM.

As good as the supposed "all-in-one" programs can be, they won't catch everything. Do your virus removal software a favor and back it up with anti-malware and anti-spyware software. These programs find and remove specific malicious content that's easy to miss. Like the all-in-one anti-virus software, you'll face the "free or paid" dilemma, but most programs offer plenty of protection whether you pay for them or use a free version. Depending on how much you use your laptop or desktop and what you use it for, you don't have to run these programs as often as your core virus program. For example, I only run my anti-malware program once a month (and my core anti-virus program once a week).

3. SET UP AND SCHEDULE AUTOMATIC SCANNING FOR YOUR LAPTOP OR DESKTOP

Most anti-virus and anti-malware programs have the option to set up scheduled automatic scanning during downtime. Use this feature to ensure protection because yes, viruses can infect your computer even when you're not using it! Many people like to turn off their laptops or desktops before bed at night. If you're like them, you can schedule a scan for bedtime every night and enable the popular feature that automatically shuts down your machine after the scan is completed.

4. USE AN EMAIL CLIENT THAT SCANS YOUR EMAILS AND ATTACHMENTS BEFORE OPENING THEM

This is a big one because email is one of the easiest and most common ways hackers infect your system with malicious files. For the most part, email viruses come in the form of an attachment - pictures, documents, videos, downloads, etc. But with today's technological advances you can catch a virus just by opening the email, so make sure your email client provides email-scanning. Most of them do (this is how they distinguish which emails are spam and which aren't).

5. KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Over time, computer users in general get a feel for what's legit and what is not when using the internet. However newer, slicker, and more convincing viruses and spyware are coming out every day so it's important to always be cautious when browsing, opening, downloading, etc. 

One of the most common virus attacks we see is the "Pop-up Virus". These are used to grab credit card numbers or other personal info from inexperienced computer users by claiming they've won something and the only way to claim the prize is to enter some kind of payment info. I'm sure you've seen them; a little window will pop up with big flashing letters and an empty space to enter your email or credit card number. Another common virus that we've been seeing more and more of is the "FBI Virus". 

This virus actually fills your whole screen and does not allow you out of it, no matter what you try. It appears to be a legit FBI document saying you're in trouble for some kind of illegal internet use and actually threatens to press criminal charges if you don't pay them a few hundred dollars. Don't fall for these. Remember, if you don't know exactly what you're looking at or downloading, or if something seems suspicious, stay away from it or call someone with more experience than you who might know what you're looking at.

Along with pop-ups and FBI scams, there are thousands, if not millions, of websites, programs, files, and more out there built solely to rip you off or damage your computer (we'll get into the different kinds of viruses in upcoming posts). Always be aware of what you're doing online, and over time you'll get better and better at being able to recognize what to stay away from and look out for, and what's safe. These 5 strategies should help keep your laptop or desktop clean and performing well. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more!

5 Ways To Find, Remove, And Prevent Computer Viruses
Brought to you by micah udoh
visit www.binarygr8income.blogspot.com